HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL. – Hillsborough County has declared a state of local emergency in response to Tropical Storm Elsa.
The order is in effect through July 11. A state of local emergency can be in effect for only seven days, unless rescinded or extended.
The emergency declaration gives the County Administrator and emergency managers the ability to quickly take certain actions to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community, and provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also has declared a state of emergency for 15 Florida counties, including Hillsborough, in response to the storm.
EOC Status
Hillsborough County emergency officials and representatives of partner agencies are closely monitoring the projected track of the storm and are coordinating resources and operations to respond as necessary.
Sandbags
Sandbags will be available daily at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City
- E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin
- Ed Radice Park, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa
The parks will be open to residents as normal while sandbag distribution is underway.
Hillsborough County residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per family. Residents must show ID verifying they live in the County; a driver’s license or utility bill will serve as proper identification. Residents can call (813) 272-5900 to request additional information or visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe.
In addition, the City of Tampa is offering sandbags beginning Monday at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Al Barnes Park South, 2902 N. 32nd St.
- Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Ave.
- MacFarlane Park, 1700 N. MacDill Ave.
Shelters and Evacuations
Hillsborough County has not opened any shelters or issued any evacuation orders at this time.
Actions Residents Should Take
- Residents and visitors should pay close attention to weather forecasts and make decisions accordingly. According to the National Weather Service, there is a risk of storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts for portions of the Florida Peninsula as early as Monday; however, the forecast uncertainty remains larger than usual due to Elsa’s potential interaction with Cuba.
- Review storm preparedness plans and disaster kit contents. Hillsborough County’s 2021 Disaster Preparedness Guide, accessed via HCFLGov.net/StaySafe, is available in English (https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/library/hillsborough/media-center/documents/emergency-management/hillsborough-disaster-planning-guide-english.pdf)
- and Spanish (https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/library/hillsborough/media-center/documents/emergency-management/hillsborough-disaster-planning-guide-espanol.pdf) and contains comprehensive information on how to prepare for any hazard.
- Tropical storms have the potential to bring damaging winds and heavy rain that could last many hours. Prepare your home by cleaning out gutters and drainpipes, trimming trees and hedges if needed, and securing or putting away loose objects such as outdoor furniture, birdbaths, and potted plants.
- Know if you live in an evacuation zone. Visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe (https://hillsborough.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=960017149a5c40d0a43860aad988d2ec)
for a link to Hillsborough County’s Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT). This simple tool assists residents in determining if they live in one of the County’s five evacuation zones.
- Register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFLGov.net/StaySafe.
- Stay informed by following Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor. Check HCFLGov.net/StaySafe regularly for updates. For general County information, call (813) 272-5900, the County’s main information line.
Even if Tropical Storm Elsa has little impact on Hillsborough County, it’s wise to keep in mind that the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season began only a month ago, and that the peak of the season in our region is yet to come.
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