As Hurricane Eta continues to make its way toward the Tampa Bay area, several counties are opening shelters in preparation.
Manatee County has issued a voluntary evacuation for Anna Maria Island and other low-lying areas.
Hernando County
Hernando County School leaders say the county will use the district's Enrichment Center as a storm shelter. The center is located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Boulevard in Brooksville.
Additionally, transportation staff will be on call to transport anyone living in low-lying areas who don't have a car.
Hillsborough County
Three emergency storm shelters in the county remain open Wednesday night for people who are concerned about their safety.
The shelters are meant for people who depend on electricity for home medical needs and people who lives in homes that are most susceptible to wind damage.
"Wherever possible, residents should consider other alternatives to a public shelter, such as staying with friends, family, or in a hotel," the county said.
Shelters will be open at the following locations:
- Burnett Middle School (pet-friendly), 1010 N. Kingsway Road
- Middleton High School, 4801 N. 22nd St.
- Sickles High School (pet-friendly) and Family Shelter, 7950 Gunn Highway
Because of COVID-19, health screenings and temperature checks will be
conducted at the doors. 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.
Residents bringing pets to a pet-friendly shelter must bring a sturdy carrier
for each pet that allows room for the pet to stand up and move around, 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.
Manatee County
Shelters will be open as a "refuge of last resort." There are no evacuations issued at this time.
County leaders urged residents to use these shelters as a last resort and encouraged people to shelter in place or stay with family or friends.
"Refuge of last resort" locations:
- Manatee High School
- Mills Elementary
Pinellas County
Shelters are now open here:
Ross Norton Recreation Compex, 1426 S Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Clearwater
Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St. N, St. Petersburg
The county said COVID-19 rapid testing will be available at both shelters, and hotels are available for any COVID-19 positive residents seeking shelter.
Masks are required while inside the shelters, and masks, gloves and sanitizer are available at both shelters.
Each shelter will have 60-square-feet of space per household to accommodate social distancing. More information about Pinellas shelters here.