Emergency distribution sites open across Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. — Emergency distribution sites are now open in six counties across the area for residents affected by Hurricane Milton.

The Category 3 storm left many residents without water or power and as the community starts to recover, the nonprofit is trying to help people in need. 

On Saturday, there will be food, water and other necessities at these locations:

Pasco County

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Gulfview Grace (6639 Hammock Road, Port Richey)

Polk County

• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Jewett School of the Arts (2250 8th St. NE, Winter Haven)
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Walker Road Park (1285 Walker Road, Lakeland)
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Gator Creek Preserve (9725 US Highway 98 N)
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Family Life Chruch (139 Bulldog Way, Frostproof) Last day, Monday Oct. 14.
• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Civic Center (901 NE Fifth St., Mulberry)

Hillsborough County

• Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Causeway Center (3624 Causeway Blvd, Tampa)

These three sites will open Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. or until supplies lasts:

• Elev8 Fun, Citrus Park Mall, 7902 Citrus Park Town Center Drive, Tampa 
• HCC Brandon, 10451 Nancy Watkins Drive, Tampa
• Gibsonton Walmart, 9205 Gibsonton Drive, Gibsonton
• Former Kmart parking lot 431 19th Avenue NE, Ruskin, FL 33670 

In addition, the City of Tampa has opened four sites to deliver vital supplies to residents impacted by Milton.

Drive-through point of distribution sites will be handing out water, MREs and ice at these two locations from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily.

• Gandy Boat Ramp (5108 W Gandy Blvd., 33611)
• Al Lopez Park (4810 N Himes Ave, 33614)

Meanwhile, neighborhood pop-ups will be handing out water, MREs and hygiene kits at these two locations from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Babe Zaharias Golf Course (11412 N Forest Hills Drive, 33612)
• Copeland Park (11001 N 15th St., 33612)

Manatee County

Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Palmetto Boys and Girls Club (1600 10th St. W, Palmetto)

Highlands County

Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at South Oak First Baptist Church (125 South Oak Ave, Lake Placid)

Pinellas County

Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at TradeWinds Resort (5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach)

The following points of distribution will be giving out free pre-packaged meals at these locations:

• Dunedin: City Hall, 737 Louden Ave. - Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily (self-serve - next to comfort station)
• Gulfport: 25th Ave. S. and Beach Ave. - Sat, Oct. 12 (until 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 12 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• Redington Shores: 18200 Gulf Blvd.  - Daily (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
• Treasure Island: 1 Park Place (self-serve - next to comfort station)
• St. Pete Beach Community Center: 701 Boca Ciega Dr., - daily (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
• St. Pete:
  • Frank Pierce Recreation Center, 2000 7th St. S. - Sunday, Oct. 13 (10 a.m. -6 p.m.)
  • Childs Park - Childs Park Recreation Center - 4301 13th Av. S. (Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
  • Roberts Recreation Center, 1246 50th Ave. N. (Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Sarasota County

The Hope Bus will be at New College of Florida Sunday, Oct. 13 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. and will be distributing food, water and other essential supplies. A fuel station will also be available and will be serving hot food.

Sarasota County staff and the Florida National Guard have set up four neighborhood Supply Points of Distribution (PODS) to provide water, food, and tarps for those impacted by Hurricane Milton. The sites are open daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. or while supplies last.  Here's where you can find them:

• Sarasota
  • Glebe Park, 1000 Glebe Ln., Sarasota
• Venice
  • Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice
• North Port
  • San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trl., North Port
• Englewood
  • Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Rd., Englewood

Fuel Station opening in North Port

• Suncoast Technical College, 4445 Career Ln., North Port
  • Florida Division of Emergency Management-run fuel distribution site opening Sunday, Oct. 13.  
    • Open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
    • Limit 10 gallons per car.

Comfort Points

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily, Streets Of Paradise, 734 Central Ave., Sarasota.
• Meals and Food Drive-Thru
  • 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., daily through Friday, Oct. 18, Bayside Community Church Lakewood Ranch Campus, 15800 E. Route 64, Bradenton
  • Noon to 7 p.m., daily through Friday, Oct. 18, Bayside Community Church Bee Ridge Campus, 8200 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.