Good morning to everyone!

 

Well, we at least made it through storm!   I know there has been damage sustained throughout the county, but we were all extremely lucky to have NOT taken a direct hit from Helene.   If you sustained damage, I am so very sorry but I am glad you are able to read this.    It is going to take time, patience, and people working together and eventually homes will be repaired, things replaced, and life will return to a new normal.    We will get through this!

 

If you are signed up for alerts, you should have received a notification this morning to remain where you are located until instructed otherwise due to dangerous situations.  Some road conditions are still very dangerous in places throughout the County.  If you don’t need to go out this morning, please remain where you are for a bit.  Crews are out assessing the damage and clearing roads.  The Sheriff’s office has established a unified command to coordinate and continue search and recover efforts as well as working with Duke Energy, FDOT, municipalities, subcontractors, and county crews as they work to remove sand and debris from the roadways.  Please don’t impede this process by going out if you don’t have a valid reason.  

 

Traffic

 

There are still power outages. Some Traffic lights and intersections are not functioning.  Please remember:

 

Flashing Yellow Traffic Signal – Proceed with caution, your direction has the right of away.

 

Flashing Red Traffic Signal – Yield and once it is clear, proceed.  Your direction does NOT have right of way

 

Traffic signal complete out – Treat as an ALL-WAY STOP

 

 

Airports

 

St. Pete Clearwater Airport is still closed.   Tampa International Airport is open and operational.  Passengers with flights out of Tampa should check with the airlines for schedules.

 

 

Duke Energy

 

Power outages are at approx. 40% of customer base is experiencing power outages.  Duke is working to get power restores as soon as they can.  If you have not reported the outage you may want to go online or call the outage line to make sure it has been reported.

 

 

County Office & Parks

 

County offices are closed today.  Pinellas County Parks remain closed until crews are able to complete assessment and remove debris.

 

 

Solid Waste

 

Solid Waste is currently closed to citizens today.  It is only open today to haulers and municipalities only. Solid Waste will open as soon as operationally able.

 

 

After the Storm

 

I have attached a checklist I downloaded from the American Red Cross website that I thought might be helpful for those who may have sustained damage as they work their way after the storm.  I would also suggest you make sure you have a current copy of all your insurance policies and have thoroughly reviewed them.  Also, I would highly recommend you contact your insurance agent to find out exactly what you should be documenting and direction.  I would highly suggest taking pictures and videos of EVERYTHING inside and out before you begin any clean-up. 

 

Please keep referring to www.disaster.pinellas.gov for additional updates as information is available.  I don’t know much I can assist going forward, but please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will try my best to do whatever I can to assist.

 

 

 

Stacy O’Donnell Executive Aide, Commissioner Dave Eggers Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 sodonnell@pinellas.gov Office (727) 464-3276