Tropical Storm Elsa information: Hillsborough County

Ongoing updates from Hillsborough County as Tropical Storm Elsa approaches Florida.

SANDBAGS:

County:

Sandbags will be available for Hillsborough County residents from 8 a.m. – noon on Tuesday, July 6. Residents must show a driver’s license or utility bill and are limited to 10 sandbags per family. Sandbag locations include: 

  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road in Plant City
  • E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 240 19th Ave. NW in Ruskin
  • Ed Radice Park, 14720 Ed Radice Drive in Tampa

City of Tampa:

The city of Tampa will offer sandbags beginning Monday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Residents must show a driver’s license or utility bill and are limited to 10 sandbags per family.

  • Al Barnes Park South, 2902 N. 32nd St.
  • Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Ave.
  • MacFarlane Park, 1700 North MacDill Avenue

City of Temple Terrace:

The city of Tampa will offer sandbags beginning Monday from 1 p.m – 5 p.m. at the Sports Complex located at 10369 US Highway 301. Distribution will resume on Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Residents must show a valid ID or recent utility bill with a Temple Terrace address and are limited to 10 sandbags per vehicle. The station will be self-service with bags, shovels and sand provided. Assistance is available for the elderly or persons with disabilities.

EVACUATIONS:

No evacuations ordered.

CLOSINGS:

Hillsborough County offices and facilities closed at 2 p.m. on Tuesday so employees and customers can get home safely.

Solid waste collection will continue on Tuesday, but may be suspended later in the day depending on weather conditions.

Tampa Parks & Rec parks, programs and facilities are closed through Wednesday. Please contact your local Recreation Center directly with any Summer Camp pick-up issues. 

The Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is closed on Tuesday. 

ZooTampa is closed Tuesday, July 6 in anticipation of severe weather forecasted to impact the Tampa Bay area.

The Tampa Bay History Center galleries will tentatively reopen on Wednesday, July 7 at noon based on safety conditions post-storm.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island are expected to reopen at noon on Wednesday, July 7.

SHELTERS:

Hillsborough County opened an emergency storm shelter on Tuesday, July 6 for residents who are concerned for their safety.

The shelter is located at Riverview High School, 11311 Boyette Road in Riverview. The shelter opened at 8 a.m.

No evacuations have been called in Hillsborough County. The shelter is intended for residents who are concerned about staying in their homes during a tropical storm, such as those dependent on electricity for home medical needs or who live in homes and manufactured housing that are susceptible to storm damage.

Pets will be accepted. Pet owners must bring a sturdy carrier for each pet that allows room for the pet to stand up and move around. Also bring proof of current rabies vaccination and license for dogs and cats, and pet supplies including food, water, litter, treats, cleaning supplies, and medications, etc. The pet must arrive on a leash or in a carrier.

COVID-19 coronavirus protocols will be in place. Health screenings and temperature checks will be conducted at the door. Face coverings will be required to be worn while inside. In addition to face coverings and hand sanitizer, residents should bring only essential items including the following:

  • Bedding
  • Clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Medications
  • Special dietary foods
  • Baby supplies
  • Important paperwork
  • Cards, books, and games can help pass the time, especially for young children

SCHOOLS:

Based on guidance from county emergency management, the district will take the following actions in an effort to ensure safety for all students and employees: 

Wednesday, July 7, 2021 

  • All summer school sites, HOST, athletic programs, and after school programs will be closed on Wednesday, July 7
  • All school and district-based sites will be closed
  • There will be no curbside meal distributions on Wednesday, July 7

Thursday, July 8, 2021 

  • Summer school sites, HOST, athletic programs, after-school programs, school and district sites will reopen.

Classes at the University of South Florida are expected to resume in-person on Wednesday. 

MORE INFORMATION:

You can get information directly from the Hillsborough County EOC.

ELSA LATEST:

Get updates on Elsa's track and forecast on MyFoxHurricane.com