In Hurricane's Aftermath, Hillsborough Officials Give Cleanup Update

TAMPA, FL — After escaping any major damage, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are sending search-and-rescue teams to the Fort Myers area, which bore the brunt of Hurricane Ian's destruction.

During a news conference Thursday morning, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said the city is among those sending rescue teams to Lee and Charlotte counties to help those residents recover from the hurricane.

She said the city weathered the storm well with most damage confined to downed trees and power lines.

"The evacuation order was lifted this morning at 9 a.m. by Hillsborough County, so people are free to come back home but we are asking people to stay alert, stay vigilant, pay attention to any of the hazards that are still out there now, any downed power lines and any standing water in the roads."

She said city crews went out at dawn to make sure roads are open, removing fallen trees and other debris.

Castor said she's been in touch with Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano and said he is hoping to reopen the airport at 10 a.m. Friday. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard is ensuring the ship lines are clear of any debris so Port Tampa Bay can reopen and allow access to ships bringing in fuel, ffood and water.

Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

Port Tampa Bay Director Paul Anderson said he is making sure those fuel supplies are loaded onto trucks as quickly as possible, and the Florida Highway Patrol is ready to provide escorts for the fuel trucks to their destinations.

Castor said she's receiving calls from residents asking how they can help. She said the best thing residents can do is stay off the roads and, instead, check and make sure their neighbors, particularly elderly and disabled residents have the help they need.

She noted that First Lady Casey DeSantis has established the Florida Disaster Fund to directly assist residents impacted by the hurricane and is accepting donations. To date, the fund has collected more than $2 million. To donate, click here or text Disaster 20222.

"That is a great way for people to be able to help out those affected by Hurricane Ian," she said. "We know they would have been here to help us. We need to be there to help them."

"I think the message here is safety, safety, safety, particularly with downed power lines and downed trees," said Tampa Police Chief Mary O'Connor. She said there are a number of traffic lights that are out and reminds drivers to treat them as four-way stops. She said Tampa police officers are directing traffic at major intersections.

She said residents should reserve 911 for true emergencies. To report downed power lines and downed trees by call 1-833-TPA-INFO.

Archie Collins, president and CEO of Tampa Electric Co., which provides power to 815,000 customers across Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties.

He reiterated the need to stay away from downed power lines.

"Our teams are out today conducting damage assessments and determining which are energized," he said. "Downed power lines are a real threat. I can't implore all of you enough to stay away from downed power lines."

As for power outages, he said there are now about 279,000 customers without power, but he said TECO has a lot of help getting power back on.

TECO has 162 linemen but more than 3,000 linemen from power companies from Oklahoma, Indiana and Texas have traveled to Florida to help get the power back on.

He said the first priority is to get power back on to essential services such as hospitals and fire stations, followed by grocery stores, hardware stores and other businesses residents depend on. Finally, linemen will concentrate on residential customers.

"Crews have hit the ground and been out since 7 a.m.," Collins said. "I know people want to know when the power will be back on. We're still completing assessments and will soon know the scope of the damage but it could be two days before power is restored to some customers."

In the meantime, although shelters have closed, Hillsborough County has set up a special needs shelter for those who are dependent on electricity. Anyone in this situation should call Hillsborough County’s Emergency Management team at 813-272-6600 for assistance.