Pasco County Issues Local State of Emergency

With Tropical Storm Debby threatening to more than outstay her welcome, Pasco County Commissioners have declared a local state of emergency.

The county, especially on the west side, has taken a beating from repeated rains and winds. Roads are flooded heavily in the New Port Richey area, mainly on side streets along the U.S. 19 corridor.

The sheriff's office is keeping an eye out for additional flooding this afternoon. It is especially concerned about Elfers, Holiday and the Perrine Ranch Road and the Anclote River areas .

Pasco has also activated its emergency operations center, but schools, county office and courts do remain open today, June 25. PCPT buses are also running their normal routes.

“Residents are strongly encouraged to stay at home and not venture out,” the county said in a media release. “Pasco County is still under a tornado watch until 2 p.m. and weather officials continue to predict rainfall amounts near 5-6 inches over the next five days as Tropical Storm Debby is still in the Gulf of Mexico.”

People who require assistance are asked to call the Resident Information Center at 727-847-8959.

The county is reporting that many major roads remain flooded. A shelter has been opened for flood evacuees at 11611 Denton Ave. in Hudson.

Sand and sandbags are available at:

• West Pasco Government Center, 7536 State St., New Port Richey
• 7918 Rhodes Road, Hudson, Fire Station #10
• 2952 Seven Springs Road, New Port Richey, Fire Station #17
• 6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills, Fire Station#1

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.