In today’s Quickcast:
As Helene intensified into a hurricane Wednesday before expected landfall in Florida on Thursday, many public buildings and offices began closing their doors to prepare for the storm.
Here is what is open and closed as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida. CBS News Miami will continue updating this list of closures as the NEXT Weather team monitors the storm.
Government closures
According to the Florida Department of Management Services, 29 of the 61 counties placed under emergency declaration by Gov. Ron DeSantis have announced closures this week:
Alachua: Wednesday through Thursday
Bradford: Thursday through Friday
Citrus: Wednesday through Thursday
Clay: Wednesday through Friday
Dixie: Thursday through Friday
Duval: Thursday through Friday
Franklin: Wednesday through Friday
Gadsden: Wednesday through Friday
Gilchrist: Wednesday through Friday
Hamilton: Thursday through Friday
Hernando: Wednesday through Thursday
Hillsborough: Thursday through Friday
Jackson: Thursday through Friday
Lafayette: Thursday through Friday
Lee: Thursday through Friday
Leon: Wednesday through Friday
Levy: Thursday through Friday
Liberty: Thursday through Friday
Madison: Thursday through Friday
Manatee: Thursday through Friday
Pasco: Thursday through Friday
Pinellas: Wednesday through Thursday
Putnam: Wednesday through Friday
Sarasota: Wednesday through Thursday
Suwannee: Thursday through Friday
Taylor: Wednesday through Thursday
Union: Thursday through Friday
Wakulla: Wednesday through Friday
Washington: Thursday through Friday
Due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Helene, the City of Tampa stated all of its offices will be closed starting Thursday to allow city staff "to focus on emergency response efforts as the storm approaches." Additionally, garbage, recycling and waste collection will be suspended on Thursday for both residential and commercial properties.
These closures are also expected to impact DMV services, according to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). However, "some driver license and motor vehicle services are offered by county tax collectors or license plate agents and may not be impacted by the FLHSMV office closures," the agency noted. For information related to those instances, visit their respective websites.
Road and travel closures
As of Wednesday afternoon, no road or bridge closures have been announced; however, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is encouraging drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com to be on alert for potential closures and detours.
Catch the Quickcast with Najahe Sherman weekdays at 4PM ET streaming on the CBS Miami app and CBSMiami.com
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