Pinellas schools remain closed indefinitely due to storm

Over 90,000 Pinellas County students face an uncertain future as district officials work to navigate Hurricane Milton’s widespread impacts.

At least 80 of 128 Pinellas County Schools (PCS) lack electricity as the storm’s gusts, which topped 100 mph, decimated the local power grid. Five incurred roof and structural damage.

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick said Friday afternoon that he has yet to determine a potential reopening date. He also noted that the district is unable to feed students.

“We’re really looking forward to getting schools back in session just so children can see their friends and teachers and bring that sense of normalcy back to the community,” Hendrick said. “We’re definitely looking forward to running more school days than shelter days in the month of October, but we’re not off to a good start.”

County officials rely on schools to shelter vulnerable residents during storms. They opened 13 during Milton, with several reaching capacity.

Hendrick said five schools continue harboring displaced residents, many with special needs. He noted that the district – utilizing generators – operated shelters for eight of the past 13 days and provided education to area children for five. “That’s not typically the main thing that we do.”

Crews have conducted preliminary damage assessments. Hendrick said myriad downed trees litter school properties, and many facilities have relatively minor roof and window damage.

Five schools will require more significant repairs. Pinellas Park High School received the most extensive impacts from Milton’s winds and subsequent water intrusion.

“But the big variable, of course, is power,” Hendrick said. “Whenever that power comes back on, we’ll be ready to address critical infrastructure systems. One of the challenges is food.”

Over 60% of Pinellas County students qualify for free or reduced meals. Most of the district’s food spoiled due to a lack of electricity. “So, we need to replenish that,” Hendrick said.

Snapped utility poles line streets throughout St. Petersburg. Photo by Mark Parker.

District leadership attempted to open two comfort stations for impacted employees Friday morning. Those plans were shelved as additional facilities lost power and area roadways remained unsafe for travel.

Hendrick said a widespread fuel shortage has also impeded recovery efforts. However, like many local officials, he expressed gratitude that Pinellas did not receive another catastrophic storm surge.

Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters inundated Madeira Beach Fundamental and Gulf Beaches Elementary School. Hendrick said those facilities did not receive additional damages during Milton.

The district already faces an estimated reconstruction bill of $15 million to $20 million from Helene. Hendrick said it is too soon to discern potential recovery costs from Milton.

“Everyone is wishing us well and saying, ‘When the power comes back on, we’ll help,’” Hendrick added. “We’re all crossing our fingers that in 24 hours, a lot of this will sort of work itself out. And then get back to normal. But we have not been given any information other than what you’ve seen.”

Duke Energy announced Friday that most Pinellas customers should receive power by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. Roughly 370,000 remain without electricity.

Municipal officials have issued a boil water notice for St. Petersburg, Gulfport, South Pasadena and Lealman until Monday. Hendrick said PCS is working to stockpile bottled water.

He noted that offering virtual classes is illegal in Florida and “not an option” without an executive order. “So, we are waiting to return face to face,” Hendrick said.