What’s Opened And Closed In Tampa Bay After Idalia
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…
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.
Bridges
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is closed with wind speeds between 50 and 60 mph, as of 10am
The Howard Frankland bridge is reopened
The eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway are closed due storm surge and flooding.
The Gandy Bridge is open as of this hour.
Airports
Tampa International Airport is plans to reopen at 4pm today for arriving flights.
St. Petersburg International Airport plans to reopen Wednesday, August 30th at 3:00 pm. Passengers should check with their airline for flight information updates.
Grocery Stores
Most Publix locations will be closed today. Check out the store locator map to see which location is open near you. Be sure to call the store before you leave to confirm.
According to Google, some Tampa Bay area Aldi locations are open today, including Westchase, Oldsmar, New Tampa and Carrollwood. Be sure to call your local store to confirm. Google lists that stores like Target and Walmart are also open today.
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.
Select Gas Stations
Select gas stations such as: Speedway, 7-Eleven, Wawa, and Marathon gas stations are open. Be sure to call the location near you before you leave!
Waffle House
You know if they can, they'll be open. We've been told multiple locations are open across Tampa. Call the store near you before you leave to be sure!
Local Restaurants
Here are some local restaurants that should be open today!
Shiso Crispy food truck in Tampa:
Grab some pizza in Dunedin at Corvo Bianco
Hattricks is open for normal hours:
Grab some beer in Safety Harbor at Crooked Thumb:
Fergs in St. Pete is open for normal hours:
