Sandbag sites open across Tampa Bay ahead of potential storm

Video above: LESSON: There is a right and wrong way to stack sandbags

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine gets organized in the Caribbean, Tampa Bay officials are helping residents prepare for potential impacts from a hurricane.

Residents can find sandbags at the following locations:

Hillsborough County

There are no active sandbag operations at this time, according to the county's website .

Pinellas County

: The City of Gulfport will offer sandbags at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center (1617 49th Street South) on Monday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There is a 10-bag limit and proof of residency may be required.

Citrus County

The following sandbag sites are available 24/7, but will be staffed on Monday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Homosassa Recreation Park (4210 S Grandmarch Ave, Homosassa)

Bicentennial Park (501 N Baseball Point, Crystal River)

Floral Park (9530 S Parkside Ave, Floral City)

Old Hernando Elementary School (2435 N Florida Ave, Hernando)

Residents must bring their own shovels to the sandbag sites.

Manatee County

Manatee County is currently stocking its sandbag sites in preparation for the storm. Residents are urged to check the county's Severe Weather Information Center website for the latest on sandbag availability.