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Issue #211: Tampa Braces for Helene: Hurricane Guide, AquaFence at TGH & Pasco Growth

Issue #211: Tampa Braces for Helene: Hurricane Guide, AquaFence at TGH & Pasco Growth

09/26/2024

Ted Grellner
26 Sep

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GOOD MORNING

The newsletter was delivered late a couple of days ago due to a glitch in the publishing system. I’m assured the problem has been corrected.

Stay Safe!

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Tampa Prepares for Hurricane Helene: Damage Reporting Guide Released

— Ready Sites Program Fuels Growth in Zephyrhills and Pasco County

Of Interest

— Tampa General Turns Fortress with AquaFence Against Helene’s Approach

Sports

— USF Alum Brad Lord Honored with Nationals Way Award

🎵Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links

This Month’s Events in the NewTampa Wesley Chapel Live Events Calendar

**EVENT CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER:
Thurs Sept 16: Motowners Concert at Shops at Wiregrass

Our Live Events Calendar: https://pxl.to/NTWC-LIVE-event

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How to Find Your Evacuation Zone
City of Tampa Emergency Hotline: tampa.gov/Hurricane

Running School Closure List
tampabay.com: What’s Closed or Cancelled Around Tampa Bay?

Sandbag Sites Across Tampa Bay — running list
Stay Safe: Sandbag Stations Open for Pasco Ahead of Cyclone — see article for sandbag locations

A Look Back at the Granddaddy of All Hurricanes (176 yrs ago) — video

Read More: nhc.noaa.gov

Tampa Prepares for Hurricane Helene: Damage Reporting Guide Released

Hurricane Helene is expected to bring significant damage and power outages as it nears Florida's Gulf Coast.

In response, Tampa’s Office of Emergency Management has launched damage and power outage self-reporting tools to assist residents. To report outages or downed power lines, call (877) 588-1010, use the TECO Outage Map, or text "OUT" to 27079. Residents can also report fallen trees, street flooding, and storm debris via the office’s online Resident Damage Self-Reporting Form or by calling (813) 274-3101.

Additionally, free sandbags are available at several locations, with a limit of 10 per household. Residents are encouraged to prepare disaster supply kits with essentials to last 72 hours in case of evacuation or extended isolation.

For a full list of necessary supplies, visit the emergency management website.

Ready Sites Program Fuels Growth in Zephyrhills and Pasco County

Zephyrhills and Pasco County are experiencing significant business growth thanks to the Ready Sites program. This initiative attracts companies to develop affordable industrial land, with companies like Brazilian bakery Bauducco and MiTek already taking part, creating over 100 jobs for residents.

The Ready Sites program, in collaboration with Pasco County, Duke Energy, and the Pasco Economic Development Council, prepares land for businesses by offering incentives like tax breaks and affordable rates. Zephyrhills has become a hotspot for manufacturing, largely due to its available space and strategic location.

With 500-600 acres still available, Zephyrhills is poised for further growth.

Tampa General Turns Fortress with AquaFence Against Helene’s Approach

As Hurricane Helene nears, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has deployed its $1 million AquaFence system to protect against potential flooding. The nine-foot-tall, 1,000-foot-long barrier encircles the hospital, which is located on Davis Islands and vulnerable to storm surges.

TGH’s Vice President of Facilities, Dustin Pasteur, noted that the AquaFence can hold back up to a 15-foot storm surge. It takes 60 workers and three days to set up the wall, which relies on the weight of floodwaters to stay upright.

Given the hospital's critical role and inability to evacuate, the AquaFence is a vital line of defense, ensuring the safety of hundreds of patients.

Read More: fox13news.com — see article for more accurate photos of fence

One astonishing, lesser-known fact about storm surge is that it can travel far inland through interconnected waterways like rivers, estuaries, and canals, causing significant flooding hundreds of miles from the coast.

For example, during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the surge not only devastated Texas’s coastal areas but also moved up bays and rivers, flooding cities like Houston and reaching regions typically safe from such events. This inland movement occurs as the surge follows waterway flows, amplifying in narrow channels and varied topographies. Consequently, areas far from the coast can experience severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and economic impacts.

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Thank You!

USF Alum Brad Lord Honored with Nationals Way Award

Former USF pitcher Brad Lord, a rising talent in the Washington Nationals’ system, has been honored with the Nationals Way Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes players who exemplify professionalism, leadership, and a strong work ethic — qualities Lord has shown throughout his 2024 season.

Drafted in the 18th round in 2022, Lord has made rapid strides through the Nationals' Minor League ranks. His performance led the organization in ERA and opponent batting average (.224), while ranking second in strikeouts and WHIP (1.20).

Twice named Eastern League Pitcher of the Month, Lord dominated in Double-A Harrisburg, achieving an 8-0 record with a 0.79 ERA during a nine-start stretch. His success cements his future in the Nationals’ system and demonstrates the impact he had during his time with the South Florida Bulls.

Read More: gousfbulls.com