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Local housing authorities warn public housing residents to prepare for storm and heed evacuation orders

 
A portion of the Robles Park Village apartments is seen as an unidentified boy walks past. The community is one of 13 owned and run by the Tampa Housing Authority, which is warning residents to heed any evacuation warnings for Hurricane Irma.   [CHRIS URSO  |   Special to the Times]
A portion of the Robles Park Village apartments is seen as an unidentified boy walks past. The community is one of 13 owned and run by the Tampa Housing Authority, which is warning residents to heed any evacuation warnings for Hurricane Irma. [CHRIS URSO | Special to the Times]
Published Sept. 7, 2017

TAMPA — Local housing authorities are telling public housing residents to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irma and heed evacuations warnings as the Category 5 storm draws closer to Florida.

The Tampa Housing Authority, which owns and manages more than 5,000 public housing apartments and a 79-bed assisted living facility, this week issued every property an emergency checklist with tips on hurricane preparations and information about shelters.

It includes what to do during and after the storm, how to prepare a disaster supply kit, evacuation zones and what items to take to a shelter.

"The well-being of all of our residents is a priority as the storm approaches our city and state. We are working ahead of Hurricane Irma to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be prepared," said Jerome Ryans, Housing Authority President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Housing Authority owns 13 housing projects, including three in South Tampa located in evacuation zones. Hillsborough County has not yet issued any evacuation orders.

Across Tampa Bay, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority last week issued disaster preparedness guides and its emergency management team recently met and briefed Jordan Park seniors, said Tony Love, chief executive officer.

None of its housing complexes are located in areas under mandatory evacuation orders. But officials are aware that many residents do not own their own vehicles. They are watching the storm advisories and will make some vehicles available if additional evacuations are ordered, he said.

"If we get in state of emergency will try and assist with transportation," Love said. "It hasn't come to that yet."

Pinellas County Housing Authority posted information notices on about 1,400 public housing apartments it owns. The notice includes evacuation routes, area shelters and emergency contact numbers for Duke Energy, the American Red Cross, and emergency responders.

It also advises residents to remove chairs and other items from front and rear porches.

Contact Christopher O'Donnell at codonnell@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3446. Follow @codonnell_Times.