Hurricane Dorian: Pasco County Issues Local State Of Emergency

PASCO COUNTY, FL — The Pasco Board of County Commissioners has issued a Local State of Emergency for Pasco County ahead of Hurricane Dorian.

The declaration allows the county administrator and emergency management director to waive everyday procedures and do what they feel is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community. This includes: ordering evacuations, performing public work, making emergency purchases, renting equipment, hiring workers, using volunteers, etc.

The Local State of Emergency will be in effect for seven days or until rescinded by the county administrator if it's no longer needed.

Campgrounds To Close

In advance of potential severe weather from Hurricane Dorian, all Pasco County park campgrounds will be closed beginning Sunday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. The campgrounds will be closed through Wednesday, Sept. 4.

The closure includes all tent camping, primitive camping, cabins and RV sites at Starkey Wilderness Park, Withlacoochee River Park and Crews Lake Park. Patrons are encouraged to reschedule their stay, but if that's not possible, a full refund will be issued.

The following amenities are also closed until further notice due to high water levels:

• Moon Lake Park Boat Ramp
• Withlacoochee River Park Fishing Pier

Pasco County Schools To Close

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning also announced that all Pasco County Schools, PLACE childcare programs and Beyond-the-Bell after-school programs will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3, due to the possibility of tropical storm-force winds and the potential for opening schools as evacuation shelters.

For the latest updates from Pasco County Government, download the all-new MyPasco App and sign up for Alert Pasco.

Anyone needing assistance should contact Pasco County Customer Service at 727-847-2411 or call 911 if it's an emergency.