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Hurricane Milton Live Blog: Barrier Islands access limited in Sarasota County

Damage in Manatee County
Hurricane Milton Weather
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We're bringing you the most up-to-date information on Hurricane Milton as it impacts the Tampa Bay region.


HURRICANE RESOURCES


Thursday, Oct. 10

11:57 p.m.
Hole opens up under two homes in Polk County

Watch full report

Hole opens under homes causing foundation to fall

10:45 p.m.

Clearwater Police Department says to avoid Enterprise Road between Landmark and US 19 because of high water.

10:37 p.m.

USPS says operations in Florida are resuming, but full recovery may take time.

9:52 p.m.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) closed westbound SR 52 from Old Pasco Road to Ehren cutoff due to emergency utility work. The road is expected to open tomorrow.

8:15 p.m.

Sarasota County is still in the process of assessing damages and impacts from Hurricane Milton. Here are the current openings and closings for the county's barrier islands:

  • Lido Key: no access
  • Casey Key: no access
  • Manasota Key: no access
  • Siesta Key: only open to residents and business owners
  • Venice Island: open

All beach parks, including Siesta Beach, will remain closed until further notice. Click here for a full list of open parks and preserves.

8:08 p.m.

The City of St. Pete said that more than 100 traffic signals are down and hundreds of trees have fallen across the city.

6:48 p.m.

Tampa Police Department gives a bird's eye view of flooding in Tampa.

6:29 p.m.
Engelwood residents devastated by storm surge from Milton.

Forrest Saunders has a full report from Engelwood

Englewood residents not sure if they will rebuild

6:02 p.m.

Boil water notice issued for some customers in the Seffner/North Brandon area. An estimated 4,000 connections are impacted.

A water main break caused the County's water distribution system pressure to fall below the required regulatory level, initiating the precautionary boil water notice.

Click here to see a map of the affected area. For more information on the boil water notice, click here.

5:20 p.m.

Tampa Water Department announced a full road closure on South Lois Avenue between West Platt Street and West Cleveland Street due to a water main break. Officials are urging residents to use caution when navigating the roadways.

5:00 p.m.

Pasco County Emergency Management lifted mandatory evacuation orders for Evacuation Zones A, B, and C, along with mobile homes.

4:45 p.m.

Massive tree uprooted in Pinellas County and fell onto an apartment complex.

See full report from Lydia Vazquez

Massive trees uprooted in Pinellas County

4:30 p.m.
Woman killed in Tampa after tree falls on her clearing storm debris.

Watch full report from reporter Adam Walser

Woman dies after being hit by tree

4:25 p.m.

St. Pete Fire Rescue gives an inside look at damage caused by a Wednesday night crane collapse.

4:15 p.m.

The City of Tampa's reclaimed water system is currently shut down. Anyone who uses reclaimed water for their irrigation system will be unable to use it until the issue is fixed. There is no word yet on when repairs will be complete.

4:10 p.m.

Hillsborough County lifted the evacuation order for Zones A and B, and all mobile and manufactured homes throughout the county at 2 p.m. The County is also preparing to conclude sheltering operations or transition shelter availability for evacuees who still need assistance. Residents are being asked to drive with caution.

3:55 p.m.

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that their game on October 12 at Amalie Arena against the Hurricanes has been postponed. A new date will be announced later.

3:25 p.m.

Dunedin City Hall is opening a cooling and charging station Thursday, October 10 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and October 11 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is located at 737 Louden Avenue.

3:00 p.m.

First responders rescued more than 500 people at a flooded apartment complex in Clearwater.

2:21 p.m.

Tampa International Airport announced that they plan to reopen to the public on Friday at 8 a.m.

2:15 p.m.

According to a White House briefing, there have been 10 confirmed deaths in Florida, which they believe were caused by tornadoes.

1:12 p.m.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said it had conducted over 500 rescues and 104 pet rescues in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. HCFR said among those numbers were 135 civilians rescued from an assisted living facility in the University area. HCFR said they expect the number of rescues to continue rising as they continue operations in the area.

1:01 p.m.

Tampa International Airport officials continue to assess the damage left by Hurricane Milton on the facility. No time table has been given on when the airport might resume commercial operations.

Runway at Tampa International Airport
TPA damage from Hurricane Milton

12:14 p.m.

Here's a look at Tropicana Field before and after Hurricane Milton

12:10 p.m.

Hillsborough County deputies rescued a 14-year-old boy in Tampa who was submerged in floodwaters and floating on debris.

HCSO deputies rescue 14-year-old boy in Tampa

12:03 p.m.

HCA has set up a patient reunification line for evacuated patients. Call 1-844-482-4821 with questions about evacuated patients.

12 p.m.

Power outages in Florida are nearing 3.4 million, according to PowerOutage.us. There are 3,374,509 without power across the state after Milton.

The Tampa Bay region has nearly 1.9 million without power, and Hillsborough County has the most outages – more than 515,000.

Check the latest power outage update here

11:28 a.m.

Hillsborough County officials issue a precautionary boil water notice for residents experiencing low water pressure.

10:53 a.m.

Sarasota County officials said access to the barrier islands, including Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key remain closed. This allows tactical first-in teams to assess the area for when it can be reopened. Roads and bridges to the areas will be blocked to prevent access.

10:49 a.m.

The MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre had its roof partially torn during the storm.

MidFlorida Ampitheatre Milton

10:38 a.m.

Pasco County officials have rescued around 22 people following Hurricane Milton.

10:37 a.m.

Pinellas County officials lift the mandatory evacuation order for Zones A, B, and C and mobile homes.

10:20 a.m.

A sinkhole has opened at the intersection of Irish Moss Avenue and Pound Pine Drive. Use caution when in the area.

sinkhole hillsborough.jpg

10:04 a.m.

St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch issues a boil water notice for the city following Hurricane Milton.

9:57 a.m.

From the White House:
President Biden spoke to Governor DeSantis this morning about the impacts of Hurricane Milton on the people of Florida. The Governor said they are still assessing the damage across the state. He thanked the President for the extensive Federal support to prepare for and respond to the storm. The President reiterated that he will provide any support the state needs to speed response and recovery. FEMA Administrator Criswell participated in the call and will be surveying the impacts with the Governor this morning. Criswell will brief the President again immediately afterward.

9:53 a.m.

Howard Frankland Bridge, Gandy Bridge, and Skyway Bridge are now open. The Courtney Campbell Causeway remains closed at this time.

9:30 a.m.

As of 9:30 a.m., PowerOutage.us reports there are more than 3.3 million Floridians without power. More than 1.9 million are in the Tampa Bay region.

The largest number of outages is in Hillsborough County where more than 510,000 are without power.

You can view the latest outage numbers here.

9:17 a.m.

The Hillsborough County government issued a stay-in-place for residents because of the many hazards on roadways across the county in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

Officials say there are downed power lines, trees, flooding and debris.

"Our teams are out assessing initial damages in the County and recovery is underway," a post on Facebook says. You can learn more on the county's website.

9:08 a.m.

City of Venice Utilities Water Treatment Plant restores water services to customers.

9:05 a.m.

Officials said multiple traffic signals are out due to power outages in Pinellas County, so drivers should use caution.

8:53 a.m.

Officials have reopened access to Pinellas County, including the barrier islands, per PCSO.

8:25 a.m.

The Tampa International Airport said they are conducting an assessment of conditions and have plans to reopen later on Thursday.

8:11 a.m.

A tree fell on top of a power line at the intersection of Bloomingdale Avenue and Kings Avenue. Officials are urging residents to remain indoors while they assess the damage.

hlllsborough tree down.jpg

7:58 a.m.

The Saint Lucie Medical Examiner confirmed that four people are dead at Spanish Lakes Country Club Village near Fort Pierce after tornadoes moved through the area.

7:49 a.m.

ABC Action News Reporter Anthony Hill is live in Clearwater, where people are being rescued from apartments located in Zone D.

Anthony Hill live in Clearwater as they conduct water rescues | 7:30 AM

7:32 a.m.

The Tampa National Weather Service office said 29 tornado warnings were issued Wednesday as Hurricane Milton made landfall in the area. The Miami NWS office said it issued 126 tornado warnings on Wednesday due to storms related to Milton.

7:30 a.m.

Water rescue efforts remain ongoing in Clearwater. This was the scene near the Standard Apartments off Drew Street in Clearwater.

Water rescue efforts in Clearwater after Hurricane Milton

6:40 a.m.

The National Weather Service office in Tampa released some of the rainfall reports from Wednesday night due to Hurricane Milton with many possible records broken.

Hillsborough County

  • 3.1 miles west of Temple Terrace — 15.66 inches
  • 1 mile north-northwest of East Lake-Orient Park — 12.12 inches
  • Tampa International Airport — 11.49 inches

Pinellas County

  • St. Petersburg/Albert Whitted Airport — 18.54 inches
  • Baskin — 13.08 inches
  • 2.4 miles east of Clearwater — 12.52 inches

Pasco County

  • 5.4 miles northeast of Zephyrhills — 14.13 inches
  • Wesley Chapel — 10.14 inches
  • Zephyrhills — 9.79 inches

6:35 a.m.

Tampa Police rescued 15 people, including multiple children, after a tree fell on their home during Hurricane Milton. Full story here.

6:30 a.m.

HCSO said they are working to clear and recover the Dana Shores area that has been flooded and damaged by Hurricane Milton.

dana shores milton.jpg
dana shores milton 2.jpg
dana shores milton 3.jpg

6:20 a.m.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County asked the public not to enter the water, including public beaches and swimming pools, due to the increased risk of water-borne illness.

6:03 a.m.

Officials close down access to Pinellas County due to hazardous conditions, including traffic light outages and downed power lines.

The Sheriff's Office reiterated that "ALL RESIDENTS MUST REMAIN SHELTERED IN PLACE!" The county said there is severe damage countywide and residents must stay off the roads until advised otherwise by county officials.

5:45 a.m.

ABC Action News Reporter Larissa Scott is in Clearwater, where first responders are already beginning water rescues.

First responders begin water rescues in Clearwater

5:37 a.m.

Footage from Brandon Clement (WXChasing on YouTube) shows damage at Tropicana Field and around the area.

5:01 a.m.

All Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings have been discontinued for the west coast of Florida, per the NHC.

5 a.m.

Over 3 million Floridians are without power. For a complete list of outages, click here.

power430a.png

4:45 a.m.

Record river flooding is expected in our area following Hurricane Milton's landfall.

Record river flooding expected in our area following Hurricane Milton landfall

3:15 a.m.

Recovery efforts are already underway in Hillsborough County.

2:48 a.m.

Pasco County Fire Rescue is resuming all emergency response operations as weather conditions have improved.

2:44 a.m.

The City of Temple Terrace is under a boil water notice due to power outages.

2:30 a.m.

Hillsborough County Water Resources is encouraging residents to reduce waste water usage. The county says this is to help mitigate impacts on the systems during and immediately after the storm. Residents are being encouraged to limit the following over the next few days:

  • Washing clothes and dishes
  • Bathing and showering
  • Flushing

The county says the reduction will help ensure the drinking water system remains available.
2:15 a.m.

Video shows the moment a DeLand police officer was driving behind a car when a tree suddenly fell on it.

2:12 a.m.

Pinellas County officials are urging residents to stay off roadways until further notice. There are several live lines down, debris, and damage reported. Several roads are still flooded.

1:36 a.m.

St. Pete on X posted a video of a tree that was knocked over by strong winds.

12:47 a.m.

Polk County Sheriff's Office said that the following roads are flooded and impassable:

  • 640 at the Peace River Bridge
  • Imperial Lakes Blvd, Mulberry
  • US 92 West of Old Dixie Hwy, Auburndale
  • Reynolds Rd and Maine Ave, Lakeland
  • 42nd St NW at Avenue Q NW, Winter Haven

12:16 a.m.

A crane collapsed during high winds in Downtown St. Petersburg. The crane was at the 400 Central building construction site, according to the City of St. Petersburg.

Crane collapsed in Downtown St. Pete

Wednesday, Oct. 9

11:20 p.m.

The City of St. Petersburg said that they will be shutting off drinking water citywide beginning at midnight. This is due to a water main break.

10:59 p.m.

The roof ripped off of Tropicana Field from the winds of Hurricane Milton. We know that first responders were staging with cots inside the stadium.

Tropicana Field

10:20 p.m

ABC Action News Reporter Adam Walser shows floodwaters beginning to take over Tampa streets.

ABC Action News Reporter Adam Walser shows flooding in Tampa

10:05 p.m.

Hurricane Milton is now a Category 2 storm.

9:35 p.m.

Meteorologist Greg Dee takes a look at conditions outside of the ABC Action News studio.

Meteorologist Greg Dee takes a look at the conditions outside of the ABC Action News studio.

9:20 p.m.

ABC Action News Reporter Robert Boyd shows what the strong winds are like in Seminole.

ABC Action News Reporter Robert Boyd shows what the strong winds are like in Seminole.

8:30 p.m.

The NHC said that Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key around 8:30 p.m. as a Category 3 storm.

7:50 p.m.

ABC Action News Reporter Michael Paluska gives an update from Sarasota.

ABC Action News Reporter Michael Paluska gives an update from Sarasota.

7:42 p.m.

ABC Action News Anchor gives an update from Paul Lagrone in Bradenton as transformer blows during Hurricane Milton winds.

Paul Lagrone in Bradenton as transformer blows during Hurricane Milton winds

7:00 p.m.

Pinellas County officials are warning residents to shelter in place as Hurricane Milton approaches.

6:40 p.m.

An Extreme Wind Warning has been issued for:

  • Manatee County (until 9:30 p.m.)
  • Pinellas County (until 9:30 p.m.)
  • Hillsborough County (until 9:30 p.m.)

According to ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips, this is the most severe weather alert the area will see with Hurricane Milton.
The National Weather Service said, "extreme winds, associated with the eyewall of Hurricane Milton, were moving onshore along a line extending from 6 miles southwest of South Bradenton to 25 miles southwest of Anna Maria to 52 miles southwest of Saint Armands Key and moving northeast at 30 miles per hour. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION!"

Extreme Wind Warning

6:37 p.m.

President Joe Biden spoke from the White House Wednesday evening as Hurricane Milton was about to make landfall in Florida. The president pledged full federal support for the region.

President Biden discusses response to Hurricane Milton

6:33 p.m.

Multiple city and county first responders are being taken off the road until the storm has passed for their safety, including Pinellas County, Clearwater, Pasco County, and Manatee County.

6:15 p.m.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies were pulled from the road until the storm passes and it is safe for them to respond to calls once again.

5:50 p.m.

The City of St. Petersburg said that the Northeast and Southwest Sewer Treatment Plants are now offline due to potential storm surge. You can check which sewer treatment plant serves your home by clicking here. The City says these are the only facilities that are anticipated to be affected by the storm surge and there are currently no plans to shut down drinking water.

Residents in the affected areas should:

  • Flush toilets only as necessary as the toilets may not drain
  • Limit taking showers or using bathtubs, dishwashers, and washing machines
  • Fill up water bottles in advance to brush your teeth outdoors or over a container
  • Avoid putting water down the drains

5:43 p.m.

St. Petersburg said all first responders operations will be paused for now with Hurricane Milton making landfall in the next few hours.

5:37 p.m.
Kylie McGivern is reporting from Seminole. As a reporter who has lived in the Tampa Bay area her entire life, this storm feels different and personal to her.

See her full report

"It feels personal" Kylie McGivern is in Seminole as rains pickup

5:35 p.m.

The Bradenton Police Department shows what conditions are like on Riverview Boulevard.

5:30 p.m.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office says it is no longer safe to be on the roads due to reports of flooding. SCSO says to shelter in place and leave the roadways open for first responders.


This story is developing and will be updated as we get more information.

Bank finally endorses Florida man's hurricane insurance check after we shared his story

Hurricane Milton left a St. Pete man’s property under water. But when he went to cash his insurance check, the bank refused to cash it. Investigative Reporter Katie LaGrone shares an update.

Bank finally endorses FL’s man hurricane insurance check after we shared his story