City of Tampa prepares for Tropical Storm Helene [Video]

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The City of Tampa is preparing for impacts from Tropical Storm Helene.

City officials — including Mayor Jane Castor, Fire Chief Barbara Tripp, Police Chief Lee Bercaw, and Emergency Management Director John Antapasis — discussed the city’s preparations for the storm in a news conference Tuesday.

The City of Tampa is providing sandbags for the community at Al Lopez Park, Al Barnes Park, and Himes Ave Sports Complex.

All sandbag sites will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday weather permitting.

The City of Tampa offices will be closed on Thursday.

“We have all seen the cone, hopefully, and we are in that cone. It doesn’t look at this point that it will be a direct hit, but these hurricanes, these tropical storms always change, so again be aware and be prepared,” Mayor Jane Castor said.

Mayor Jane Castor and city officials …