HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — On Wednesday evening, Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key on Florida's Gulf Coast.
10 Tampa Bay is compiling this guidance and other local information into county-specific guides. We will keep you updated with the latest information as the community recovers.
Here's what you need to know for Hernando County:
FORECAST
See the continuing forecast for the area here. Find the latest weather alerts here.
EVACUATIONS
Mandatory evacuations were issued for all areas west of US 19, which includes zones A, B and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county-wide, were included. You can find your evacuation zone here.
The evacuation order took effect starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Friday morning, the county reported historic flooding near and along the Withlacoochee River. Residents in the area were asked to evacuate and seek higher ground.
On Thursday, the county government said there were no plans to close access to evacuated areas, but warned that roads may be inaccessible after the storm.
"Once road conditions become safe, residents will be able to return to their homes. This will be contingent upon any flood waters receding, down powerlines safely removed and ensuring that the roads are clear," the county said Thursday morning.
SANDBAG STATIONS
The county government says one sandbag filling site is open in response to Withlacoochee River flooding. They are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and people are asked to bring their own shovel.
The sites are at:
- Ridge Manor Community Center, 34240 Cortez Blvd. in Ridge Manor
FREE SUPPLIES, RESOURCES
As Tampa Bay communities start to recover from Hurricane Milton, Walmart stores around the region are doing their part to help mobilize relief efforts. Here's where you can get free supplies in Hernando County:
- Brooksville
- Sam's Club #4818 at 13360 Cortez Blvd.
- Water on Oct. 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sam's Club #4818 at 13360 Cortez Blvd.
SHELTERS
You can the latest information on shelters and their status here.
"Special needs" locations are for "residents whose medical condition may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen, dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive, or medical conditions that may require assistance from medical professionals." These locations do not provide continuous bedside nursing.
POWER
Withlacoochee River Electric: You can find the latest power outages on the website here.
Duke Energy: You can find the latest power outages on the website here.
Both Duke Energy and Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc. had crews standing by to respond after the storm clears and it is safe to send line crews to begin the restoration process.
WATER
The City of Brookville issued a precautionary boil water notice on Thursday citywide due to intermittent low pressure. Residents will be notified by a handout once water is cleared for normal use.
INTERNET
Spectrum is offering free, unlimited access to Wi-Fi hotspots in Florida until October 13. A map of locations is available on their website.
CLOSINGS
Schools
You can find the latest school closings here.
Trash collection
Garbage collection through Republic Services will not operate on Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10. The county directed questions about garbage pickup to Republic at 352-540-6457.
Hernando County said all landfill fees are waived for storm-related debris until further notice:
- Northwest Solid Waste Facility (Main Landfill): 14450 Landfill Rd. (Open 24/7 until further notice)
- West Hernando Convenience Center: 2525 Osowaw Blvd. (Open 24/7 until further notice)
- East Hernando Convenience Center: 33070 Cortez Blvd. (Open during normal operating hours, Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Trailers are permitted at the above locations.
County parks, offices, recreation centers
No closures at this time.
