Your trusted source for local Tampa Bay, FL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Hurricane Helene is set to impact Tampa Bay, causing significant airport delays and cancellations. Tampa International Airport will close to the public at 2 a.m. Thursday, while St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will close after the last flight on September 25.
Hurricane Helene is expected to impact the Tampa Bay area with strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge, prompting evacuation orders. Traffic conditions are likely to worsen as residents evacuate, and specific bridges will be locked down in preparation for the storm.
Port Tampa Bay has closed its shipping channels in anticipation of Hurricane Helene, which is projected to significantly impact the Tampa Bay area. This decision comes amid various weather warnings, including hurricane and flood warnings, affecting multiple coastal counties. Local authorities are preparing for the storm's arrival to ensure public safety.
Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota is prepared for Hurricane Helene, implementing a plan for every tropical system that approaches the area. The aquarium's proactive measures reflect its commitment to safety during severe weather events.
Cedar Key is bracing for significant storm surge of 10-15 feet as Hurricane Helene approaches, prompting a mandatory evacuation order for residents. Local business owner Hannah Healey has taken precautions by removing items from her coffee shop, recalling the damage caused by previous hurricanes in the past year.
Pinellas County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zone A as Tropical Storm Helene approaches, expecting tropical storm-force winds within a day. Residents are urged to prepare their homes and evacuate to ensure safety ahead of the storm's arrival.
Orlando International Airport is considering a consolidated rental car facility (ConRAC) to alleviate parking issues by moving rental cars off-site. This plan could potentially free up 4,500 parking spaces in the airport's existing garages, addressing the growing demand from nearly 58 million annual passengers.
Tropical Storm Helene is prompting widespread school closures across Florida as districts prepare for the impending bad weather. With the storm expected to impact the area, 48 school districts, along with several colleges and universities, have canceled classes to allow families to prepare and set up evacuation shelters.
Vice President Kamala Harris has received the endorsement of Emgage Action, a major Muslim American voter mobilization group, as part of her presidential campaign. This endorsement comes amid tensions between the Muslim community and Democratic leaders over various political issues, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict. Emgage Action emphasizes the importance of defeating Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Pasco County schools remained open despite the threat of Tropical Storm Helene, prompting criticism from parents and the community. Superintendent Kurt Browning defended the decision, stating it was based on current weather information and safety preparations. The controversy highlights concerns over student and staff safety amid severe weather conditions.