Two new shelters open in Pinellas County for Hurricane Milton evacuees

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 Mandatory evacuation in effect for Evacuation Zones A, B, C and mobile homes 

Two additional general population emergency shelters are now open at Lealman Innovation Academy (4900 28th St. N., St. Petersburg) and Clearwater Fundamental Middle School (1660 Palmetto St., Clearwater).

Eight shelters are now available in Pinellas County (Anyone can go to a pet-friendly shelter, but only special needs residents can go to a special needs shelter). 

  • Lealman Innovation Academy, 4900 28th St N, St. Petersburg (general population)
  • Clearwater Fundamental Middle School, 1660 Palmetto St, Clearwater (general population)
  • Largo High School, 410 Missouri Ave. N., Largo (general population & pet friendly) 
  • Gibbs High School, 850 34th St. S. St. Petersburg (general population & pet friendly) 
  • Palm Harbor University High School, 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor (general population & pet friendly) 
  • Palm Harbor University High School Bldg. 19 (special needs only) 
  • Dunedin Middle School, 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin (special needs only) 
  • Oak Grove Middle School, 1370 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater (special needs only)  

A complete list of open shelters can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov. Additional shelter openings will be announced if needed.   

If you can shelter safely outside of the evacuation zones, either at home, in a hotel, or with a friend or family member, please do so.  

Mandatory evacuations in effect for all Zone A, B, and C (including high-rise buildings), all countywide mobile home parks, all residents with special needs. Plan to be in the location where you will ride out the storm, outside of an evacuation zone, before tropical storm winds arrive in our area on Wednesday. 

Regular PSTA service and barrier island service (buses and trolleys) ends at 2 p.m. today, but buses will continue to provide free rides to the shelters on the Pinellas mainland until 7 p.m. 

Pets are allowed on the bus: cats and small dogs in a crate; large dogs on a muzzle leash. For the latest information on PSTA bus service, call the InfoLine at (727) 540-1900.  

The State of Florida is also offering free shuttles to shelters. Reservations are not required. Times and locations can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/Updates (see “Evacuation Assistance”). Call 800-729-3413 for more information. 

The County Information Center remains open 24 hours a day. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at www.bit.ly/PinellasChat 

Advice for Residents 

Suggested “Go Bag” items: 

  • If you are going to an emergency shelter, pack essential items but pack light. Space is very limited. Bring:
    • Something to sleep on, (no larger than a twin-size air mattress)
    • Clothes for three days
    • Medications
    • Personal hygiene items
    • A flashlight and battery-powered fan
    • Earplugs and an eye mask 
    • A book or games to pass the time
    • For the full list, visit: pinellas.gov/EmergencyKit 

Before leaving home: 

  • Fill vehicle gas tanks
  • Get cash and secure valuable documents
  • Refill medications
  • Fill containers and tubs with water, even if evacuating
  • Secure yard equipment, furniture and garbage/recycling containers
  • Shutter windows
  • Assist neighbors with preparations
  • Close interior doors. Secure and brace external doors and windows
  • Use weather alert radio for alerts during power outages
  • Use flashlights, battery-operated lanterns or chemical light sticks  

Stay informed: 

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