Hillsborough County has opened three additional shelters as Hurricane Milton approaches, bringing the total to 11 general shelters and three for special needs. These shelters are available for residents in Evacuation Zones A and B, as well as those in mobile homes and vulnerable structures.
For those seeking shelter, the latest facilities to open include Mulrennan Middle School at 4215 Durant Rd., Valrico; Lockhart Elementary Magnet School at 3719 N. 17th St., Tampa; and Collins PK-8 School at 12424 Summerfield Blvd., Riverview, as reported by Hillsborough County's official newsroom. However, residents should take note that these shelters are not equipped to accommodate pets.
Several pet-friendly locations are available for evacuees with pets, including Burnett Middle School, Durant High School, Middleton High School, Shields Middle School, Sickles High School, and Steinbrenner High School. Note that Shields Middle School is already at full capacity.
For residents with specific medical needs that require electricity or cater to cognitive concerns, special-needs shelters remain open. These include Erwin Technical College, Sumner High School, and Strawberry Crest High School. They provide for both special needs and pet-friendly accommodations. Pet owners planning to attend these shelters should come prepared with a sturdy carrier, a leash and collar, and enough supplies to last their pets for up to seven days.
Further information on how to prepare pets for the evacuation and details about shelter operations can be found on the county's website under the HCFL.gov/PetPlan section.
