Florida Troopers Rescue Dog Tied to Fence In Rising Waters On Tampa Road

A pit bull was rescued this morning by the Florida Highway Patrol near Interstate 75 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Tampa after being found tied to a fence in rising floodwaters. Authorities are reminding the public not to leave pets behind or tie them up during storms, as such actions can be fatal. “If not for the rescue, this dog could have drowned,” officers said, urging pet owners to ensure their animals are safe during evacuations. “Animals can’t run from the storm, but humans can.” Rescue teams are currently focused on the last of the evacuations, and efforts are underway to locate where the rescued dog was taken. Officials expressed their dismay over the situation, saying, “Shame on whoever did this.” Back-to-back devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton have rocked the Florida coast. Here is a list of shelters for eight of the counties that are along the West Coast of Tampa, all of which are seeking assistance in the form of donations and volunteers.