Friend, 

Residents of the Tampa Bay area will begin to feel impacts from Hurricane Idalia late tonight. Now is the time to secure your property, purchase emergency supplies, and most importantly, EVACUATE if you are in a mandatory evacuation zone. 

Storm surge is the most dangerous effect of hurricanes. We cannot stress enough - if local officials are urging you to evacuate, please leave today. 

If you need to evacuate and are looking for a shelter, please click here to find a shelter in your county.

Use the below public information lines to contact county officials with any questions. 

Pasco - 727.847.2411 

Hernando - 352-754-4083

Citrus - 352-249-2775

Important Evacuation Information

Pasco County

Pasco County residents must evacuate if you live in Zone A or live in a mobile home. Residents in Evacuation Zones B or C should consider evacuating as well. 

Pasco Evacuation Zones: https://www.pascocountyfl.net/322/Evacuation-Zones

Hernando County

There is a voluntary evacuation order for residents in Zones A, B and C. If you are hesitant about the capability of your structure to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and potential storm surges, please consider evacuating.

Hernando Evacuation Zones: https://www.hernandocounty.us/departments/departments-a-e/emergency-management/evacuation-routes-zones

Citrus County

There is a mandatory evacuation order for Citrus County residents in Zone A and mobile home residents. 

Citrus Evacuation Zones: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/citrus/divisions/bureau%20support%20operations/EM/Citrus%20DPG%2023%20-%20Map-%20web_Page_12%20-%20Copy.pdf

Sandbag Information

You can place sandbags in front of doors and entryways to prevent minor water intrusion from rainfall. Sandbags will NOT prevent storm surge damage - if you are in a flood zone, please evacuate. 

Click here to find sandbag locations in your county: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2023/08/25/sandbag-locations--county-by-county-in-the-bay-area

Prepare An Emergency Kit

It’s important to have an emergency kit that you can easily take with you in case of an evacuation or a prolonged power outage. Essential emergency items include: 

• Nonperishable food and water
• First aid kit
• Flashlights
• Battery operated Radio
• Pet and baby supplies

For a full recommended list of supplies, please click here: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/

Don’t forget that certain emergency items are sales tax-exempt until September 8th, so today is the perfect time to stock up. Click below for the full list of tax-exempt items:

https://floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/Documents/2023/2023%20Disaster%20Preparedness%20Sales%20Tax%20Holidays%20-%20External%20FAQs%20-%20Consumers.pdf

Other Important Tips

• Do not place running generators in your house or garage
• Even when the storm has passed, please refrain from using roads until local officials deem it is safe
• Report power outages and downed powerlines to your utility provider
• Assist your elderly neighbors or anyone else who needs help preparing for this storm. 

Please stay prepared and heed the warnings of local officials. You will be safe if you prepare now. Please contact my office with any questions at all!  

Sincerely, 

Congressman Gus Bilirakis