As Hurricane Helene approaches Florida, Pasco County officials have issued updates on evacuations, shelter openings, closures, and storm preparations. Here’s what you need to know:
Evacuations in Pasco County
Mandatory Evacuations: Effective Wednesday, September 25, at 9 a.m. for:
Evacuation Zone A: Includes all residents in manufactured homes, mobile homes, RVs, low-lying areas, and flood-prone areas throughout Pasco County.
Voluntary Evacuations: Also begin Wednesday, September 25, at 9 a.m. for:
Evacuation Zones B and C: Includes residents registered with Pasco County as having special needs and those vulnerable to power loss.
Shelter Information
Pasco County has opened hurricane shelters for those needing a safe place to stay. All shelters are pet-friendly. Residents are encouraged to stay with family, friends, or neighbors if possible; otherwise, they should self-evacuate directly to an open shelter.
Shelters Open Wednesday, September 25 at 4 p.m.:
Centennial Middle School, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Avenue, Hudson
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Boulevard, Wesley Chapel (Special Needs & General Population)
River Ridge Middle and High Schools, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes
Special Needs Shelter:
Fasano Regional Hurricane Center, 11611 Denton Avenue, Hudson (opens at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25)
Transportation: GoPasco (Public Transportation) buses will be running regular routes and offering free rides to shelters starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, until weather conditions worsen.
County Closures
Pasco County Offices: Closed on Thursday, September 26.
Pasco-Hernando State College: Campuses will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. All on-campus and remote classes are canceled on these days. Normal operations are expected to resume on Friday.
Sandbag Stations
Pasco County has opened several sandbag stations to help residents prepare for potential flooding.
Open 24/7 (weather permitting):
Magnolia Valley Golf Course, 7223 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
Pasco County Public Works, 30908 Warder Rd., San Antonio
Additional Self-Serve Sites (open from sunrise to sunset):
Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Rd., Hudson
Pasco Fire Rescue Station #29, 6907 Dairy Rd., Zephyrhills
Pasco County Schools
Closed on Thursday, September 26: Five schools will be used as emergency shelters.
Open on Wednesday: However, all after-school activities and events are canceled for storm preparation and shelter setup.
For More Information
For the latest updates and more detailed information, visit Pasco County Emergency Management. Stay safe and follow local advisories during Hurricane Helene.