Andy Fossa said 54,600 Pasco County homes lie off the west side of U.S. 19, where canal-front neighborhoods and marinas access the Gulf of Mexico.

County officials asked people who live outside the boundaries of the evacuation order to also consider evacuating or moving into one of the county's six shelters.

Pasco County schools announced they will offer classes on Wednesday as scheduled, but then cancel after-school events and activities as the district prepares at least five campuses to serve as emergency shelters for Tropical Storm Helene.

The Pasco County Commission is holding an emergency meeting to consider a local state of emergency for Tropical Storm Helene.

Pasco County is opening six shelters on Wednesday. Shelters will open at Centennial Middle School, Fivay High School, Sunlake High School, River Ridge Middle and High School and Wiregrass Ranch High School on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

In Pasco County, mandatory evacuations will go into effect Wednesday morning for anyone living in evacuation zone A and for those living in mobile homes or RVs. Voluntary evacuations will also go in effect for evacuation zones B and C.

Homes and businesses are preparing for the hurricane ahead. Sam’s Beach Bar is boarded up with their doors shut, hoping they do not get hit too hard. The bar is no stranger to having to take preventative measures when it comes to storms or hurricanes.