Hurricane Helene Approaches Florida: Closures and Updates
As residents in Florida brace for the arrival of Hurricane Helene, which intensified into a hurricane on Wednesday, public buildings and offices across the state are making preparations to ensure the safety of their staff and the community. The impending storm has led to various closures and changes in operations, and the situation continues to evolve as the NEXT Weather team closely monitors its progress.
Government Closures
In response to the emergency declaration issued by Governor Ron DeSantis, numerous counties are shutting down offices and services to prioritize safety. According to the Florida Department of Management Services, a total of 29 out of 61 counties are impacted. Here’s a quick rundown of closures:
- Alachua: Closed Wednesday and Thursday
- Bradford: Closed Thursday and Friday
- Citrus: Closed Wednesday and Thursday
- Duval: Closed Thursday and Friday
- Hillsborough: Closed Thursday and Friday
- Pinellas: Closed Wednesday and Thursday
- Suwannee: Closed Thursday and Friday
- Washington: Closed Thursday and Friday
Additionally, the City of Tampa has announced that all city offices will be closed starting Thursday. Officials explained that shutting down operations allows staff to focus on emergency response efforts as the storm nears. Garbage, recycling, and waste collection are also suspended, affecting both residential and commercial properties.
Impact on Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Services
DMV services are expected to be affected as well, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). While the main offices may close, some services may still be available through county tax collectors or license plate agents. Residents are encouraged to check local websites for updates specific to their location.
Travel and Road Closures
As of Wednesday afternoon, no official road or bridge closures have been reported; however, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) urges travelers to remain vigilant. The FL511 app and the FL511.com website offer real-time updates on potential road closures and detours.
Tampa International Airport has also announced significant operational changes. The airport will suspend all flights starting at 2 a.m. on Thursday, advising travelers to check directly with their airline for updates on flight statuses. In a statement shared on social media, the airport stressed that it is not functioning as a storm shelter and encouraged the public to stay tuned for ongoing announcements.
Healthcare Services Affected
Health services are not exempt from the storm’s reach. OneBlood, an Orlando-based nonprofit, has announced an early closure for its donor centers and mobile blood drives at specific locations across Florida and Georgia. Additionally, local cancer specialists have informed patients that they will close multiple offices on Thursday.
School Closures
With classes and student activities impacted as Hurricane Helene looms, several educational institutions have announced closures. Here’s a summary of the current situation:
- Miami-Dade County: Schools remain open on Thursday, but outdoor activities have been moved indoors.
- Broward County: All school campuses will close on Thursday, including extracurricular activities.
- Monroe County Public Schools: Schools and district offices will be closed on Thursday.
- University of Florida: Classes and offices are canceled, reopening on Friday.
- Florida State University: Closed from Wednesday until Sunday evening.
- University of South Florida: Classes canceled starting Wednesday; campuses will remain closed through at least Friday.
- Florida A&M University: Classes canceled through Friday with closure starting Wednesday.
Grocery Stores and Theme Parks
In a time where residents are preparing for a storm, grocery stores play a vital role. Publix has confirmed that all its stores are currently open during regular business hours and will provide updates on its online status tool as the situation progresses.
As for recreational activities, Disney World is still open but monitoring the storm closely, while Universal Studios remains operational. However, Volcano Bay, the water park, will close on Thursday, and officials at both amusement destinations are keeping a keen eye on the storm’s developments.
Staying Informed
As the situation continues to evolve, residents are urged to stay informed by checking official county and agency websites for the latest updates on closures and safety information. It’s a critical time for Florida as communities rally together, ensuring safety and preparedness in the face of Hurricane Helene.