SPHA Engages in Pinellas County PIO Meeting to Prepare for 2026 Hurricane Season
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is preparing for the upcoming hurricane season. On May 11, 2026, SPHA Director of Communications Nick Fokianos participated in the Pinellas County Public Information Officer (PIO) meeting, held at the Oldsmar Council Chamber in Oldsmar, Florida.
At the meeting, representatives from various local agencies gathered to share best practices for hurricane preparedness in advance of the 2026 season.
Hurricane season will officially begin on June 1, 2026, and end on November 30, 2026.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can be hurricane prepared. >
Hurricanes Helene and Milton Evacuation Behavior:
The University of South Florida (USF) presented a study examining public perceptions and evacuation behavior during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Dr. Elizabeth Dunn shared findings from evacuation surveys conducted after both storms.
CLICK HERE to view the Preliminary Report PDF. >
Oldsmar Support Services Alliance:
Oldsmar City Manager Felicia Donnelly and City Clerk Kristin Garcia shared the details around the creation of the Oldsmar Support Services Alliance following hurricanes Helene and Milton. This award-winning effort pulled together local community organizations to address their community's needs after the storms.
www.myoldsmar.com/1347/Support-Services-Alliance
Upcoming Hurricane Prep Events:
Several local governments are hosting hurricane preparedness events to help residents get ready as we head into hurricane season.
City of St. Petersburg Hurricane Preparedness Expo
- Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Lake Vista Park, 1401 62nd Ave. S.
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the St. Pete event. >
City of Gulfport Hurricane Preparedness Seminar
- Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
- Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the Gulfport event. >
Pinellas County Hurricane Preparedness Day
Co-hosted by Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater.
- Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Location: North Greenwood Recreation Center, 900 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Clearwater
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the Clearwater event. >
Tampa Fire Rescue Hurricane Preparedness Expo
- Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Location: 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the Tampa event. >
St. Pete Beach Hurricane Preparedness Expo
- Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Location: St. Pete Beach Community Center, St. Pete Beach
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the St. Pete Beach event. >
Belleair Bluffs Hurricane Expo
- Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Belleair Bluffs Community Center, 2747 Sunset Blvd., Belleair Bluffs
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the Belleair Bluffs event. >
Dunedin Hurricane Preparedness Expo
- Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Dunedin City Hall, 737 Louden Ave., Dunedin
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the Dunedin event. >
2026 Pinellas County Hurricane Guide:
The English version of the 2026 Pinellas County Hurricane Guide is now available for pickup. The printed guides are available at:
- Pinellas County Libraries
- Municipal buildings
- Pinellas County offices
It is also available online: https://pinellas.gov/hurricane-guide/