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Severe storm damage in Pinellas County
FOX 13’s Craig Patrick has the latest on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Pinellas County.
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. - Pinellas County residents who live on the barrier islands and evacuated ahead of Hurricane Helene are still waiting to assess the storm damage.
Barrier Islands closed
All barrier islands from the Dunedin Causeway through Tierra Verde remained closed as of 11:30 a.m. on Friday.
Officials say restricted access will be restored once law enforcement determines it is safe for residents to return.
Pinellas County also said potable water services will be shut off at 8 p.m. Friday for emergency repairs in barrier island communities from Johns Pass to Fort De Soto Park. This is due to extensive damage from Hurricane Helene.
The restrictions specifically affect St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde customers. Officials said residents and businesses will be without potable water until those repairs are made.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said there will also be one-time transportation off the Barrier Islands with multiple designated routes in the south, mid and north portions of the county. Anyone with questions can call (727) 464-4333. See the list of locations and times below:
South County:
- Stop 1: 6-6:10 p.m. – Dolphin VIllage at Gulf Boulevard
- Stop 2: 6:30-6:40 p.m. – 1007th and Gulf Boulevard
- Drop off locations Pasadena Avenue and Central Avenue – Walgreens
Mid County:
- Stop 1: 6-6:10 p.m. – Park Boulevard and Gulf Boulevard
- Stop 2: 6:30-6:40 p.m. – 174th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard
- Stop 3: 7-7:10 p.m. – 150th Avenue nd Gulf Boulevard
- Drop off location: Publix at 674 150th Avenue (Duhme Road)
North County:
- Stop 1: 6-6:10 p.m. – Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach
- Stop 2: 6:30-6:40 p.m. – Bellair Beach Causeway and Gulf Boulevard
- Stop 3: 7-7:10 p.m. – 5th Avenue (Walsingham Road) and Gulf Boulevard
- Drop off location: Publix at 12022 Indian Rocks Road
Barrier Islands damage
Crews are working to assess the area, clean up, and determine when it will be safe to return.
In video posted online by the city of Treasure Island, crews in construction vehicles were seen plowing water off sand-covered roads.
Video showed large boats smashed into homes along Treasure Island.
A little further north, sand was piled along roads in Indian Rocks Beach.
Indian Rocks Beach damage. Credit: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
On Madeira Beach, officials found debris, displaced cars and burst pipes, According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Madeira Beach was almost ‘unrecognizable.’
FOX 13's Kailey Tracy says the beaches on the barrier islands look like a war zone.
She says everything from baby strollers to patio furniture to toilets has washed up on the sands.
Iconic restaurants like Woody's, the Toasted Monkey and Caddy's were severely damaged.
Barrier Islands rescues
The barrier islands were under a mandatory evacuation, but some people decided to shelter in place.
Another photo online, shows first responders walking through sand, helping a woman get to safety on Treasure Island.
Credit: City of Treasure Island
Cleanup hotline
A cleanup hotline has been activated. Anyone in need of help is asked to call 844-965-1386.
Volunteers will help for free and the hotline is open through October 11.
Officials say residents should take pictures of any and all damage for insurance purposes.
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