Fay, Fay, Go Away

The saga of Tropical Storm Fay continues.

As expected, Fay eased out over the Atlantic Ocean over Wednesday night to refuel and made a third landfall on the east coast in the area of Jacksonville and St. Augustine. At a speed of about 2 mph, the storm is expected to be near the Gulf of Mexico by early Saturday.

Hernando County falls within the general cone of her gradual northwest path and officials are expecting between three and five inches of rain locally. A flood watch was issued by the weather service Thursday that extends until this evening.

Folks who live in flood-prone areas or near small streams and creeks should be prepared to protect property and head for higher ground.

Sandbags are available at the following locations: Brooksville Fire Department, 85 Veterans Ave.; Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 3451 Shoal Line Blvd.; Spring Hill Fire Rescue Station No. 1, 1479 Parker Ave.; Ridge Manor Community Center, Cortez Blvd and Lakewood Drive (1/4 mile west of U.S. 301).

For the latest updates, visit the county's Web site at www.hernandocounty.us/eoc or call the pre-recorded information line at 352 754-4111 or 754-4083.