Breaking: Mandatory Evacuation Ordered at MacDill AFB Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Posted by Isaac Cubillos | Oct 6, 2024 | Air Force, U.S.

Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, the commander at MacDill Air Force Base, has issued a mandatory evacuation order effective Monday, Oct. 7 at 12:30 p.m. EST, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. The evacuation affects personnel residing in specific zones across multiple counties including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota, and Citrus, as well as those in mobile homes regardless of their location.

Residents in the designated evacuation zones are required to vacate their premises by 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The base has outlined specific protocols for mission-essential personnel. These individuals must secure approval through their chain of command before leaving.

Financial assistance is available for those affected. The base finance office will provide cash advances on Monday from noon to 3 p.m.

Childcare services will remain operational to support mission-essential personnel, but the Tinker K-8 school will be closed from Monday through Wednesday.

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Isaac Cubillos

Isaac Cubillos is a seasoned military journalist and the visionary founder of The Military Report. With a career spanning over three decades, Isaac has witnessed the trials and triumphs of our armed forces, from the decks of Navy ships to covering conflict zones. Motivated by a desire to bring clarity and integrity to military news, Isaac established The Military Report as a beacon of balanced, insightful reporting. Isaac's journalistic prowess has earned him numerous accolades, including esteemed awards for his comprehensive coverage of military affairs and local civilian issues. As he continues to lead The Military Report, Isaac Cubillos remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of journalistic excellence, driven by a passion for storytelling and a steadfast belief in the power of informed, engaging journalism.