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Mayor Ken Welch of St. Petersburg has raised concerns about the risk of several high-rise construction cranes collapsing into nearby buildings due to the impending impact of Hurricane Milton. During an emergency briefing, he highlighted the potential dangers posed by the storm's strengthening winds.
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm, posing a significant threat to St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area. With sustained winds reaching 185 mph, meteorologists predict a Category 3 storm will make landfall, raising concerns for local residents and officials.
Pinellas County Government offices, parks, and preserves will remain closed for the rest of the week due to Hurricane Milton. This closure affects various departments and is a precautionary measure as many employees are engaged in storm-related roles. Details regarding the reopening will be provided soon.
AdventHealth Centra Care is providing free virtual urgent care services across Florida in response to Hurricane Milton, available from October 9 to October 10. Patients can access these services through the AdventHealth app using the code MILTON to bypass payment. The initiative aims to assist those with non-life-threatening urgent medical needs during the hurricane.
A six-passenger Cherokee airplane crashed into the water near St. Pete Pier shortly after takeoff from Albert Whitted Airport due to engine failure. Four men and a small dog were successfully rescued by a private vessel and St. Pete police. The incident occurred amid storm preparations, highlighting the challenges faced by pilots in adverse weather conditions.
Pinellas County officials announced the opening of two additional shelters at Melrose Elementary and Belleair Elementary, increasing the total number of shelters in the county to ten. Residents in evacuation zones and those with special medical needs are urged to evacuate immediately. This timely response aims to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations during emergencies.
St. Petersburg's debris management site at 1953 72nd St. N. will remain operational until 7 p.m. for residents with proof of residency, alongside city brush sites and the Pinellas County Solid Waste Facility, as weather permits. Regular trash and recycling pickups will also continue on Tuesday.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has been ranked as the top children's hospital in Florida by U.S. News & World Report, excelling particularly in neonatology and urology. This recognition underscores the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality pediatric care to its community.
FEMA officials are in St. Petersburg, preparing for Hurricane Milton as thousands evacuate their homes in anticipation of the storm. The visit underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential for devastating impacts on the community.
Pinellas County schools and offices will be closed from Monday, October 7, through Friday, October 11, due to unforeseen circumstances. All scheduled sports and school activities during this period have been canceled.