Monday Elsa Update For Tampa Bay and Sandbag Locations
The Monday Elsa update for Tampa Bay is still a waiting game. The National Hurricane Center’s 8am update says Elsa is about 55 miles east-southeast of Cayo Largo, Cuba. Maximum sustained winds are 65 mph. and is moving northwest at 14 mph.
According to our media partner ABC Action News, “We are watching closely as Tropical Storm Elsa approaches Cuba. What happens there will determine how the storm could impact the Tampa Bay area later.”
TROPICAL STORM ELSA | We are watching closely as Tropical Storm Elsa approaches Cuba. What happens there will determine how the storm could impact the Tampa Bay area later. https://t.co/4A2VpumcU0
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) July 5, 2021
ELSA | The biggest threat overall from the storm for our area may be heavy rain and fresh water flooding. There is a potential for 4-6" of rain which could be too much for some as we've already seen quite a bit a rain over the last several days. #flwx #GMTB pic.twitter.com/E6giHeuqcC
— Greg Dee (@GregDeeWeather) July 5, 2021
ABC Action News Meteorologist Greg Dee says the biggest threat from Elsa for the Tampa Bay area may be heavy rain and fresh water flooding. With that, sandbag locations are open for residents.
Hillsborough County is making sandbags available to the public starting today, (7/5). Hillsborough County residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per family. Residents must show ID verifying they live in the County; a driver’s license or utility bill will serve as proper identification. Residents can call (813) 272-5900 to request additional information or visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe.
Sandbags are available daily at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City
- E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin
- Ed Radice Park, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa
In addition, the City of Tampa is offering sandbags beginning Monday at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Al Barnes Park South, 2902 N. 32nd St.
- Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Ave.
- MacFarlane Park, 1700 North MacDill Avenue
The City of Pinellas Park has opened multiple self-service sandbag sites for residents only. Residents can get up to 10 sandbags each. Residents must show a water bill and/or valid driver’s license indicating they are a resident of Pinellas Park in order to receive their sandbags. It will begin Saturday, July 3, 2021 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Sunday, July 4, 2021 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Pick up locations are below:
- Helen Howarth Park: 6301 94th Ave N. Pinellas Park, FL
- Pinebrook Park: 7202 118th Ave N. Pinellas Park, FL
- Broderick Park: 6101 66th Ave N. Pinellas Park, FL
The City of Gulfport self-service sandbag location at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th Street South will remain open on Monday, July 5 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. There is 10-bag limit and proof of residency may be required.
Sandbag locations in Pasco County are open 24/7. While sandbags are provided, you must bring your own shovels to fill the bags. Please note, crews will restock sand piles between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- W.H. Jack Mitchell, Jr., Park: 4825 Little Road, New Port Richey
- Veterans Memorial Park: 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson
- Magnolia Valley Golf Course: 7223 Massachusetts Avenue, New Port Richey
- Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn): 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio
For Manatee County, sandbags will be available to city residents at the Public Works Annex in Bradenton on Monday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Residents are instructed to use 13th Ave. W to enter into the area behind the Annex, which is located at 1411 9th St. W.
ABC Action News has listed all sandbag locations that are open – Read more on that here.
8 Musts For Florida Hurricane Preparedness
