TAMPA, Fla. — With Tropical Storm Milton projected to reach major hurricane strength by the time it makes landfall on Florida's west coast, comfort stations for Tampa Bay residents reeling from Hurricane Helene are beginning to close down.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa closed comfort stations at 5 p.m. Saturday until further notice, leaders said in a news release.
The comfort stations were reportedly opened for communities most affected by Hurricane Helene's storm surge. They provided residents with access to laundry services, showers, bathrooms and meals.
Those comfort stations are:
Marjorie Park Marina - 97 Columbia Drive
DeSoto Park - 2617 Corrine Street
Gandy Civic Association - 4207 West Oklahoma Avenue
Officials said that the comfort stations will return as soon as it's safe to remobilize the facilities.
"We know that many residents are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene, and unfortunately forecasts for the system in the Gulf have become more serious," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said in a news release. "We will continue to monitor the track of this storm so we can re-open these service stations to provide relief to those in need as they focus on recovery."
Pasco County
Pasco County's four comfort stations are closing Saturday night, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. until further notice.
Those stations are:
- Green Key Location - 6435 US-19, New Port Richey
- Aripeka Baptist Church -18731 Aripeka Rd
- Hudson Library - 8012 Library Rd, Hudson
- J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex - 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd, Holiday
This story will be updated if more counties across Tampa Bay announce closures.
Residents in need of FEMA recovery resources should click here.
A FEMA fact sheet is also available for those who may have questions about recovery services.
For more Hurricane Helene recovery resources, click here.
