Hurricane Shelter To Open In Pasco As Hurricane Nicole Nears FL

PASCO COUNTY, FL — The Pasco County Commission has issued a local state of emergency for Pasco County ahead of Hurricane Nicole, allowing the county administrator and emergency management director to take necessary action to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.

The local state of emergency is in effect for seven days, unless renewed or rescinded.

The National Weather Service said there's a potential for 2 to 4 feet of storm surge Wednesday night along the Nature Coast, which stretches from Pasco to Levy counties. A storm watch remains in effect for the entire Nature Coast.

Hurricane Nicole could produce 30 to 40 mph winds with gusts of up to 65 mph across Central Florida, Tampa Bay and the Nature Coast overnight, said the weather service.

Pasco County is also opening a hurricane shelter for anyone seeking shelter from the storm, especially those living in mobile homes or homes that can't withstand strong winds or those dependent on electricity for life-saving medical devices.

See related stories:

• Tropical Storm Nicole To Be Felt Along Storm-Weary FL West Coast
• Pasco Schools Closed Thursday Due To Expected Strong Winds From Nicole
• Tropical Storm Nicole Likely To Become Cat 1 Hurricane Wednesday

Pasco officials encourage residents to first consider staying with family or friends, but if that's not an option, residents can self-evacuate to the Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, 11161 Denton Ave. in Hudson.

The shelter will open Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Pasco County is not accepting new special needs registrations and, due to the possibility of strong winds, the county is not providing transportation to the shelter.

Heavy rain and storm surge is expected to impact Pasco County, and officials are reminding residents to avoid walking, driving or playing in floodwaters, which can be much deeper than they appear. Driving or walking through flooded roads can put people and pets at serious risk of drowning.

To help protect property from floodwaters, Pasco County has two, self-serve sandbag locations:

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

Sandbag sites are self-serve and open 24/7. Sandbags are provided, but residents must bring their own shovels to fill the bags.

Monitor MyPasco.net and the county's social media platforms for county updates.

Pasco County Customer Service is available to answer questions at 727-847-2411 or chat with online at MyPasco.net.