Tampa Bay Opens More Spots To Grab Free Face Masks & Here's Where You Can Get Them
Many Tampa Bay counties have now enacted face mask requirements for public indoor spaces, including Pinellas County. If you’ve been scouring Amazon to no avail, or don’t have your own sewing kit handy, there are now several places around Tampa Bay offering free face masks. It’s on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get them while you can.
The limited supply of free masks is available to all, but the official Pinellas County website encourages residents to call locations ahead of time to make sure masks are still available.
The statement adds that supplies will be replenished as often as possible, and will be available at these new locations starting July 2.
The county-wide mask ordinance for Pinellas went into effect on June 24 at 5 p.m., requiring all employees and customers in public establishments to wear masks.
The public ordinance is part of the county's efforts to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the Tampa Bay area. A recent spike in cases has even caused some restaurants to close their doors again.
While there are some exceptions, like for minors under 18 or those with health complications, hefty fines are in place for violators.
Here are the newest sites where you can find masks for free this week in Tampa Bay.
Willa Carson Health and Wellness Center
When: Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 1108 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Clearwater, FL
Dunedin Public Library
When: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 223 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL
Website
East Lake Community Library
When: Monday - Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday noon to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 4125 East Lake Rd. S., Palm Harbor, FL
Gulf Beaches Public Library
When: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 200 Municipal Dr., Madeira Beach, FL
Prayer Tower COGIC
When: Wednesday, July 8, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 1137 37th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL
Website
Additional locations offering free face masks in Pinellas include Tarpon Springs Public Library, Lealman Exchange in St. Pete, Clearwater Library Main Branch, Highpoint Neighborhood Family Center, 49th Street Neighborhood Center in Gulfport, Gulfport Casino Ballroom, among a few others.
The full list can be found on Pinellas County's official website.
Don't get caught without a mask and grab one while supplies last.