District officials announced Friday that roughly 80 Pinellas County Schools lack electricity in Hurricane Milton’s aftermath. Operations staff have conducted damage assessments and are now making repairs. Officials said determining a reopening date “is dependent on the stability of the power grid.”
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office continues using high-water rescue vehicles to transport flood victims from their inundated Tarpon Woods neighborhood to safety at the former Bank of America Building in Palm Harbor. The affected area is near East Lake Road, and floodwaters form Hurricane Milton have swamped an entire apartment complex. The agency will provide transportation daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. as needed.
Pinellas County has reopened residential storm debris drop-off sites for unincorporated areas following Hurricane Milton. The sites, located at 13600 Icot Blvd. in Clearwater and at the corner of Keystone Road and East Lake Road in East Lake, will accept debris daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. City residents should check with their municipalities for debris pickup, and the county is coordinating with HOAs for debris removal in private and gated communities.
The Tampa Bay Lightning's game against Carolina on Saturday at Amalie Arena has been postponed as the Tampa Bay region recovers from Hurricane Milton. A new date will be announced later.
TPA plans to reopen commercial and cargo flight operation at 8 A.M. this Friday. A damage assessment showed clear roadways and parking garages. The FAA reports the air traffic tower is ready for full operations. Staff will clear remaining debris and fix a few leaks in the main terminal in the next few hours.
After having to shut off potable (drinking) water due to major water main breaks from Hurricane Milton, a citywide boil water notice has been issued for all water customers in St. Petersburg, Gulfport, South Pasadena and Lealman. Bring water to a full rolling boil for one minute and allow the water to cool before using, or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or cleaning. The City will notify the public when the boil water notice is no longer in effect.
Pinellas County has lifted the mandatory evacuation order for zones A, B, C, and mobile homes ahead of Hurricane Milton. Bridges to the barrier islands have also reopened, though many areas remain without power or water, and some roads are still blocked by debris. Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to road hazards and power outages at intersections. Crews can restore services more quickly if roads remain clear. Access to Pinellas County is open, including both directions of the Howard Frankland Bridge. For updates on other bridges, visit fl511.com.
Sewer Treatment Plant Update City crews were on-site at daybreak to inspect and restore power to the Northeast and Southwest Sewer Plants. Sewer services have been fully restored in the affected areas. Trash & Recycling Trash and recycling services will not be available today as sanitation drivers have been reassigned to assist with initial cleanup efforts and clearing streets.
(6:15 AM) Pinellas County officials have closed access to the county due to hazardous conditions, including downed power lines, flooding, and debris. Deputies are urging residents to stay off the roads as safety assessments are underway. The county and barrier islands will remain closed until further notice, with updates to follow.
Late Wednesday night, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue reported a crane collapse at the 400 Central Avenue construction site and roof damage at Tropicana Field. No injuries have been reported at either location. The public is urged to shelter in place and avoid both areas until further notice.
St. Petersburg officials will shut down potable water service at midnight due to a “major” water main break. Residents and businesses citywide must boil water for drinking, cooking, and teeth brushing until further notice. City crews will begin repairs once extreme weather conditions subside. Hurricane Milton's impacts forced officials to shutter two water reclamation facilities Wednesday evening.
Pinellas County officials have announced that all residents should shelter in place. Residents are urged to stay off the roads to allow emergency responders and recovery crews to begin their work. This directive aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton.
