Helene has caused over $2 billion in local damage

Pinellas County officials extended a local state of emergency for seven days Tuesday morning as the area slowly recovers from what Administrator Barry Burton called the worst storm in a century.

Commissioners unanimously approved the measure amid an initial residential damage assessment topping $2 billion. Burton said “we currently know” of nine deaths in Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, and the number of storm-related fatalities could increase in the coming days.

Despite their “heroic” efforts, Burton said emergency personnel could not respond to over 4,000 calls for help during the storm. “The sheriff himself was out trying to launch boats.”

“We had a high-water vehicle that was floating away,” Burton added. “The storm surge was real, and it was life-threatening.”

The Kai Tiki beach bar in Treasure Island. Photo: Facebook.

St. Petersburg received over six feet of storm surge. Nearly eight feet of saltwater inundated some coastal communities throughout the countywide event.

Extending the emergency declaration gives Sheriff Bob Gualtieri more authority to establish protective measures as barrier islands reopen to the public at 4 p.m. today. It also allows Burton to continue procuring emergency resources.

“The recovery is just beginning,” Burton said. “This is going to take time … weeks, not days, and it’s going to require the combined efforts of so many to help our residents regain their life.”

Cathie Perkins, emergency management director, said search and rescue teams combed nearly 32,000 homes and businesses. Agencies from across the country assisted until many redeployed to North Carolina.

County 911 operators have taken 15,751 storm-related calls in five days. Burton said the daily total is typically around 1,200.

Perkins said her department completed 586 missions, “pushed up” 269 missions to state authorities and is actively working on 294. The county has provided over 15,000 meals from 15 sites, and Perkins said the World Central Kitchen has partnered with more than 100 local food trucks.

Officials have 24 available cooling stations, and Perkins noted the heat index will top 100 degrees. She then became visibly emotional.

“If you want to come and stay at one of the shelters we have open – it’s not home, but it’s got electricity, it’s got food, and it’s got people there that will give you a big hug,” Perkins said before taking a moment to collect her thoughts.

Cathie Perkins, Pinellas County’s emergency management director, became emotional after noting that many residents could simply use a hug. Screengrab.

The county has established three Points of Distribution with food, water and tarps. Those are at 4700 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach, 10451 Gulf Blvd. in Treasure Island and 540 Sands Point Drive in Tierra Verde.

Perkins called Crisis Cleanup a “tremendous group” to help remove storm-damaged belongings and debris. Residents can call 1-844-965-1386 for assistance.

The storm has affected many local government employees, and Perkins said one needed a hazardous material suit to clean her home due to growing mold. “If it’s not safe to go in your home, please don’t do it,” Perkins pleaded. “Call the crisis hotline.”

Law enforcement has already arrested people for looting homes in coastal communities. Gualtieri will deploy at least 60 uniformed and undercover officers as the beaches reopen to the public.

“Looters or anyone who comes to the barrier islands with bad intentions should know that we are out here, and we are going to put you in jail,” Gualtieri said. “This is no time or place to take advantage of people.”

Burton said areas south of John’s Pass still lack water and sewer services. Over 26,000 homes were flooded countywide, 254 are a total loss and 15,671 received “major damage.”

At least 15 pump stations and 26 traffic lights remain offline. Burton said the latter number was down from 140.

Temporary housing remains a critical issue. Burton said 38 county employees slept on a gym floor Monday night.

“I’m going to be spending some money – I’m going to be buying up blocks of rooms,” he added. “We’re asking our hotels to reserve those rooms for residents impacted by the storm. For our aid workers.”

Burton noted that 80% of Pinellas hotels are on the beaches and that those should remain off-limits to people who want to soak up the sun and “build sand castles.” Commission Chair Kathleen Peters, a barrier island resident, implored citizens to refrain from sightseeing in devasted communities.

Burton said the county has activated debris removal contractors. Those efforts could take several days, “but it’s not weeks.” However, he expressed concern with city officials, particularly those on the beaches, hesitating to utilize those crews.

“We’re actually going to send our FEMA consultant down to help them with managing those resources and activating those contracts,” Burton said. “So, whatever the municipalities need, they’ll get.”

For more emergency information, visit the website here.