To aid our residents as the storm approaches, Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control.

Complete coverage of important local, regional, state and national news events that affect the Tampa area are provided by the News Channel 8 morning news team.

Tampa Bay officials began evacuations Tuesday afternoon ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast in the next few days. Some locals,

Tampa Bay is bracing for Tropical Storm Helene as it barrels toward Florida's west coast. Residents should prepare now, local officials said. State of play: The rapidly intensifying cyclone is expected to bring up to 8 feet of storm surge to Tampa Bay,

The Tampa Bay area could expect a 5 to 8-foot storm surge from Tropical Storm Helene, the National Hurricane Center said.