Pasco issues mandatory evacuations in New Port Richey area

Pasco County residents are spending the night away from their homes, after mandatory evacuation orders were issued for communities located in the New Port Richey area.

Here are the boundaries of the area:

-The western boundary of the evacuation area is the Anclote River/Thys Rd.
-The eastern boundary of the evacuation is Little Rd.
-The northern boundary is Plathe Rd.
-The southern boundary begins on Perrine Ranch Road and runs east to the intersection of Perrine Ranch Road, turns north on Seven Springs Boulevard, then runs east along Mitchell Ranch Road and continues east on S.R. 54 to the intersection of S.R. 54 and Little Rd.

The evacuation order also includes other locations ordered evacuated by local authorities due to conditions posing a threat to life, health or safety.

The evacuations are significant, and teams from Florida Fish and Wildlife, Pasco Fire and Rescue and the sheriff's office spent the day helping residents get out as water rises. 

Authorities continued to help residents evacuate through the evening.

Residents in need of evacuation should call 911 to coordinate with emergency responders in the field.

Public Transit buses are available to assist residents who require transportation to shelters located at:

• Chasco Elementary, 7906 Ridge Roa, NPR
• Fasano Shelter, 11611 Denton Avenue, Hudson

Special needs residents and residents with pets should evacuate to the Fasano Shelter. A staging area with emergency services workers is located at the Wal-Mart at SR 54 and Little Road.

Communities affected by the rising floodwaters include Seven Springs Trailer Park, Mill Pond Estates and the surrounding housing developments.

Rains from Tropical Storm Debby have caused flooding above the 100-year flood level. The Anclote and Cotee Rivers are above flood stage.

The Pasco County Health Department is reminding residents that skin contact with flood waters may not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, but health hazards are a concern when waters become contaminated. Flood waters may contain fecal material, associated bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants. Residents are advised not wade or swim in possible contaminated waters. For more health questions please call (727) 861-5250.

Sand and sandbags are available at:

• West Pasco Government Center, 7536 State St., New Port Richey
• 7918 Rhodes Rd., Hudson (Fire Station #10)
• 2952 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey (Fire Station #17)
• Mitchell Field Park, 4711 Little Rd, New Port Richey
• 6907 Dairy Rd., Zephyrhills, (Fire Station #1)

County services open today include:

• County Offices
• Clerk's Office Courts
• Schools
• PCPT Transit Buses are running regular routes

For further information, please contact the Resident Information Center at 727-847-8959 or visit www.pascocountyfl.net.