Florida is now three months into hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but the Tampa Bay Times began preparing long before the season started. Staff begin thinking about it early in the year — in January or February. Chris Tisch, senior editor of breaking news, criminal justice and environment who helps lead hurricane coverage for the Times, said they do take a mental break after the season is over.
“You just kind of have to, because it’s really pretty intense generally through August, September, October. And now we’re even seeing it in November more often.”
Over time, the newspaper, which is owned by Poynter, has built what amounts to a sophisticated preparation plan for the season, complete with training for the whole staff, a hurricane committee, and an annual survey that has grown in scope.
