Pasco County is bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, prompting the Board of County Commissioners to declare a Local State of Emergency. This declaration empowers the County Administrator and Emergency Management Director to take swift action to protect the community.

As we monitor Tropical Storm Helene and its potential impacts to the Tampa Bay Area, people who lived through Hurricane Idalia last summer are on edge.

Pasco County schools announced they will offer classes on Wednesday as scheduled, but then cancel after-school events and activities as the district prepares at least five campuses to serve as emergency shelters for Tropical Storm Helene.

In response to the impending storm expected to impact the county on Thursday, Pasco County Emergency Management has requested the use of five schools as emergency shelters.