Tampa Bay wakes up grateful that the worst of Hurricane Idalia missed us. While some are suffering from power outages and fallen trees, many people and businesses in the community are working hard to open back up. Here’s what we’ve seen open in Tampa Bay (so far). To be sure, call the business location near you to make sure they are still open.
Please only leave if evacuation orders in your county have been lifted. Officials have asked residents to not attempt to drive through the high waters. If you MUST leave your shelter, drive slowly and be alert on the roadways. Make a full stop at any broken stoplights to avoid any accidents.
Hurricane Idalia made landfall at Keaton Beach, Florida as a dangerous Category 3 storm Wednesday morning, around 7:45am. Tampa Bay has seen some effects of storm surge in parts of Tampa, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, St. Pete and more. Weather experts are saying to be alert at high tide around 2pm on Wednesday. That’s when we’ll see another (and hopefully last) push of storm surge.
Many businesses have decided to stay closed today due to flooded streets. Some have opened to provide hot meals to those without power. Here’s what we know is opened and closed in Tampa Bay for Wednesday, August 30.
When Will Schools Reopen?
Hillsborough County- The decision will be made following an afternoon meeting.
Pinellas County – The decision will be made following an afternoon meeting.
Polk County – All Polk County public schools will reopen Friday, Sept. 1
Sarasota County – No decision made at this time.
Citrus County – School will remain canceled on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Desoto County – No decision made at this time
Hernando County- No decision made at this time.
Highlands County- Schools plan to reopen on Thursday, Aug. 31
Manatee County- The decision will be made at 5 p.m.
