As forecasters watch a tropical depression developing in the Gulf of Mexico, some local governments around Tampa Bay started offering sandbags.
The system could be “at or near major hurricane strength” before landfall, according to an 11 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, although the exact track remains uncertain. Tampa Bay could see up to 6 inches of rain over the next several days. The rains could cause flooding in areas that are still saturated and recovering from Hurricane Helene.
Officials note that while sandbags can be an effective tool to prevent minor water intrusion, they do not stop storm surge or major flooding.
This story will be updated as more governments offer sandbags.
Here’s what to know:
Hillsborough County
The following self-serve sandbag sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting:
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E.G. Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW., Ruskin
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Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa
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Larry Sanders Progress Village Sports Complex, 5855 S. 78th St., Tampa
Residents are limited to 10 sandbags per vehicle, and proof of residency is required.
City of Tampa
Self-serve sandbag sites will be open until 5 p.m. Saturday:
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Himes Avenue Sports Complex, 4501 S Himes Ave.
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Al Barnes Park, 2902 N 32nd St.
City of St. Petersburg
Full-service sandbag locations are open Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.
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Lake Maggiore Park Shelter Area, 3601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S.
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Northeast Park East Baseball Field Parking Lot, 955 62nd Ave. NE
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Northwest Swimming Pool parking lot, 2331 60th St. N.
The following self-service sandbag locations are open Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.
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Dell Holmes Park, 2741 22nd St. S.
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Fossil Park (northernmost parking lot), 6875 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.
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Walter Fuller Soccer Field parking lot, 2800 75th St. N.
Proof of residency is required at all sites, and there is a 10-bag limit.
Pasco County
Two self-serve sandbag sites are open 24 hours:
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Magnolia Valley Golf Course, 7223 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
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Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn), 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio
Two additional self-serve sandbag sites will be open from sunrise to sunset starting Saturday until further notice.
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Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson
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Pasco Fire Rescue Station #29, 6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills
Sand and bags will be restocked daily if weather permits. Residents are advised to bring their own shovels.
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