June 17, 2025

USF and Crisis Center Enhance Hurricane Preparedness

News Summary

As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, the University of South Florida (USF) and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay ramp up their preparedness initiatives to address community anxiety following last year’s hurricanes. Anticipating 13 to 19 named storms, USF is emphasizing the need for personal emergency plans and mental health support.

Tampa, Florida – The 2025 hurricane season is set to begin on June 1 and continue until November 30, prompting the University of South Florida (USF) and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to enhance their hurricane preparedness initiatives. This comes in response to heightened anxiety within the community following the destructive hurricanes of 2024.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the upcoming hurricane season is expected to witness the formation and intensification of tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean. An early outlook suggests between 13 to 19 named storms, with estimates of 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. In parallel, Colorado State University has projected 17 named storms, with 9 predicted to reach hurricane status making the 2025 season a significant one for residents and students alike.

In light of the community’s concerns, USF’s Emergency Management department, under the leadership of Grant Gundle, is actively preparing for the new season, reflecting on the lessons learned during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has reported an increase in calls related to storm-related stress, with approximately 3,500 calls associated with last year’s hurricanes; 90% of these calls were focused on providing mental health support. This increased anxiety has been noted by many students at USF, who expressed worries about the emotional toll of consecutive storms.

Students are encouraged to create personal emergency plans and stay updated with local weather alerts to ensure their safety. USF utilizes the AlertUSF system to communicate important safety information to the campus community during emergencies. Additionally, the university has maintained its StormReady certification through the National Weather Service for the 2025-26 year and has established contracts with external vendors for effective hurricane remediation.

Clara Reynolds, President and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, highlights the importance of preparedness in alleviating anticipatory anxiety, indicating that having essential comfort items ready for evacuation can help reduce stress. The significance of having an emergency kit—including important documents, supplies, and pet-specific items—is also underscored. Residents are reminded to ensure their microchip information is current and to familiarize themselves with evacuation zones, which are crucial for safety during hurricanes.

The first expected named storm of the 2025 season will be Andrea, followed by Barry, Chantal, and Dexter, the latter of which replaces Hurricane Dorian, retired after the 2019 season. The status of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently uncertain, which could impact the predictability and severity of the upcoming hurricane season. Historical data show that neutral ENSO years can lead to varied hurricane activity levels, making it essential to remain vigilant.

Community preparedness, mental health support, and awareness are vital as USF and its surrounding regions gear up for what could be a challenging hurricane season. Residents and students alike are urged to take proactive steps in preparing themselves and their families, ensuring that they are ready for whatever this hurricane season may bring.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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