PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — As the Tampa Bay region and Florida continues its recovery from Helene, another storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to batter the area.
Local, county and state leaders are taking necessary steps to ensure people remain safe from Hurricane Milton's forecasted effects. That includes issuing mandatory evacuation orders.
Here's a list of the latest evacuation orders for Milton. This list will be updated as new information is released.
Citrus County
A mandatory evacuation is in order for all residents in Citrus County residing in campers, mobile homes, manufactured homes or any structure not capable of withstanding sustained winds of up to 110 mph, beginning 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Hardee County
No evacuation orders at this time.
Hernando County
Mandatory evacuations have been 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, are included. The evacuation order takes effect starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Highlands County
No evacuation orders at this time.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County leaders have issued mandatory evacuations for Zones A and B. Those who live in manufactured homes will have to evacuate regardless of where they are in the county.
The evacuation order takes effect at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
Manatee County
Manatee County emergency managers have called for evacuations of all persons in Levels A, B and C. All residents or visitors in RVs or mobile homes also should evacuate beginning at 2 p.m. Monday.
“We do not issue evacuation orders lightly,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said in a news release. “Milton is anticipated to cause more storm surge than Helene. So, if you stayed during Helene, and got lucky, I would not press my luck with this particular system.”
Pasco County
Pasco County Government announced a mandatory evacuation for zones A, B and C and if you live in manufactured homes, mobile homes or an RV.
Mandatory evacuation zones include low-lying areas and flood-prone areas. To see where your zone is, click here.
Pinellas County
A mandatory evacuation was issued for all residents in evacuation zones A, B and C and all mobile homes beginning at 7 p.m. Monday.
The barrier islands will close at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The area will be restricted to residents, business owners and employees. Re-entry permits or other documentation will be required to enter.
Anna Maria
Anna Maria Island is under a mandatory evacuation starting at noon on Monday, Oct. 7, leaders said Sunday morning.
In a Facebook post, the city said, "A mandatory evacuation of the island will be ordered at noon tomorrow."
Polk County
No evacuation orders at this time.
Sarasota County
Sarasota County is calling for mandatory evacuations to Zones A, B and C ahead of Hurricane Milton. Regardless of where you live in the county, if you are in a manufactured home or houseboat, you must leave.
"If you live in Level A or B, a manufactured home community or a mobile or boat home, NOW is the time to implement your plan, whether it’s staying with a family member or friend in a different level or leaving the area. If you plan to leave the area, do so now," county leaders said in a previous news release.
Milton formed in the Gulf on Saturday and intensified into a hurricane as it heads for the west coast of Florida.
The National Hurricane Center announced that their NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft "finds a stronger Milton."
Florida could see impacts beginning Wednesday.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for 35 counties in Florida as forecasts show Milton tracking toward the Sunshine State's west coast. This includes all of the Tampa Bay region.