Hurricane Helene Evacuations Underway In Pasco County: Officials

PASCO COUNTY, FL — As Hurricane Helene churns in the Gulf, making its way to Florida, a mandatory evacuation started Wednesday at 9 a.m. for everyone in Evacuation Zone A and all mobile homes, manufactured housing, and RVs throughout Pasco County, officials said in a news release.

It also included anyone in low-lying areas and areas prone to flooding.

A storm surge warning, hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are in effect for the county.

Though Helene’s current forecast has it passing offshore of the county, it is expected to bring tropical storm force winds, life-threatening storm surge flooding of 5 to 8 feet and flash flooding to the area on Thursday.

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Voluntary evacuations are also in place for those in Zones B and C, everyone registered with the county as a special needs resident, and those who would be vulnerable during a power outage, officials said.

A special needs only shelter opened at 9 a.m. at Fasano Regional Hurricane Center, 11611 Denton Avenue, Hudson.

The county will open additional shelters at the following locations on Wednesday, 4 p.m.:

• Centennial Middle School, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
• Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Avenue, Hudson
• Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Boulevard, Wesley Chapel (special Needs, as well as general population)
• River Ridge Middle and High Schools, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
• Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes

Find your evacuation zone here.

Learn more about what to bring if you’re sheltering with your pet at mypas.co/PetHurricanePrep

Sandbags

Two sandbag stations are available 24 hours a day at two stations in low-lying areas:

• Magnolia Valley Golf Course, 7223 Massachusetts Avenue, New Port Richey
• Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn) 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio

Sandbag sites are open until sunset on Wednesday at:

• Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson
• Pasco Fire Rescue Station #29, 6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills
• Holiday Site, 2654 Grand Blvd., Holiday

All sandbag locations are self-serve and open to Pasco County residents.

Sand and sandbags will be restocked daily, weather permitting. Bring a shovel and be prepared to fill your own sandbags.

Pasco County Schools

All Pasco County schools and district officers will be closed on Thursday and Friday. Normal operations are expected to resume Monday.

Public Transportation

GoPasco bus services will be running regular routes and offering free rides to Pasco shelters starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday until weather conditions deteriorate. Riders should expect delays.

Pasco County Closures

Senior Services won’t provide meal delivery or congregate meal service until further notice.

Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will close parks and boat ramps starting Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Pasco County Animal Services is closed and will reopen Saturday at noon.