Nearly 90 volunteers gathered at Feeding Tampa Bay this week to assemble 3,500 hurricane resilience kits that will help families across the Tampa Bay area prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
Why it matters: Emergency officials and nonprofit leaders continue urging residents to prepare before a storm threatens. The free kits are designed to help families who may not have the resources to purchase emergency supplies on their own.
The latest:
- Volunteers with United Way Suncoast assembled 3,500 hurricane resilience kits for distribution in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
- Another 2,500 kits will be assembled for communities in Southwest Florida, bringing this year's total to 6,000 kits.
- The effort is funded through a $275,000 grant from Verizon.
What's inside the kits:
The emergency kits are packed in waterproof dry bags designed to protect important documents and electronics. They also include essential preparedness supplies such as whistles, disinfecting wipes and phone chargers.
The big picture:
The initiative comes as communities across Florida continue emphasizing hurricane preparedness following the destructive 2024 season, when Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread damage across the Tampa Bay region. Organizers say the expanded effort will help more families have essential supplies before the next storm threatens.
The number of kits being distributed has increased from approximately 300 last year to 6,000 this year, reflecting a significant expansion in disaster preparedness efforts.
Where to find the kits:
The hurricane resilience kits will be distributed through Feeding Tampa Bay and other community partners. Volunteers will also assemble an additional 2,500 kits in Sarasota, where they will be distributed through All Faiths Food Bank.
Bottom line: Thousands of Tampa Bay families will have access to free hurricane preparedness kits this season as community organizations work to help residents prepare before the next storm develops.
