Closures and Evacuations as Hurricane Helene Approaches Tampa Bay

Hurricane Helene has officially been upgraded to a hurricane, and its projected path is causing significant concern for residents in the Tampa Bay area. As a precautionary measure, numerous school districts, including Manatee and Polk County, have announced closures, with some extending through the end of the week. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Zone A in several counties, including Citrus and Pinellas, with residents urged to evacuate by 2 PM today. Local attractions such as Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium are closing to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. The community is advised to complete storm preparations as increasing clouds are expected on Wednesday.

Sandbag locations are open across the region to assist residents in safeguarding their properties. The local news outlets are providing ongoing updates regarding weather alerts and the storm's trajectory. Authorities are urging everyone to stay informed and heed evacuation notices as the storm approaches.