🌱 Hurricane Ian Preparations + Over 300K Under Mandatory Evacuation

Hello there, Tampa. I hope everyone is staying safe and preparing for the upcoming storm. I'm here in your inbox to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news about:

• 🛬 Local airports are closely monitoring Hurricane Ian. Tampa International Airport will close when winds hit 50 mph.
• 🌀 Over 300,000 people were issued a mandatory evacuation in the Tampa Bay area on Monday due to Hurricane Ian's approach.
• 🛣️ All tolls are suspended on the Selmon Expressway until further notice, after an order by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Wondering where to find gas in Tampa? Patch has a guide to help you locate gas nearby.

Note: Events are subject to cancellation due to Hurricane Ian approaching.

But first, today's weather:

Rain and wind. High: 81 Low: 73.

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Here are the top stories in Tampa today:

1. Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport remained open on Monday evening as they prepare for Hurricane Ian but could close depending on the weather pattern in the next 24 to 48 hours. TPA will stop or reduce airside shuttles and SkyConnect at 40 mph and cease all operations at 50 mph. (Tampa Patch)

2. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) suspended all tolls on the Selmon Expressway until further notice, due to an order from Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday. More suspensions could be on the way as well. (WFLA)

3. Florida's price gouging hotline was activated on Friday after Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Ian for 24 counties including Hillsborough County and those in the surrounding areas. Price gouging can be reported over the phone by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM or filed online. (Fox 13 Tampa)

4. Mandatory evacuations were issued for over 300,000 people in the Tampa Bay area on Monday by officials. Emergency shelters have also opened throughout the area. Estimates suggest the storm surge from Hurricane Ian could be as high as 10 feet for some parts of the western Florida coast. (Fox Weather)

5. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are working with the NFL on potential plans to move Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and possibly training as well, if Hurricane Ian hits Tampa Bay this week. A decision is expected soon. (Subscription: Tampa Bay Times, Free: CBS Sports)

Today in Tampa:

• Dunkin’ Unveils Raise the Flags Donut. Multiple locations. (All day)
• BINGO! at Publix GreenWise Market Water Street Tampa. (6 p.m.)
• Wine Master Class at La Vid Wines. (7 p.m.)
• An Evening Of Collective Art at Studio @ 620. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Four Hillsborough County schools that are also serving as emergency shelters for Hurricane Ian recently installed high-capacity generators this past July. This will be their first time being used. (Bay News 9)
• "Uber will offer a free $30 ride to and from evacuation shelters in Tampa market. In 'Payment' section of Uber app, enter code IANRELIEF for trip to any of the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Pasco County." (Javi Correoso on Twitter)
• City of Tampa's Water Department shared, "will continue to produce and distribute safe drinking water to all of our customers throughout the storm." The city recommends filling containers with drinking water from the tap. (Twitter)

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Events:

• FREE WEBINAR Speaking Statues: Renaissance Sculptures in Piazza della Signoria Presented by Dr. Rock (September 27)
• When Your Daughter Is Your Teacher: The Family of Tanyangzi (October 6)
• St Pete's Super Greek Festival 2022 (October 7)
• 2022 Oktoberfest - (October 7)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— 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 Daily? Contact me at SouthTampa@Patch.com