ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA) — Ahead of Hurricane Milton’s anticipated landfall as a major hurricane in Florida this week, mandatory evacuations in Tampa Bay have begun.
It could reach Category 3 major hurricane strength with 115 mph winds as it heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast. Below are local evac orders made in Tampa Bay, with links to their specific evacuation stories.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County residents in Zones A and B are under a mandatory evacuation order. Those in mobile or manufactured homes are also urged to evacuate.
Hernando County
Hernando County officials announced that all areas west of US-19 must evacuate. This includes zones A, B, and C. Evacuations begin 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Sarasota County
Residents in zones A and B are under an evacuation order ahead of Hurricane Milton. This also includes residents in mobile homes, manufactured homes, and house boats.
Anna Maria Island
The city issued a mandatory evacuation for AMI residents beginning Monday, Oct. 7 at noon.
Bradenton Beach police also advised residents on the islands to cease the removal of additional debris from their homes from Hurricane Helene ahead of this storm.
Manatee County
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for zones A, B, and C starting at 2 p.m. Monday. The order also applies to those in mobile homes.
Pasco County
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for zones A and B, with voluntary evacuations for Zone C. The evacuation order also applies to those in mobile homes, low-lying and flood prone areas.
The order goes into effect Monday at 10 a.m.
Pinellas County
Mandatory evacuations were issued for long-term healthcare facilities, assisted-living facilities, and hospitals in zones A, B, and C.
Residents in those zones are under a voluntary evacuation order, but officials said those could turn into possible mandatory evacuations on Monday.
This story will be updated as more mandatory evacuations are issued.