Florida Construction News staff writer
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, leaving more than 2.2 million people without power.
Powerful winds battered Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, damaging a section of the fabric roof at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Local authorities confirmed no injuries were reported.
Late Wednesday night, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue received two critical reports of incidents in downtown St. Pete: a crane collapse at the 400 Central building construction site and roof damage at Tropicana Field. No injuries have been reported in either location.
The public is urged to continue to shelter in place and avoid both areas until further notice. No injuries have been reported at either location.
“Please stay away from both locations to ensure public safety and avoid interference with emergency operations,” St. Pete’s Fire and Rescue posted on X. “Follow the City of St. Petersburg’s official channels for the latest information.
“If you witness further damage or individuals in need of assistance, please call 911 immediately.”
First responders will conduct damage assessments at both sites when conditions allow. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The city had issued a warning about the potential danger posed by several construction cranes during the storm, including the 400 Central site.
The City of St. Pete shut off its drinking water supply at midnight until weather conditions improve enough for crews to repair a major water main break, which will remain in effect until conditions improve enough for repairs.
“We’re running critical facilities on generator power but need your help to maintain water supply to Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, and cities of New Port Richey and St. Petersburg,” Tampa Bay Water posted on X early Thursday morning.
By midnight, Hurricane Milton was located about 40 miles south-southwest of Orlando and had been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 90 mph, according the National Hurricane Center.