HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County is providing free transportation to emergency shelters for residents evacuating from Hurricane Milton. Both the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) are offering bus services today, October 8th.
FDEM buses will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with designated pick-up locations throughout the county, including various Publix and Winn-Dixie supermarkets. Residents can call (800) 729-3413 for evacuation assistance and schedule a pick-up. HART is also offering free rides to shelters until 8 p.m. today.
READ: Hurricane Milton Threatens Florida: Hurricane And Storm Surge Warning Update
A variety of shelters are open to the public, including pet-friendly options at Burnett Middle School, Durant High School, Middleton High School, Shields Middle School, and Sickles High School. Pizzo Elementary School is open for those without pets. Residents with special needs can evacuate to Erwin Technical College, Sumner High School, or Strawberry Crest High School, all of which are pet-friendly.
Residents are reminded that special needs shelters are reserved for those with medical conditions requiring electricity or who have cognitive needs that cannot be accommodated in a general population shelter. Those bringing pets to a pet-friendly shelter should ensure they have a carrier for each pet, a collar and leash, and enough supplies to last seven days.
READ: Hurricane Milton’s Fury Unstoppable Even With Changing Structure As It Eyes Florida
To confirm your evacuation zone and register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s public notification system, visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe. For those without digital access, call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676 for storm information and assistance.
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