Four Self-Service Sandbag Sites Open Thursday News Emergency Management, News General, News Mayor Office Four Self-Service Sandbag Sites Open ThursdayTAMPA, Fla. (July 16,[...]

Four Self-Service Sandbag Sites Open Thursday
TAMPA, Fla. (July 16, 2025) -- Self-service sandbag stations in the City of Tampa will remain open tomorrow, Thursday.

The four self-service sandbag sites opened in response to a flood watch issued for the Tampa Bay area.

• Al Lopez Park, 4810 N Himes Ave.
• Al Barnes Park, 2902 N 32nd St.
• Copeland Park, 11001 N 15th St.
• Himes Avenue Sports Complex, 4501 S Himes Ave.

"We understand the need to not only be prepared, but also to be calm in a potentially stressful situation," Mayor Jane Castor said. "These self-service sandbag stations offering free sandbags allow residents to prepare their properties for the incoming rain or at the very least, stock up on sandbags now for future storms."

The stations will open at 7:00 A.M and stay open as needed. There is a 10-sandbag limit per residence. Those coming should be prepared to show proof of residency inside city limits.

Assistance in making and loading sandbags will be offered to those who need it.

On Wednesday, more than 2,200 sandbags were distributed across all four locations, with the Himes Avenue Sports Complex being the most popular -- distributing nearly 1,200 in one day.

Residents can sign up for free text alerts by texting TAMPAREADY to 888-777. Text TAMPALISTA to 888-777 for alerts in Spanish.