Tropical Storm Fred appears to be heading toward the Gulf of Mexico and along the west coast of Florida, approaching the Tampa Bay area over the weekend.
In preparation for the storm, some counties will allow residents to fill sandbags. We’ll update this list as more information becomes available.
City of Tampa sandbags
“As Tropical Depression Fred approaches our region, the City of Tampa is making sandbags available to the public starting today, August 13th … from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Friday] at the following locations:
- Al Barnes Park South, 2902 N. 32nd St., Tampa, 33605
- Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Ave., Tampa, 33611
- MacFarlane Park, 1700 North MacDill Ave., Tampa, 33607
City of Tampa residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per family.
Residents are asked to bring an ID verifying they live within the City of Tampa limits. Parks and Recreation staff will be on hand to help those needing assistance.”
Hillsborough County sandbags
The press release from the City of Tampa continues, “In addition, Hillsborough County will also be offering sandbags from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. today at the following locations:
- Edward Medard Conservation Park – 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, 33567
- E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin, 33570
- Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa, 33626
Residents and visitors should monitor the weather and make decisions accordingly. The National Weather Service reports a risk of heavy rains, storm surge, and strong winds in our area starting as early as today. Prepare your home by cleaning out gutters and drainpipes, trimming trees and hedges if needed, and securing or putting away loose objects like outdoor furniture and potted plants.
The City of Tampa is working closely with partner agencies to monitor Fred’s projected track and [its] potential impacts as it approaches our region.
Residents are encouraged to get prepared now for potential impacts of Fred and the remainder of hurricane season.”
Make a plan, get a kit, and stay informed. Learn more here.
Text TAMPAREADY or TAMPALISTA (for Spanish) to 888-777 to receive real-time emergency text alerts.
Get updates by following the City of Tampa and Alert Tampa on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor.
Check regularly for updates here.
Hernando County sandbags
A “limited supply of sand and sandbags will be available beginning Thursday, August 12, 2021 from
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the following locations. This self-serve sandbag site will remain open until further notice. Please bring your own shovel.”
Linda Pedersen Park 6300 Shoal Line Blvd. Spring Hill, FL 34609
Anderson Snow Park 1360 Anderson Snow Rd. Spring Hill, FL 34609
Ridge Manor Community Center 34240 Cortez Blvd. Ridge Manor, FL 33523
Here are tips from Hernando County on “how to properly fill and stack your sandbags”
“Fill bags one-half to two-thirds of the way full
Over-filled bags will result in a leaky sandbag wall
Stack sandbags so that the seams between the bags are staggered
Tuck the top of each bag under to ensure that that bag is sealed by its own weight”
For the latest Hernando conditions and a complete list of news alerts go to the Hernando County Government’s Office of Emergency Management‘s website.
You can get Hernando weather alerts here. Facebook or Twitter @HernandoCoGov
City of Temple Terrace sandbags
“In anticipation of Tropical Depression Fred, which is forecast to slowly strengthen tomorrow [Friday] and Saturday, the City of Temple Terrace is making sandbags available for City residents today until 6pm and again on Friday from 8am to 5pm. (Distribution will continue Saturday morning if necessary.)
“The sandbag stations are located at the Sports Complex at 10369 US Highway 301. Sandbags from this distribution point are reserved for residents of Temple Terrace, who must show a valid ID or recent utility bill that includes a City address. The station will be self-service with bags, shovels and sand provided. Assistance is available for the elderly or persons with disabilities. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle.
“Should the storm dissipate, residents can save unused sandbags for the duration of the current Hurricane season. Sandbags can be disposed of by dumping the sand in your yard (not in a drain) and throwing the empty bag in the trash.
More information on hurricane prep and useful links can be found here.
City of Dunedin sandbags
The City of Duneidin says that sandbags are available Friday through Saturday night.
“With Tropical Depression Fred nearing Florida, sandbags will be available in the City of Dunedin beginning Friday morning at 10 a.m.
“From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, sandbags will be available at the Highlander Pool parking lot, 903 Michigan Blvd.
“The sandbag site is opened to City of Dunedin residents and business owners with proof of driver’s license or recent utility bill. There is a limit of 15 bags per resident or business owner. Sand, sandbags and shovels are available at the site. Assistance will be provided for those with special needs.
“Please call the Public Services Division at 727-298-3232 or 727-298-3233 for further information.”
City of Pinellas Park sandbags
In a press release, the City of Pinellas Park says it will issue sandbags until 5:00 p.m. Friday at these sites:
SELF SERVICE SITES:
Helen Howarth Park: 6301 94th Ave N
Pinebrook Park: 7202 118th Ave N
Broderick Park: 6101 66th Ave N
“Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per household, and staff will be on hand to assist seniors and others who may be unable to fill and load their own sandbags. Residents must provide proof of residence (such as a driver’s
license) to receive sandbags.”
Pinellas Park says that people can get more information about sandbags by contacting the Public Works Department at 727-369-5625.
