Several Sandbag Sites around Tampa in Preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia

Several Sandbag Sites Around Tampa in Preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia

In anticipation of the potential effects of Tropical Storm Idalia, the city of Tampa is advising residents to make necessary preparations. Keeping the safety of the community in focus, authorities have unveiled plans to make sandbag distribution points accessible to the general public.

Tampa's Emergency Management teams are staying vigilant about potential severe weather conditions that could influence the area in the upcoming days. As a preemptive measure, the City of Tampa has initiated the operation of three sandbag distribution centers:

• Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33611
• Al Barnes Park, 2902 N. 32nd Street, Tampa, FL 33605
• MacFarlane Park, 1700 N MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607

Operating Hours for Sandbag Stations

The sandbag distribution locations will be available every day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM until additional updates are provided. Tampa citizens seeking sandbags are required to present proof of residency within the city boundaries. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid driver's license, utility bill, or electric bill. Each individual is limited to ten sandbags.

“We cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared for a major storm,” said Chief Barbara Tripp with Tampa Fire Rescue. “We are urging all Tampa residents to review your evacuation zone and prepare a disaster kit for an evacuation or for a prolonged power outage. Additionally, make a plan to check on your elderly neighbors and family members to make sure they are prepared.” 

Tampa Evacuation Routes and Notification Systems

To stay updated regarding significant storms throughout the year, ensure you enroll in AlertTampa to receive emergency alerts directly from the City of Tampa. To register, please visit Tampa.Gov/AlertTampa or text TampaReady to 888-777.

The interactive Natural Hazards Map offered by the City of Tampa is created to offer residents a convenient way to access information about evacuation and flood zones. Additionally, residents can utilize the Hillsborough County Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool to find nearby shelter locations by entering their name or address. Furthermore, the printable evacuation map for Hillsborough County is also accessible.