Pasco County Hosts Disaster Preparedness Expo Today in Shady Hills
With the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season just weeks away, Pasco County Emergency Management is opening the doors of Pasco Safety Town on Saturday for a free, family-oriented event aimed at helping residents prepare for storms and other emergencies.
- What: 2026 Pasco County Disaster Preparedness Expo
- When: Saturday, May 2 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Pasco Safety Town, 15362 Alric Pottberg Rd., Shady Hills
- Host: Pasco County Emergency Management
The annual expo is being held today at Pasco Safety Town in Shady Hills and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers are encouraging households across the county — from west Pasco coastal communities like Hudson and New Port Richey to inland areas such as Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, and Zephyrhills — to stop by and walk away with a clearer plan for when the next storm or emergency hits.
A Familiar Face Headlines the Weather Panel
One of the day’s featured segments is a severe weather panel discussion with Denis Phillips, Chief Meteorologist at Tampa Bay 28. Phillips is widely recognized across the Tampa Bay region for his measured, plainspoken forecasting during hurricanes and major weather events, and his appearance is expected to draw a sizable crowd.
The discussion is set to focus on the patterns shaping Florida’s severe weather and what Pasco residents should keep in mind as the 2026 hurricane season approaches.
What Residents Can Expect
The event is designed to be hands-on, with guidance for both first-time planners and those simply looking to refresh their preparedness routine. Visitors will be able to:
- Map out evacuation routes specific to their area of the county
- Sign up for the Special Needs registry for residents who may require additional assistance during an evacuation
- Get advice on protecting homes and small businesses ahead of a storm
- Build emergency “go-kits” for family members and pets
- Pick up a copy of the 2026 Pasco County Disaster Preparedness Guide
Children will have their own activities to enjoy, including a touch-a-truck display and the chance to assemble their own preparedness kits. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the day.
Pasco County stretches from the Gulf Coast to the inland communities along U.S. 301, putting residents in the path of everything from storm surge and flooding along the coast to high winds, tornadoes, and wildfire risk farther inland. With the population continuing to grow, county officials say more newcomers than ever are heading into a Florida hurricane season for the first time.
Beyond Hurricane Season
While storm preparation tends to dominate the conversation each spring, county officials note that the expo also covers wildfires, severe weather, and other emergencies that can affect the region year-round. That broader focus comes as much of the Tampa Bay area continues to navigate elevated brush fire conditions heading into the warmer months.
Pasco Safety Town is located at 15362 Alric Pottberg Rd. in Shady Hills, just off U.S. 41 in the central part of the county. Admission is open to the public.
For more local news and community updates from across Pasco County, visit www.pascocommunity.com and follow Pasco Community Website on Facebook and Instagram.
Comments
Sign inas a community member to join the conversation. It's free!
Own a local business?
Get your business in front of Wesley Chapel Community Websitereaders. Free ad design · No contracts
