Now is a good time to buy hurricane supplies. And not just because a potential storm may aim for Florida
Two-week sales tax holiday for 'disaster preparedness' items is underway.
Just in time for the possible formation of another dreaded āIā storm ā do you remember Irma and Ian ā that could aim straight for us, a two-week disaster preparedness sales tax holiday kicked off Saturday in Florida.
During the holiday, which ends Sept. 8 can buy a range of items you might need before, during and after an emergency, including batteries, soap, trash bags, cat litter and toilet paper and paper towels.
For a full list of tax-free items, click here.
As for the storm that might become Idalia, as of 8 a.m. EDT Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said there was a 70% chance that showers and thunderstorms located near the Yucatan Peninsula might develop into a tropical depression or storm within 48 hours and a 90% chance within seven days.
Before actual formation, it is difficult to forecast a possible route for the storm. However, the Hurricane Center advised interests in the Yucatan, western Cuba and Florida to monitor the system.
Online searches reveal where certain models project the storm could head but as noted on the map below, ādo not use this map to make decisions.ā
The Bradenton Journal will report ā for free ā any major updates on any tropical trouble that might affect Bradenton and Manatee County.
Marc R. Masferrer, previously a newspaper and digital editor in Bradenton for more than 16 years, was recently named a first place winner for commentary writing in the Florida Press Clubās 2022 Excellence in Journalism Competition for work published in The Bradenton Journal. You can reach him at Marc.R.Masferrer@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @mrmasferrer. You can also like The Bradenton Journal on Facebook.