ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Counties are starting to lift their mandatory evacuations after Hurricane Milton.
As law enforcement around the area does damage assessments, residents are being allowed back to their homes.
Here is a running list of counties that lifted their evacuations.
Citrus County
Officials lifted the mandatory evacuation for zone A, but there is a curfew still in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to a Facebook post.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County has rescinded evacuation orders for Zones A and B and all mobile and manufactured homes at 2 p.m. Thursday.
The county is also working to end shelter operations after sheltering more than 15,000 evacuees in 14 locations. Those unable to return to their homes will be transferred to a different facility.
People living in the Palm River, Town ‘N Country and University areas as well as the cities of Plant City and Temple Terrace are asked to take extra precautions as several roads and underwater and impassable.
Pasco County
Pasco County lifted mandatory evacuation orders for Zones A, B and C and those living in mobile homes on Thursday evening.
People are asked to use caution as they return home.
However, voluntary evacuation orders are in place in the following locations:
- Elfers
- Cypress Creek at Worthington Gardens
- Thousand Oaks
- Everyone in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding
The following shelters remain open for those needing a place to stay:
- Fasano Regional Hurricane Center, 11611 Denton Avenue, Hudson (special needs only)
- River Ridge Middle and High Schools, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
Pinellas County
Pinellas County officials were the first to lift mandatory evacuation orders after Hurricane Milton moved off the east coast of Florida.
Residents of zones A, B, C and mobile homes were urged to evacuate ahead of the Category 3 storm that made landfall in Siesta Key. Now, they are being allowed to return home.
Although the order was lifted, residents are asked to avoid unnecessary travel as many roads have not yet been cleared of debris or other hazards.
"Additionally, bridges to the barrier islands have reopened, although many locations may not have power and/or water," a news release read.
Access to Pinellas County is open after being closed early Thursday morning. The Howard Frankland, Gandy and the Sunshine Skyway are all back open.
The water and sewage services are also back on in the county.
