The West Coast of FL could face life-threatening storm surge from Hurricane Helene | Quickcast

In today’s Quickcast: As Helene intensified into a hurricane Wednesday before expected landfall in Florida on Thursday, many public buildings and offices began closing their doors to prepare for the storm. Here is what is open and closed as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida. CBS News Miami will continue updating this list of closures as the NEXT Weather team monitors the storm. Government closures According to the Florida Department of Management Services, 29 of the 61 counties placed under emergency declaration by Gov. Ron DeSantis have announced closures this week: Alachua: Wednesday through Thursday Bradford: Thursday through Friday Citrus: Wednesday through Thursday Clay: Wednesday through Friday Dixie: Thursday through Friday Duval: Thursday through Friday Franklin: Wednesday through Friday Gadsden: Wednesday through Friday Gilchrist: Wednesday through Friday Hamilton: Thursday through Friday Hernando: Wednesday through Thursday Hillsborough: Thursday through Friday Jackson: Thursday through Friday Lafayette: Thursday through Friday Lee: Thursday through Friday Leon: Wednesday through Friday Levy: Thursday through Friday Liberty: Thursday through Friday Madison: Thursday through Friday Manatee: Thursday through Friday Pasco: Thursday through Friday Pinellas: Wednesday through Thursday Putnam: Wednesday through Friday Sarasota: Wednesday through Thursday Suwannee: Thursday through Friday Taylor: Wednesday through Thursday Union: Thursday through Friday Wakulla: Wednesday through Friday Washington: Thursday through Friday Due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Helene, the City of Tampa stated all of its offices will be closed starting Thursday to allow city staff "to focus on emergency response efforts as the storm approaches." Additionally, garbage, recycling and waste collection will be suspended on Thursday for both residential and commercial properties. These closures are also expected to impact DMV services, according to the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). However, "some driver license and motor vehicle services are offered by county tax collectors or license plate agents and may not be impacted by the FLHSMV office closures," the agency noted. For information related to those instances, visit their respective websites. Road and travel closures As of Wednesday afternoon, no road or bridge closures have been announced; however, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is encouraging drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com to be on alert for potential closures and detours. Catch the Quickcast with Najahe Sherman weekdays at 4PM ET streaming on the CBS Miami app and CBSMiami.com #florida #miami #miamidade #localnews #local #community #politicalnews