The rain and winds started picking up on Clearwater Beach on Wednesday night in advance of Tropical Storm Andrea.

As the night wore on, the rains got heavier while the winds started whipping though the worst is yet to come.

At Frenchy’s, there was plenty of good food and good music, all served up with a side of good advice.

"I mean when people ask questions, I mean I let them know what I've seen in the past and what to expect when they're driving on the roads when it does start raining," said Bianca Martinez, one of the servers, who likes to make sure tourists stay informed so they can make smart decisions.

Just yards away from Frenchy’s is the Gulf of Mexico where the waters weren’t too bad yet.

People on the beach, though, were few and far between.

But now that the news is out that Andrea’s on the way, people are beginning to heed the warnings.

Lance Sturgis brought the family from Tampa late Wednesday afternoon for one last swim.

"So (we) decided to come down because we won't be able to Friday or Saturday so,” said Sturgis, standing alongside his two young children.  “And if you make a promise to a kid, you gotta keep it."

And as the rain blanketed the Bay area Wednesday afternoon, some residents in Tampa who feared flooding in their future began their storm preparations as the City of Tampa gave out free sandbags.

"Well, we heard it was going to be bad like more flooding than usual and with just regular rain, it floods near our house,” said Stephanie Diaz, who said she wasn’t about to miss out on the free sandbags. “So a little worrying, I guess."

"Usually around this type of year we like to keep the bags on handy so that if it does rain we'll have them," said Michelle Exum of Tampa, who said her daughter’s apartment floods even during typical afternoon thunderstorms.

Weather prompts graduation change

Meantime in south St. Petersburg, parents and students huddled together under umbrellas at Lakewood High School where the weather caused school officials to postpone Thursday’s graduation festivities.

Students expected to get their diplomas on the field but now, there will be two ceremonies in the school gymnasium on Friday.  One will be for the girls while the other will be for the boys.

The idea of two ceremonies based on gender isn’t going over very well with some parents.

"They've had ample time to know what the weather is going to be like,” said Anishia Grayson, a mother of one of the graduating seniors.  “This happens every year here at Lakewood.  They say tradition, but tradition has never been segregating females from males."

School officials say the change of plans is to keep everyone safe.

While back on Clearwater Beach at French’s, servers and regulars alike say they know Florida weather, all too well.

"This is just Florida, I feel like,” said Bianca Martinez while she served up some drinks.  “It kind of just does whatever."

Clearwater city officials are urging residents to use caution with the possibility of higher surf, rip tides, and coastal flooding.