Pinellas barrier islands will re-open Tuesday

All the sand and debris deposited on Gulf Boulevard by Hurricane Helene has been cleared away, Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins said Monday, although the barrier islands are still open only to residents, businesses or licensed contractors with work orders.

Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach and the county’s northern barrier islands will re-open to the public at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Because of the ongoing presence of cleanup, restoration and construction crews, she suggested visitors stay away from beach communities for a few more days.

During a media briefing, Perkins said the full measure of Helene’s devastation is not yet known.

Pass-a-Grille Sept. 27, in the immediate wake of Hurricane Helene. Photo by Lisa Marone.

“We really have to have a comprehensive assessment of the damages as we continue to look for what programs of federal aid we might be eligible for,” she said. “So please, report your damages for your homes, your businesses, and if you see damages to roads or infrastructure, please report that to us.”

The barrier islands remain under a boil water notice.

All aid information is online at Disaster.pinellas.gov.

More than 13,000 people have applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 800-621-3362 FEMA or disasaterassistance.gov, since the Helene aid portal opened Sunday.

“FEMA’s not going to make you whole from this disaster; it can help offset some of the costs that your insurance might cover,” Perkins said. “And for those of you who are not insured, it will also help provide some assistance to you.”

Barrier island residents can receive free food, water and tarps, while supplies last, at these distribution sites: St. Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Blvd.; Treasure Island: 10451 Gulf Blvd.; Tierra Verde Fire Station: 540 Sands Point Drive (water only). Or call 727-464-4333.

As county, city and FEMA agents move through neighborhoods, Perkins warned, scammers might attempt to take advantage of residents’ suffering. Always ask for and inspect their credentials.

According to Assistant County Administrator Tom Almonte, as of Monday morning 21,000 county homes had been assessed, with 239 identified as destroyed, 13,000 as suffering major damage, and more than 5,000 with minor damage.

The hope, he said, is to complete all the damage assessment today; the county’s next step is to thoroughly inspect all substantial damage.