Monday closings announced
Pinellas County under state of emergency
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Friday, Oct. 21, 2005 |
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PINELLAS COUNTY - The county remained under a state of emergency on Sunday and local governments announced closings for Monday.
According to Maggie Hall, county communications specialist, Pinellas County Schools will be closed on Monday, as well as all county government offices, including offices for the Sixth Judicial Court. Pinellas County Health Department will be closed Monday.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority will be closed until about 1 p.m.
The city of St. Petersburg offices will be closed Monday. Santitation routes will go to a holiday schedule. Residents should not put out trashcans for pick up on Monday.
Other cities closing their offices on Monday include Clearwater, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Safety Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Trash services will not run on Monday in Largo, but city offices are scheduled to be open.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport will be posting any cancellations or closings on its Web site, www.fly2pie.com later on Sunday. No decisions about any closures or cancellations had been made as of 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Hall said as of Sunday afternoon, no plans had been made for any evacuations or to open any shelters.
“No protective measures are planned at this time,” she said.
Residents are urged to put their evacuation plans into place now in case Hurricane Wilma's track changes.
Hall said the EOC would be partially activated at 8 p.m. Sunday. Emergency responders such as Sunstar, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, as well as representatives from Progress Energy and Verizon will report to the EOC to monitor Hurricane Wilma's path and consider any necessary protective action.
Hall said traffic conditions could get "dicey" Monday morning as the highest winds are expected in the area between 8 a.m. and noon.
"We're hoping people will use good judgment and that employers have hurricane plans they can put into motion and make good decisions," she said.
Hall said the county did not have the authority to close businesses outside of county offices.
Wilma is expected to make landfall in the Marco Island area, which is just south of Naples, on Monday morning.
At 8 p.m., Tom Iovino, county communications specialist, said officials were monitoring conditions very closely at the EOC. He said no plans were being made for evacuations or to open any shelters.
"We're encouraging people to stay home if they can," he said.
Iovino said the latest information from weather officials was that Hurricane Wilma should make landfall between 6 and 7 a.m. He said windy conditions of 25 to 35 mph were expected in the county through about noon.
"The storm is going to be moving at about 28 mph," he said. "The forward speed is expected to double in the morning."
Iovino said people should use caution around any downed trees or power lines. He said the county didn't expect any real problems from the storm's passing.
The winds and rains are expected to be through the area by early afternoon. Cooler temperature and possibly some sunshine is forecast, he said.
The Citizens Information Center remains open and operators are available to provide information on issues such as evacuation levels and hurricane preparations. Call 464-4333.
The county Board of commissioners voted Friday morning to declare a state of emergency as a precautionary measure in case action was necessary due to Hurricane Wilma.
According to a press release from the county, the county's Disaster Advisory Committee voted Thursday to recommend that the board declare a state of local emergency for the county and to delegate authority to implement emergency protective actions to the Emergency Operations Center executive group. Delegating authority to the EOC would allow emergency officials to act quickly to storm track changes and to order evacuations without convening the board of commissioners.
Gov. Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency for Florida on Thursday morning.
As of Friday morning, no evacuations had been ordered and no shelters were open.
Vickers urged residents on Wednesday to pay close attention to the weather forecast, especially after Wilma moves past the tip of Cuba.
"People should be reviewing their disaster plans," Vickers said. "If they haven't developed a plan, this is a good time to do so. It's not too early to begin protective action."
The county opened its Citizen Information Center at 8 a.m. Thursday. Residents can call the center at 464-4333. Additional information is available at www.pinellascounty.org.
Residents can find their evacuation levels by looking at a Pinellas County Utility bill, by calling the Interactive Voice Response System at 453-3150, or by visiting to www.pinellascounty.org. The link to the evacuation lookup is on the front page.
Residents who need special transportation are urged to register now. Residents who have special medical needs can talk to their local fire departments or call the Emergency Management office at 464-3800. People who need transportation to a public shelter can call 464-4333.
Pet owners who live in evacuation zones can call 582-2150 to request a form to register for a place in a pet-friendly shelter. The form also is available at www.pinellascounty.org. Advance registration is required.
People also should take stock of supplies in their hurricane kits and replenish if necessary. For a list of hurricane kit items, click here.
Vickers reminded residents that another 40 days or so are left until the end of hurricane season.
"Just because cooler weather is here doesn't mean we can stop paying attention," he said. "The season's not over yet. It doesn't end until Nov. 30."
Many outdoor events have been canceled due to the weather. For more information, click here.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
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Article published on Friday, Oct. 21, 2005
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