- WHERE: Port Tampa Bay - Terminal 6 - (right behind Port Tampa Bay headquarters which is located at 1101 Channelside Drive (Kennedy Blvd & Channelside Drive)
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHO: Port Tampa Bay & local agencies, area leaders
WHY: Getting ready for the upcoming hurricane season - which begins in exactly two weeks from today.

Port Tampa Bay will be hosting its annual Hurricane Preparedness Tabletop Exercise. This is one of many choreographed exercises to best prepare all Tampa Bay area agencies for all possible scenarios. As we well know, Hurricane Irma targeted the Tampa area last year, prompting significant challenges. Port Tampa Bay continued to operate at its highest level, providing fuel to the state of Florida and beyond. Port Tampa Bay, in its constant effort to improve its response, holds this drill every year.

This year, there will be a presentation by the National Weather Service in Ruskin, featuring: Hurricane Irma: Lessons Learned.

The tabletop exercise is a meeting to discuss a simulated emergency situation, (it's literally discussed on a tabletop). There is no field work. This type of low-key exercise is intended to generate and inspire feedback of hypothetical, simulated emergencies in a "no-fault" environment. Participants are encouraged to engage in conversations, challenge one another, and know it's okay to NOT have an answer to every situation presented. Ultimately, the idea is to brainstorm and contribute in a safe environment, inspiring new and different
solutions. Tabletops can be used to enhance general awareness, validate plans and procedures, rehearse concepts and tighten prevention and recovery systems. Port Tampa Bay leaders use the time to solidify its planning and execution of all scenarios, along with other agencies and local leaders.

Leaders aim to identify strengths and possible improvements in the development of an aftermath response. The exercise ends when all actions have been discussed or when the time limit is reached. Participant learning is
reinforced and feedback provided through a "hot wash" at the conclusion of the exercise.

Media interested in covering the event can show up to Terminal 6 at 9:20 a.m. Please contact PTB Director of Public Relations Samara Sodos if you intend to cover the event, so we can assist in the coordination of your coverage. Sam's cell is 813-468-9882 - email: [email protected].