Hurricane Isaias may not directly hit the Tampa Bay area but could cause higher tides and minor coastal flooding. Several local cities and counties are providing free sandbags to help residents prepare for potential flooding. Self-serve sandbag stations are available at multiple locations, including Bicentennial Park in Crystal River and Homosassa Community Park, which operate 24 hours though not monitored overnight. Dade City offers fill-your-own sandbags at two locations, while Spring Hill has a self-service station open on specific weekdays. St. Petersburg will host its monthly sandbag distribution event on October 10, providing up to 10 bags per household to residents with proof of residence. Officials recommend filling bags only partially and stacking them properly for maximum effectiveness.
Key Points:
- Hurricane Isaias is not expected to directly strike the Tampa Bay area but may cause higher tides and minor coastal flooding.
- Self-serve sandbag sites in Crystal River and Homosassa are open 24 hours but not monitored overnight for supplies.
- St. Petersburg will distribute up to 10 sandbags per household on October 10 at the Pavement and Traffic Operations Building.
- Residents are asked to bring their own shovels when collecting sandbags at self-serve locations.
- County officials recommend filling sandbags only one-half to two-thirds full for best effectiveness.
