CLEARWATER, Fla. – Clearwater Beach is currently closed to visitors as the city focuses on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. While police checkpoints have been lifted to allow traffic on and off the barrier island, officials are urging the public to stay away for now.
The beach is not in a condition to welcome visitors. The shoreline is littered with debris and dead marine life, creating an unpleasant smell. Parking lots are used as staging areas for cleanup equipment, and many roadways remain covered in sand. There is no power or restroom facilities available.
“We want to remind people that our beach is not ready to host visitors,” said Clearwater officials. “We also don’t want visitors clogging the streets and hindering recovery efforts.”
The city is asking the public to respect the closure and avoid visiting the beach out of curiosity. Recovery crews need unimpeded access to continue their work and help residents and businesses rebuild.
“Please do not come to the beach to gallivant and satisfy any sense of curiosity,” the city pleaded. “If you do, this would be at the expense of our residents and businesses that have already lost so much.”
Read: Hillsborough County Extends State Of Local Emergency In Response To Hurricane Helene
Clearwater Beach will reopen to the public once recovery efforts are further along and the beach is deemed safe and enjoyable for visitors.
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