UPDATE: OCT 7 | 3:20 P.M.
Hurricane Milton is a Category 5 hurricane heading east toward the west coast of Florida. A storm surge of 8 to 12 feet is forecast for our area.
Pinellas County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Zones A, B, and C, including ALL of Treasure Island. If you are on Treasure Island, you must evacuate immediately.
Beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 7, Access to the barrier islands (including Treasure Island) will be restricted to residents, business owners, ride shares picking up people to evacuate, and debris management contractors.
At 7 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 8, there will be NO ACCESS to the barrier islands, including Treasure Island. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you remain on the island, which you should not, you can leave but not return until it’s safe.
This is not a storm to take lightly. We all witnessed the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene as it passed 100 miles offshore—leaving four Treasure Island residents confirmed dead and overwhelming storm surge damage. Hurricane Milton is expected to bring even higher storm surges with extreme winds and flooding.
• Storm surge could exceed levels that could compromise structures and flood even the second stories of homes and buildings.
• Debris can become deadly missiles in the high winds.
• Structural collapses are possible, and emergency crews cannot respond to you during the storm.
Condo and high-rise residents, you are NOT safe. A higher storm surge could compromise your building’s structure. You are at risk of flooding even on the upper floors.
The main priority is your safety. Personal items can be replaced. Ensure you take care of yourself and your loved ones first and get to safety.
Do not wait—evacuate now!
Pinellas County has opened six emergency shelters in advance of Hurricane Milton.
• Largo High School (general population and pet friendly), 410 Missouri Ave. N., Largo
• Gibbs High School (general population and pet friendly), 850 34th St. S. St. Petersburg
• Palm Harbor University High School (general population and pet friendly),1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor
• Palm Harbor University High School Bldg. 19 (special needs), 1900 Omaha St, Palm Harbor
• Dunedin Highland Middle School (special needs), 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin
• Oak Grove Middle School (special needs), 1370 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater
Residents need not evacuate hundreds of miles. They are encouraged to stay with family or friends outside the evacuation zones or take advantage of the emergency shelters. If you leave Pinellas County, be prepared not to be able to return for days or possibly longer if the storm compromises the bridges and other routes.
The County Information Center (CIC) is open 24/7 for preparedness questions. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the CIC via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat
Sewer Systems
The city of Treasure Island will be moving generators off the island and will have to shut down lift stations by Wednesday, Oct. 9, which means the sewer system will also be shut down. The county may also need to turn off potable water service.
When Evacuating
• Secure all garbage and recycling bins inside your garage or a safe area of the home.
• Turn off your power at the breaker
• Elevate any items you can
• Take pictures and videos of your home and belongings
• Grab all necessities such as medications, important documents, etc.
• Do not leave electric or hybrid vehicles, E-bikes, or any lithium-ion battery-powered devices in an area that is predicted to flood.
Be smart, act quickly, and evacuate now.
