HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Much of the Tampa Bay area was impacted by Hurricane Helene just over a week ago. Now, another storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico has the potential to batter the recovering region.
Because Tropical Storm Milton is currently forecasted to impact the west coast of Florida by midweek, many local, county and state leaders are working to keep people safe. Such measures include issuing states of emergency, which can help expedite receiving aid from state and federal after a storm.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency for 51 counties in Florida as forecasts show Tropical Storm Milton tracking toward the Sunshine State's west coast. This includes all of the Tampa Bay area.
Below is a list of Tampa Bay counties and cities that have issued a state of emergency ahead of Milton. This list will be updated as new information is received; check back for updates.
Citrus County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.
Hardee County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.
Hernando County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.
Highlands County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.
Hillsborough County
On Sunday, Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an executive order declaring a state of local emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Milton. The order is effective starting Oct. 6 through Oct. 13.
It should be noted the county is already under a state of local emergency due to Hurricane Helene.
Manatee County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.
Pasco County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.
Pinellas County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.
Polk County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.
Sarasota County
No state of local emergency has been issued at this time.