3 Sandbag Stations Open In Tampa Ahead Of Potential Tropical Storm

TAMPA, FL — Ahead of the arrival of the potential tropical storm, the city of Tampa announced it has activated three sandbag distribution sites.

According to city officials, the city will provide bags, sand and shovels for residents with proof of residency and volunteers will also be available to help those who cannot fill their own sandbags.

Residents can receive up to 10 sandbags.

The city is also activating its Citizen Information Center Hotline to help residents get prepared. The hotline will be open through 8 p.m. Friday to answer questions and share preparedness information, and can be reached at 1-833-TPA-INFO (872-4636).

Sandbag locations include:

• Himes Avenue Complex, 4501 S. Himes Ave., Tampa
• Al Barnes Park, 2902 N. 32nd St., Tampa
• MacFarlane Park, 1700 N MacDill Ave., Tampa

They will be open until 7 p.m. Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“We cannot stress enough how important it is to prepare for a major storm,” said Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp with Tampa Fire Rescue. “We are urging all Tampa residents to review your evacuation zone and prepare a disaster kit for an evacuation or for a prolonged power outage.”