Pinellas’ barrier islands and beaches reopened Tuesday. What comes after Helene?

Pinellas County’s barrier islands, flooded by Hurricane Helene, will finally reopen to the public Tuesday at 4 p.m. As the cleanup begins, there are a few things to know before you head out.

In recent days, access to the islands has been limited to residents, businesses, licensed contractors and tow trucks with work orders. Beaches reopened Tuesday, but Pinellas officials are urging people to stay away if they can.

“If you really don’t need to be out there, then please don’t go out there,” Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins said during a county news conference Monday morning.

The focus remains on assessing and reporting damage and repairing defective water pipes.

All sections of Gulf Boulevard are now open, but driving with caution is recommended. More than 100 utility workers and crews are working to repair broken pipes and pump stations in St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde. Residents remain subject to a boil water requirement and should use bottled water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.

As of midday Monday, 23,457 residential properties had been assessed by the county – 248 had been destroyed; 13,874 suffered serious damage and extensive repairs were required to make the house habitable again. 5,714 have minor damage, such as minor flooding; and 3,621 others have cosmetic damage.

Nearly 13,000 Pinellas residents have already applied for FEMA assistance since opening Sunday.

“Apply and find out what you are eligible for. FEMA will not heal you from this disaster,” Perkins said. “It can help offset some of the costs that your insurance may not cover. And for those of you who don’t have insurance, it’s also helpful to provide assistance.”

World Central Kitchen has partnered with about 100 local food trucks, and Operation BBQ Relief is also operating locally. The City of St. Petersburg and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority are offering free rides through Sunday, October 13th.

Garbage collection will take place soon; Check your city’s website for specific instructions. In the meantime, the county wants residents with sand on their property to take a close look before dumping anything near the water.

“I know you want our beaches back, but we don’t want to put dirty sand out there,” Perkins said. “So if the sand has stains, odor or debris, you can’t put it back on the dune plants (and) turtle nests.”

She urged people who need help to get in touch. Additional resources are in preparation.

How to Get Help in Pinellas County

If you need helpCall the County Information Center at 727-464-4333 or use live chat at disaster.pinellas.gov.

In need? Trained counselors are available to speak to you via the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990. The line is open 24 hours a day and offers multilingual options. Text “talkwithus” to 66746 (use “hablanos” for Spanish). Deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers can text through their preferred relay provider or call the helpline at 800-985-5590.

Apply for individual help through FEMA, call 800-621-3362.

To find a pantry or to participate in a food distribution event, visit Feedingtampabay.org or text FTBFYI to 833-530-3663.

How to find a cooling station You can find this list in your area.

If you need help finding temporary accommodation, Contact the County Information Center at 727-464-4333 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m

For help cleaning up, Call the Hurricane Crisis Clean Up Hotline at 844-965-1386.

Do you see anything that feels like a scam? Here is a guide to avoid scams. Call Consumer Protection at 727-464-6200.

Do you need supplies? Visit a county distribution center open Mondays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

• St Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Food, water and tarpaulins available.
• Treasure Island: 10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. Food, water and tarpaulins available.
• Tierra Verde Fire Station: 540 Sands Point Drive, Tierra Verde. Only water is available.

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