Hurricane Helene Strengthens as it Heads Towards Florida
Hurricane Helene intensified on Wednesday as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico, with forecasters warning it could become a major hurricane before making landfall along Florida’s northwestern coast. The storm, currently 500 miles southwest of Tampa, has sustained winds of 80 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Helene is expected to gain further strength, potentially reaching Category 3 status, as it approaches the Big Bend area of Florida by late Thursday. The NHC has predicted high surf, storm surges, and heavy winds along Florida’s Gulf Coast beginning Wednesday night.
The storm first developed as a tropical system on Tuesday in the western Caribbean, causing significant flooding in the Cayman Islands. It is now moving northwest at 9 mph, located 45 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and 120 miles southwest of Cuba’s western tip.
North Port Activates Emergency Center
As the storm approaches, North Port has activated its emergency center, with city employees available to assist residents, despite City Hall being closed. Sarasota County’s emergency hotline can also be reached at 311 for updates and assistance. Residents are encouraged to bookmark NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts for the latest information.
Schools Convert to Shelters
In preparation for the hurricane, Sarasota County schools have closed through Friday, with some buildings being converted into shelters. These shelters are set to open at noon on Wednesday. Schools in Charlotte and DeSoto counties will remain closed Thursday and Friday.
Shelters in Sarasota County include:
- Atwater Elementary, North Port
- Booker High, Sarasota
- Brookside Middle, Sarasota
- Gulf Gate Elementary, Sarasota
- Heron Creek Middle, North Port
- North Port High, North Port
- Riverview High, Sarasota
- Southside Elementary, Sarasota
- Taylor Ranch Elementary, Venice
Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor said, “We are ready to serve our community and are coordinating with local authorities to provide shelter and assistance.”
Water Management District Prepares for Storm
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Level 1 in response to Helene. The district is monitoring water levels and controlling water structures throughout its 16-county area, ensuring that lakes and waterways remain within operational ranges. The EOC will provide daily updates to state and local agencies and will mobilize additional personnel as needed.
Evacuation Orders Announced
Sarasota County has issued evacuation orders for residents in Level A zones, manufactured home communities, and areas including:
- Forked Creek, Englewood
- Curry Creek and Hatchett Creek, Venice
- Myakka River, North Port
All evacuation centers are pet-friendly, but residents are advised to bring supplies such as crates, bedding, and pet food. For a full list of evacuation centers, visit scgov.net/beprepared.
As Helene moves closer, residents across the region are urged to stay informed and take precautions to ensure their safety.