MIAMI — As Helene intensified into a hurricane Wednesday before expected landfall in Florida, 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.
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.
Tampa International Airport announced on Wednesday that it has suspended operations due to Hurricane Helene and it will reopen “when safe to do so.”
For specific agencies operating in your area, visit their websites for the latest updates.
School closures
Due to Hurricane Helene’s intensification, several colleges and universities in its path announced class cancellations and other student-related closures.
Monroe County Public Schools
According to Monroe County Public Schools’ Facebook page, schools will be open Wednesday through normal dismissal and the district coordinates with county emergency management agencies and the National Weather Service. However, all schools and district offices will be closed on Thursday.
University of Florida
The University of Florida announced Wednesday that offices and classes will be canceled on Thursday, and will reopen on Friday 7 a.m. All academic and student-related activities, including online schooling, will be canceled during this time. UF stated that online students who live in the storm’s path beyond the Gainesville campus should contact their instructors to discuss special accommodations.
Essential UF employees should check with their supervisors regarding scheduling. Also, UF Health hospitals and clinical practices are continuing normal operations, UF noted.
Florida State University
Florida State University announced Tuesday that its Tallahassee campus will be closed starting Wednesday and stay closed until 11 p.m. Sunday. FSU stated it expects to resume normal operations on Monday.
University of South Florida
As the University of South Florida monitors Hurricane Helene, it has announced that all classes beginning Wednesday are canceled and will not resume until Monday. Additionally, all USF campuses will be closed beginning Wednesday and will remain closed through at least Friday.
USF also has its own hurricane guide for students and faculty to keep on hand ahead of the storm.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Florida Gulf Coast University will close its campus to all operations, including classes and events. FGCU stated the university will remain closed on Thursday and will announce operational plans for Friday later that afternoon.
Florida A&M University
On Tuesday, Florida A&M University announced that classes were canceled now through Friday, and that all academic operations will be suspended to accommodate any potential disruptions caused by the storm. The university itself will be closed starting Wednesday and expected to reopen Friday, FAMU stated.
Will Publix stay open?
Publix, the Florida-based grocery chain found across the state, stated all its stores are currently open during normal business hours and will provide updates on its online status tool as it continues monitoring Hurricane Helene.
Theme parks remain open for now
As of Wednesday, Disney World remains open to the public but shared on its website that park officials are “closely monitoring the path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and cast members.”
Universal Studios also stated its theme parks remain open at this time but Volcano Bay will be closed on Thursday. Officials are also monitoring the storm.
