<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=12ytjn_0vl4ahW700" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=12ytjn_0vl4ahW700" width="750" height="500" ></figure>BROOKSVILLE – The center of Hurricane Helene will pass about 100 miles to the west of us, said David DeCarlo, the county’s emergency management chief, but we’ll still feel the effects.At the 5 p.m. press conference at the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center, DeCarlo again warned of an 8- to 12-foot storm surge and advised people to leave areas west of U.S. 19 now.“A 12-foot storm surge puts water on U.S. 19 in Spring Hill,” he said.Expect rain and wind overnight, DeCarlo said, as bands pass over the area, and there still is a Tornado Watch in effect.Landfall in the Big Bend area is expected between 9 and 11 p.m.Shelter and securityThere are 60 people at the shelter at West Hernando Middle School, DeCarlo said, along with 19 cats and 10 dogs.Time is running out to get transportation to a shelter, he warned, and after dark residents seeking to enter the shelter will have to make their own way there.Maj. Phil Lakin of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office assured residents that the areas they evacuate will be patrolled, and said people should secure their houses before leaving, as well as letting people know where they are going.County Commissioner Beth Narverud said she saw lots of examples of people working together with neighbors, and also advised leaving areas at risk.“Stuff can be replaced,” she said. “You cannot be replaced.”Water on the wayStorm surge should arrive around 8 p.m. and stay high all night and into Friday morning.After the water rises, he said, it will take some time to recede, and access to the Hernando Beach and Pine Island areas will be controlled, so if you leave the area bring some identification so you can come back through roadblocks.The National Guard has been activated and DeCarlo cautioned people to be patient, as it will take some time to restore power if it is lost.Those with electric cars and golf carts should get them away from areas that might flood because the batteries might catch fire.Closures and questionsSolid waste collection for Friday has yet to be determined, but schools, county government offices, Brooksville city offices and Sheriff’s Office office functions will be closed Friday.The citizens information line is available at 352-754-4083. Do not call 911 for storm-related questions.City of BrooksvilleAll city of Brooksville government facilities will be closed on Friday, Sept. 27, due to potential impacts from Hurricane Helene. This will allow staff to focus on the needs of the community. This closure will include all city government offices, parks and the cemetery. All normal city operations will resume on Monday, Sept. 30.Residential garbage collection will be adjusted as follows:• Friday, Sept. 27: The collection is yet to be determined depending on theseverity of the storm impact.• Thursday’s residential route will not be made up on Friday.RecoveryDebris removal pickup for areas affected by Hurricane Helene begins Saturday, Sept. 28, and will continue until debris removal has been completed.Areas included in debris removal pick up are between County Road 550 (Cortez Boulevard) and Osowaw Boulevard, west of U.S. 19 (including private roads).Only storm-generated debris will be collected. A debris hotline has been established and will open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Saturday, Sept. 28.For residents with questions regarding the debris removal pickup, call 833-307-5580.Tips for debris removalAll appliances should be emptied before being placed at the curb for pickup. Food waste can be disposed of with your regular household garbage.You may see multiple trucks on your street on the same day or trucks on different days, as each truck will be picking up a specific type of debris.Landfill and convenience centers operationsThe Northwest Solid Waste Facility (Main Landfill: 14450 Landfill Road) will open starting Friday, Sept. 27, and can accept storm debris. The Main Landfill will remain open all weekend, including Sunday, Sept. 29.Visit www.HernandoCounty.us/SolidWaste to review the fee schedule as standard fees will be charged.The East Hernando Convenience Center (33070 Cortez Blvd.) will be open Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28, for normal operating hours. The East Hernando Convenience Center does not accept storm debris.The West Hernando Convenience Center (2525 Osowaw Blvd.) is planned to open Saturday, Sept. 28, pending no damage from storm impacts, and can accept storm debris from residents (no contractors). The West Hernando Convenience Center will remain open all weekend including Sunday, Sept. 29, and Monday, Sept. 30.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Helene’s center to pass about 100 miles west of us

BROOKSVILLE – The center of Hurricane Helene will pass about 100 miles to the west of us, said David DeCarlo, the county’s emergency management chief, but we’ll still feel the effects. At the 5 p.m. press conference at the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center, DeCarlo again warned of...