Pinellas Sheriff’s teams rescue 33 people in high water
November 12, 2020 - The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office high water rescue teams helped 33 people after Tropical Storm Eta brought high sustained winds, high tides and flooding throughout the county. No injuries were reported to either civilians or sheriff's deputies, a news release said. The rescue team used humvees, flat bottom boats, and inflatable boats to rescue people from homes and roadways while the sheriff's office dive team assisted in several rescues from vehicle-inaccessible areas. Most of the rescues occurred in the area from Pass-a-Grille in south St. Pete Beach north to Madeira Beach. Rescued people were taken to area hotels or other shelters. Deputies worked overnight with Pinellas County highway crews to clear roadways and as of early Thursday reported no road closures.