Several counties in the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Santa Rosa, Manatee, and Escambia, have opened free sandbag distribution locations to help residents prepare for anticipated heavy rains and potential flooding. Hillsborough County initially planned to operate four sandbag sites on July 16 and 17 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., requiring residents to bring identification. However, due to improved weather forecasts, the distribution was closed early on July 17, with sandbags remaining available until 7 p.m. on July 16. Concurrently, Hillsborough County crews are working six days a week to enhance stormwater drainage systems. Additionally, Hillsborough County commissioners are scheduled to vote on a plan to allocate over $700 million in federal aid for hurricane recovery efforts following recent storms.