Hurricane Helene: Hernando County updates & information

Hernando County Evacuations:

HOMOSASSA, Fla. - There is a mandatory evacuation in place for areas west of U.S. 19 beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. This includes those in evacuation zones A, B, and C in Hernando County.

Residents in low-lying areas, as well as those living in manufactured homes throughout the county are also under a mandatory evacuation.

County officials are asking displaced residents to seek shelter with family and friends.

A shelter will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday at West Hernando Middle School in Brooksville, but county leaders say it should be used as a last resort. They added that the shelter is available to the general population, special needs clients and people who want to bring their pets.

Tropical Storm Helene: Hernando County storm prep update

Hernando County Emergency Management provided an update on storm preparations. A mandatory evacuation order was issued for areas west of US-19 beginning on Wednesday morning.

Hernando County Closings:

There are no closings to report at this time.

Hernando County Sandbags:

County officials say all sites are self-serve and anyone filling sandbags is asked to bring a shovel.

Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Spring HillTuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Rd., Spring HillTuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ridge Manor Community Center, 34240 Cortez Blvd., Ridge ManorTuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Spring Lake Methodist Church, 4191 Spring Lake Hwy., BrooksvilleTuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brooksville

The city of Brooksville self-serve sandbag site is open 24/7 for residents and will remain open until weather conditions begin to deteriorate.

City of Brooksville’s Department of Public Works, 600 S. Brooksville Ave.

There is a limited supply of sandbags and residents are asked to only take what they need and leave the shovels for the next resident to use. There is a limit of ten (10) bags per resident.

Hernando County Schools:

Hernando County schools will be closed on Wednesday, September 25, Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27. At this time, the school district is preparing schools to serve as storm shelters for area residents.

All after-school activities for Wednesday and Thursday will be canceled. Before and aftercare programs (YMCA and Boys & Girls Club) will not operate on those days.

Hernando debris removal

Debris removal pick up for areas affected by Hurricane Helene begins Saturday, September 28, 2024, and will continue until debris removal has been completed. Areas included in the debris removal pick up are between CR 550 (Cortez Blvd) and Osowaw Blvd., west of US 19 (including private roads).

Only storm generated debris will be collected. A debris hotline has been established and will open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning Saturday, September 28. Anyone with questions is asked to call 833-307-5580.