The Tampa Bay area is expecting a rainy Fourth of July, with the National Weather Service forecasting an 80% chance of heavy rainfall and storms on Thursday and Friday, especially from Tampa north to the Big Bend region.
ALSO READ: Forecasters up chances of tropical system forming over Florida during rainy holiday
Local sandbag sites are opening across the region to help residents prepare for possible flooding. As Pinellas County notes, sandbags are only recommended for residents who may experience flooding of less than 15 inches from rain or tides. Sandbags won’t stop water completely, but they can reduce the amount of water entering your home.
Find more information on hurricane evacuation zones, shelters, and preparation tips on our 2025 Hurricane Guide.
Here’s a county-by-county and city-by-city guide to sandbag locations open as of Wednesday morning:
St. Petersburg
Sandbags are available to residents throughout the year during nonemergency times.
- Pavement and Traffic Operations Building, 1744 Ninth Ave. N. (Monday through Friday and every second Saturday of the month, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Pasco County
Both locations are open 24 hours to county residents. Sand and sandbags will be restocked between sunrise and sunset through Sunday. It's self-serve, so bring a shovel and be prepared to fill your own sandbags.
- Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn), 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio.
- Magnolia Valley Golf Course, 7223 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey.
Sarasota County
The county is offering sandbag operations 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 2.
Self-service sandbags will be offered to Sarasota County residents at the following locations:
- Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road.
- Ed Smith Stadium (parking lot), 2700 12th St.
- South County Fleet Services, 4571 State Road 776/Englewood Road.
There is a limit of 10 bags per vehicle. Bags and sand will be provided. Individuals are asked to bring their shovels. Continue to monitor local weather and follow @SRQCountyGov on social media.
Hernando County
A limited supply of sand and bags will be available. It's self-serve, so bring a shovel. Sites will remain open until weather conditions deteriorate.
- Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Spring Hill.
- Anderson Snow Park, 1360 Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill (Enter through the service road between the park and Top Contenders Gymnastics).
- Ridge Manor Community Center 34240 Cortez Blvd. Ridge Manor.
Manatee County
All sites are 100% self-service locations and stocked with sand and sandbags from June 1 – Oct. 31 from dawn to dusk. Residents will need their own shovels.
- Blackstone Park, 2112 14th Avenue, Palmetto, FL 34221
- Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City Fl
- Palma Sola Park, 7915 40th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
- Parrish Park Overflow Parking, 7550 Ft. Hamer Rd
- Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
- Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, FL 34219
- Stormwater Facility, 5511 39th St E, Bradenton, FL 34203
This list may be updated as more information becomes available.
Here's a video from Pasco County explaining how to properly fill and place sandbags.
