Tampa To Offer Sandbags Monday For Storm Preparation

TAMPA, FL — To help residents prepare for potential flooding from Tropical Storm Elsa, the city of Tampa is making sandbags available to the public from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the following locations:

• Al Barnes Park South, 2902 N. 32nd St.
• Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Ave.
• MacFarlane Park, 1700 North MacDill Ave.

Tampa residents are limited to 10 bags per family and should bring an ID such as a driver's license or utility bill to verify their residency.

In addition, Hillsborough County is offering sandbags from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at these locations:

Ed Radice Park, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa

Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City

E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin

Hillsborough County has not opened any shelters or issued any evacuation orders at this time.

Tampa residents are encouraged to start planning now for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa to the region. Click here to learn more about storm preparations.

Residents and visitors should pay close attention to weather forecasts and make decisions accordingly. According to the National Weather Service, there is a risk of storm surge, wind and rainfall as early as Monday.

Residents can also text TAMPAREADY to 888-777 or TAMPALISTA (for Spanish) to 888-777 to receive real-time emergency text alerts.

Review storm preparedness plans and disaster kit contents. Hillsborough County's 2021 Disaster Preparedness Guide contains comprehensive information on how to prepare.

Tropical storms have the potential to bring damaging winds and heavy rain that could last many hours. Prepare your home by cleaning out gutters and drain pipes, trimming trees and hedges if needed, and securing or putting away loose objects such as outdoor furniture, birdbaths and potted plants.

Know if you live in an evacuation zone by clicking here for a link to Hillsborough County's Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool. This simple tool assists residents in determining if they live in one of the county's five evacuation zones.