SARASOTA, Fla. — With high winds and whipping rain, Hurricane Milton has created conditions even too dangerous for our local first responders.
Counties across Tampa Bay began halting emergency responses on Wednesday evening for the safety of police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel.
Sarasota County emergency responders
The last Sarasota Police Department patrol vehicle returned to the station at 5:39 p.m.
"Sustained wind speeds are too strong for emergency services to respond. We will now wait out the storm, just like you, and once it passes, we will begin our rescue and recovery process," the police department wrote.
Just after 6 p.m., Nort Port city officials announced that emergency responses were suspended as sustained wind speeds reached 45 miles per hour.
"It is no longer safe for our emergency personnel to be on the roads," city officials wrote.
Pinellas County emergency services
At 6 p.m., St. Petersburg police pulled all patrolling officers from the streets "due to strong winds and deteriorating weather conditions."
At 6:15 p.m., Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies were pulled from the road. They will remain sheltered until the storm has passed.
Just after 6:30 p.m., Clearwater police and Clearwater Fire & Rescue responders were pulled from the road as conditions began to worsen.
"First responders will seek shelter in police department buildings and fire stations and will return to the road to answer calls when conditions improve," Clearwater city officials wrote.
Pasco County emergency services
At 6:45 p.m., Pasco County Fire Rescue suspended all emergency service response west of
the Suncoast Parkway. At 7 p.m., emergency responses were suspended across the entire county.
"It's no longer safe for high-profile rescue vehicles to be on the road," county officials wrote.
If you're in danger, you're asked to call 911 and provide the details of your situation. Emergency personnel will respond as soon as it's safe to do so.
Manatee County emergency services
Manatee County suspended all emergency services just after 6:30 p.m. as residents were asked to shelter in place.
"911 emergency calls will be logged and queued based on priority and will be responded to as soon as safe to do so," county officials wrote.
