As numerous Florida counties declare a state of emergency and order residents in low-lying areas to evacuate, hotels are opening up. Every room was booked on Wednesday at the La Quinta by Wyndham Tampa Central because of people evacuating,

A majority of businesses and local government offices are closed for the storm that is predicted to be a Category 3 hurricane.

The Tampa Museum of Art is closed Wednesday and Thursday. This includes studio art classes at the Tampa Museum of Art’s Vinik Family Education Center and offsite partnership locations. The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum of Florida in St. Petersburg will be closed Thursday.

Hurricane Helene is projected to be a Category 2 storm affecting much of Florida with the west coast most vulnerable. How will this affect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Week 4 game scheduled for Sunday,