Hurricane Milton, Tampa Free Press ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Mayor Kenneth T. Welch held an emergency press conference tonight to warn residents of t
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Mayor Kenneth T. Welch held an emergency press conference tonight to warn residents of the imminent danger posed by Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 5 storm on track to hit Florida’s west coast. The storm is predicted to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing with it destructive winds and a potential storm surge of 10-15 feet.
Mandatory Evacuations Ordered
Pinellas County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in zones A, B, and C, as well as all mobile homes, effective immediately. Residents are strongly urged to heed these orders and seek safety. A pet-friendly shelter has been opened at Gibbs High School for evacuees.
Read: AccuWeather Urges Evacuations As Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida With Devastating Impacts
Potential for Sewer Service Disruption
The city warned that the storm surge may force the shutdown of Northeast and Southwest Sewer Treatment Facilities. This could lead to residents being unable to use plumbing, including toilets, showers, and laundry, for potentially more than 24 hours after the storm. Residents can check which treatment plant serves their area at [link to map].
Tolls Suspended, Debris Drop-off Site Open
To facilitate evacuations, tolls have been suspended on major roadways, including the Suncoast Parkway, I-4 Connector, and Sunshine Skyway Bridge, until October 14th at noon.
Read: Florida Governor DeSantis Provides Updates On Hurricane Milton Preparedness Efforts
A debris management site has been opened at 1953 72nd St. N for residents to drop off debris from Hurricane Helene. The site will be open Tuesday from 7:30 AM to 7 PM.
Urgent Instructions for Residents
Mayor Welch emphasized the seriousness of the situation and urged residents to take immediate action:
- Evacuate if ordered: First responders may not be able to reach those who remain in evacuation zones.
- Secure homes: Prepare for potential flooding and storm surge.
- Conserve water: Begin conserving water now.
- Stay informed: Monitor local news, the National Weather Service, and official social media channels for updates.
The city is urging all residents to take this storm seriously and prioritize their safety.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
