As Tropical Storm Milton churns in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s west coast this Wednesday, local governments across the Tampa Bay area are scrambling to distribute sandbags to help residents protect their properties from potential flooding. With the region still saturated and recovering from Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago, officials are urging those in low-lying and flood-prone areas to take the threat seriously. Sandbag Locations and Operating Hours Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk counties have all opened multiple sandbag distribution sites, with most operating from early morning … Continue reading Tampa Prepares for Hurricane Milton Defense: Sandbag Shortages Loom as Flooding Threat 12-Foot Storm Surge