Northern Pinellas County residents shelter ahead of Milton landfall

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — During the early morning on Wednesday and into the afternoon, Northern Pinellas County has been experiencing heavy rain and strong winds.

Zones A, B, C and mobile home parks are under a mandatory evacuation.

Officials estimate the county will get between 9 and 12 feet of storm surge as well as up to Category 3 hurricane force winds.

“Whether it goes south, north, or right up our nose, it’s going to be the worst hurricane impacts that this area has seen. So, as of right now, if you’re hearing my voice, you have enough information to make the right decision to keep yourself safe. And you just got to do it,” David Connor said.

A lot of people are taking the evacuations seriously. Especially those people who have lost everything in Helene.

The shelters already have thousands of people and hundreds of pets.

County officials said those who can safely stay at their home, if they are not in a mandatory evacuation zone, or if they can go to a family or friend’s house, or a hotel, shelter, please do so.

“If they get a huge storm surge it’s going to be far worse than Helene was,” said Lee Crane, who is also staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Largo.

Hotels like the Hampton Inn & Suites in Largo are completely booked up. Many people staying there lost everything in Helene.

“We came down right after to clear our house out and take care of what was left, which there isn’t much left. Kind of sad thing for us, we’ve been there many years,” Crane said.

“We lived in Pass-a-Grille and had this beautiful place; we would watch the sunrise and sunset every morning and evening. We have, still have, a great community. Our home is gone,” Johnson said.

All of them are planning to hunker down when Milton hits the area.

“This is our second evacuation, but yes, we do feel great and safe here. It’s high ground and we’ll see what comes, but at least, again, we have each other,” Johnson said.

“There’s so many intangibles and depending on what track it takes, so we’re thinking are we going to have to spend part of the time in the hallway with the possibility of windows being blown out. Then, what kind of stay afterwards,” Crane said.

“We will stay in place here, and we’re trying to figure out ways, what we need to do with the windows, if we have to put a mattress up or whatever we have to do. At least we’re here, we have water, we’re doing all the things, putting water in the bathtub,” Johnson said.

For a list of updates on the county and the shelters available, click here.

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