Hurricane Helene Update No. 15
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2024) - Most Hillsborough County parks, preserves, boat ramps, libraries, and the Pet Resource Center at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa will reopen Saturday, Sept. 28, but some will remain closed because of damage or power outages left in Hurricane Helene's wake.
The list of closed facilities mostly centers around low-lying areas of the county, including southern Hillsborough and Town 'N Country. Among the closed parks and preserves are Upper Tampa Bay and E.G. Simmons conservation parks, Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center and Ruskin Park & Recreation Center, and the Town 'N Country Library and Ruskin Branch Library.
Some of the parks and preserves that are open may have trails, amenities, or portions of the park unavailable to the public. Residents are advised to check the County's park closures page (HCFL.gov/parkclosures) before going to a conservation park or preserve.
Hillsborough County public libraries are open Saturday except for the following:
- Town 'N Country Regional Library
- Ruskin Branch Library
- Egypt Lake Partnership Library
- James J. Lunsford Law Library
- Thonotosassa Branch Library
- Austin Davis Branch Library
- West Tampa Branch Library
Form to Self-Report Damage Will Launch Sept. 28
The self-reporting form for residents and nonprofit organizations who sustained property damage during Hurricane Helene will be available at HCFL.gov/DamageAssessment on Saturday, Sept. 28. This form helps Hillsborough County evaluate the scope of damage to property in the area. Residents and nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and agricultural/aquacultural entities, are encouraged to complete the form.
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
Hillsborough County offices and facilities including all parks remain closed today, Friday, Sept. 27. Residents can find the latest updates on HCFL.gov/StaySafe. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County's storm information line, for information.