🌱 Hillsborough County Preps For Idalia + Contaminated Citgo Gasoline

Hello again, everybody! Carlos Hernandez here with your fresh copy of the Tampa Patch newsletter, full of everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on:

• Hillsborough County has issued an evacuation order for Zone A and could issue more notices and evacuations as Idalia approaches Florida.
• FDOT has waived tolls until Tuesday, Sept. 5 for areas impacted by the storm Idalia.
• Hillsborough County schools are closed today and Wednesday due to storm Idalia.

But first, today's weather: Rain and wind. High: 90 Low: 78.

Here are the top stories today in Tampa:

1. Hillsborough County ordered a mandatory evacuation order for Zone A, as well as those in mobile and manufactured homes and residents in areas prone to flooding as of Monday evening as storm Idalia approaches Florida. More evacuations could be ordered as the storm gets closer leading into Wednesday. Shelters have also opened for residents to use and should be the last resort, according to officials. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call 833-HC STORM or 833-427-8676 for information from Hillsborough County's storm line. (Tampa Patch)
2. Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to waive tolls beginning early this morning for counties expected to be impacted by Idalia including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sumter counties. Tolls will be suspended until Tuesday, Sept. 5, at noon. Those impacted are encouraged to monitor evacuation orders and zones. (WFLA)
3. Contaminated gasoline was brought to several Citgo gas stations around the Tampa area this past weekend. The error happened at Port Tampa Bay in what Gov. Ron DeSantis described as a "human error" and could potentially destroy engines of those who filled their tanks with the gas. Those impacted can a file a claim through the CITGO Good Gas Guarantee program. (Tampa Patch)
4. Hillsborough County has closed schools today and Wednesday in preparation of Idalia in Tampa. Some schools will be utilized as shelters during the storm. Classes are expected to re-open Thursday, depending on the impact of Idalia. (WTSP)
5. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is closed through Wednesday due to the threat of storm Idalia. Busch Gardens recently started a Weather-or-Not Assurance guarantee that gives visitors a free return ticket if weather causes a reduction in operating hours. The company will be monitoring the storm to decide when it will re-open. (Theme Park Insider)

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Today in Tampa:

Tuesday, August 29

Notice: Events are subject to cancellation due to storm Idalia.

• Happy Hour at Ocean Prime. (4 p.m.)
• The Tasting at Rose Bar Tampa. (6 p.m.)
• Grand Cathedral Cigars Diplomatico Tasting at Grand Cathedral Cigars. (6 p.m.)
• Music Bingo at Midtown Tampa. (7 p.m.)
• Bingo Night at Kava Culture. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Tampa International Airport shared: "🚨 TPA TO CLOSE DUE TO IDALIA: 🚨🫡 We will close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and reopen when it is safe to do so. ✈️ Check directly with your airline for the latest flight updates. ⛈️ TPA is not a shelter for people or vehicles." (Tampa International Airport via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Executive Order 2023-04 was issued by Mayor Jane Castor, declaring that a state of emergency exists in the City of Tampa due to the threat posed by Idalia. Idalia is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane." (City of Tampa via Facebook)
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park shared: "Due to Idalia's potential impact to the Tampa Bay area, ZooTampa at Lowry Park will be closed to guests on Tuesday, Aug. 29, for storm preparations and on Wednesday, Aug. 30, for projected severe weather." (ZooTampa at Lowry Park via Facebook)
• City of Tampa shared: "Add downloading the Tampa Trash & Recycling app to your hurricane prep plan for real-time updates on collection information related to the storm. Stay up to date by downloading the app today and signing up for notifications." (City of Tampa via Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tampa Patch newsletter? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com