With Category 5 Hurricane Milton advancing across the Gulf towards Florida, evacuation orders have been issued throughout the Tampa Bay area. (photo credit Shutterstock)

As Hurricane Milton, expected to impact Florida’s west coast mid-week, churns through the Gulf of Mexico, evacuation directives are already being enforced in the broader Tampa Bay region.

If you’re unsure about your evacuation zone, find it here.

Pinellas County

Mandatory evacuations are in place for special needs residents in Zones A, B, and C. Voluntary evacuations are advised for other residents in these zones and those in mobile homes, with potential mandatory orders looming. Emergency shelters opening today at noon include:

• Largo High School (general population and pet friendly), 410 Missouri Ave. N., Largo
• Gibbs High School (general population and pet friendly), 850 34th St. S., St. Petersburg
• Palm Harbor University High School (general population and pet friendly), 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor
• Palm Harbor University High School Building 19 (special needs), 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor
• Dunedin Highland Middle School (special needs), 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin
• Oak Grove Middle School (special needs), 1370 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater

Pasco County

Mandatory evacuations apply to Zones A and B, as well as low-lying areas prone to flooding and those in manufactured homes, mobile homes, or RVs. Voluntary evacuations are encouraged for Zone C and registered special needs residents. Shelters opening at noon on Monday include:

• Centennial Middle School, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
• Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Avenue, Hudson
• River Ridge Middle and High Schools, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey
• Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Avenue, Wesley Chapel

Hillsborough County

Residents in Zones A and B, and those in mobile and manufactured homes across all zones, must evacuate starting Monday at 2 p.m. More details here. Shelters opening for evacuees include:

• Burnett Middle School (general population, pet friendly), 1010 N. Kingsway Road, Seffner
• Durant High School (general population, pet friendly), 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City
• Erwin Technical College (special needs only, pet friendly), 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa
• Middleton High School (general population, pet friendly), 4801 N. 22nd Street, Tampa
• Pizzo Elementary School (general population), 11701 USF Bull Run Dr., Tampa
• Shields Middle School (general population, pet friendly), 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin
• Sickles High School (general population, pet friendly), 7950 Gunn Hwy., Tampa
• Strawberry Crest High School (special needs only, pet friendly), 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover
• Sumner High School (special needs only, pet friendly), 10650 County Road 672, Riverview

Stay safe and follow local updates for the latest information on evacuation procedures and shelter locations.