Issue #220: Shops Close & Tampa Hotels Fill as Hurricane Milton Strikes, Zoos Take Action to Protect Wildlife

10/9/2024

Author

Ted Grellner
09 Oct

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Dr Ted
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In this issue of

NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Local News

— Supply Chain Expert: Milton to Bring Long-Term Devastation to Florida

— Shops at Wiregrass Temporarily Closed Due to Hurricane Milton, Offers Garage Parking

— Tampa Hotels Sell Out, Offering Safe Haven from Hurricane Milton

Of Interest

— Tampa’s Zoo and Aquarium Mobilize to Protect Animals From Hurricane Milton


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Read More: nhc.noaa.gov - national hurricane center

Supply Chain Expert: Milton to Bring Long-Term Devastation to Florida

Hurricane Milton is poised to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, potentially causing historic devastation. Experts warn that Milton could rival Hurricane Katrina's destruction in New Orleans, with a far-reaching impact on critical industries like energy, agriculture, tourism, and the supply chain.

Jon Davis, chief meteorologist at Everstream Analytics, noted that the storm's unique track puts areas such as Tampa Bay at severe risk. The region is already grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, compounding the potential for massive power outages, supply chain disruptions, and long-term economic losses.

Milton’s expected storm surge could break century-old records, particularly around Tampa Bay. Citrus production is a major concern, as the storm's path may ravage Florida's vital citrus belt, causing years of agricultural damage. With major businesses likely shuttered and power outages expected to persist, tourism and energy sectors are bracing for extended recovery periods.

Experts are calling this event a “major global event” with impacts likely to be felt for years.

Shops at Wiregrass Temporarily Closed Due to Hurricane Milton, Offers Garage Parking

In response to Hurricane Milton, the Shops at Wiregrass will close on Tuesday, October 8th, and Wednesday, October 9th.

Parking Garage Available
To assist local residents, the Shops at Wiregrass are opening their parking garage for vehicle parking on a first-come, first-served basis. The elevators will be locked, so those parking on the upper deck must use stairs or the ramp to reach the lower level. The garage's upper deck clearance is 13’6”.

Important Reminder
All cars must be removed by 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 10th, provided weather conditions allow the property to reopen.

Stay safe.

Tampa Hotels Sell Out, Offering Safe Haven from Hurricane Milton

TAMPA, Fla. — With Hurricane Milton approaching, most hotels in the Tampa Bay area, including the La Quinta Inn near the University of South Florida, are fully booked. General Manager Justin Craven confirmed that the hotel sold out by Saturday, as many sought shelter outside evacuation zones.

Despite being fully booked, calls continue to pour in from people desperately seeking refuge from the storm. Front desk worker James Sherman expressed heartbreak over turning people away but was committed to helping those he could. Sherman, who usually has Wednesdays off, volunteered to work through the storm, saying he wants to offer assistance during this crisis.

Craven ensured that employees would have a place to stay by reserving rooms for them ahead of the storm.

Tampa’s Zoo and Aquarium Mobilize to Protect Animals From Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton approaches, both ZooTampa and The Florida Aquarium are taking extensive measures to safeguard their animals.

ZooTampa has activated its hurricane preparedness plan, which includes moving larger animals into storm-resistant night houses and relocating smaller mammals and birds to safer buildings. The zoo is also securing loose items, stocking up on food, trimming trees, and fueling generators. A dedicated ride-out team will stay on-site to monitor the animals and manage life support systems during the storm.

Meanwhile, The Florida Aquarium is moving animals, including penguins and a sloth, to higher levels of their facility to avoid potential flooding. The aquarium, which took on three feet of water during Hurricane Helene, expects its first floor to flood again. Staff will evacuate by midday Wednesday but plan to return as soon as it's safe. Coral has been moved to a facility in the Florida Keys for additional protection.

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