PINELLAS COUNTY – Twelve hurricane shelters are scheduled to open at 6 a.m Tuesday to accommodate people in Level A evacuation areas, mobile home residents and the homeless.
Residents need to check local media, online at www.pinellascounty.org or call the Citizen Information Center at 727-464-4333 on Tuesday morning to make sure the public shelters are open and to confirm that the mandatory evacuation is still in effect.
The list of shelters is as follows:
Tarpon Springs Middle School 501 N. Florida Ave., Tarpon Springs
Ross Norton Recreation Center 1426 S. MLK Jr. Ave., Clearwater
Largo High School 410 Missouri Ave., Largo
Lealman Intermediate 4900 28th St. N., St. Petersburg
Northside Baptist Church 6000 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg High School 2501 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Gibbs High School 850 34th St. S., St. Petersburg
Dunedin Community Center 1920 Pinehurst Rd., Dunedin
Special Needs John Hopkins Middle School 701 16th St. S., St. Petersburg
Special needs and pet friendly Dunedin Highland Middle School 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin
Special needs and pet friendly Oak Grove Middle School 1370 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater
Pet friendly Thurgood Marshall Middle School 3901 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg
Special needs shelters
Pinellas County citizens who need help with transportation to special needs shelters can call the Citizen Information Center at 727-464-4333 to register.
Caregivers and family may also stay at the shelter. The Pinellas County Health Department and School Board staff these shelters with nurses and other medical personnel. Oxygen is available, but residents are reminded that air conditioning may not be available if power is interrupted. Remember, it is preferable to stay with family or friends. Public shelters should be considered as a last resort.
Items to remember:
- Two-week supply of medications. Because the governor declared an Executive Emergency Order, pharmacies must refill prescriptions.
- Any potable equipment that is needed.
- Non-perishable snacks for special diet requirements.
- Bedding, sheets, pillows and blankets. Cots are available on a limited basis.
- Special needs shelters do not have hospital beds and cannot assist those with acute medical problems. Those residents should consult their doctors for more information.
Pet-friendly shelters
Owners who have pre-registered may evacuate with their pets. Shelter space is limited and mobile home residents are given first priority.
Pet-friendly shelters are considered to be a last resort for those who have been unable to make other arrangements for themselves and their pets.
Pets are required to have proper identification, and owners are advised to keep a current photo of their pets in case of separation. Carriers or crates must be large enough for the animal to stand and comfortably move around.
Pet owners are reminded that Pinellas County Animal Services, SPCA Tampa Bay and the Humane Society of Pinellas do not accept pets for evacuation.
Many kennels and other facilities fill up quickly when evacuation orders are given, so pet owners are advised to call ahead as early as possible, and do not assume hotels and motels will accept pets.
The equine release area at Walsingham Park opened to receive horses from 1 to 6 p.m. on Monday. The park is located at 12615 102nd Ave. N. in Largo. The area of release is across the bridge that connects the main road to the area of the dog park. Owners are asked to bring proof of a current Coggins Test.
Revision notes: Added corrected list of county shelters and additional information about special needs and pet-friendly shelters.
