Roadways were heavily covered with debris after Hurricane Helene.
CLEARWATER, Fla. – Starting at 4 p.m. today, residents and business owners will be able to access Clearwater Beach, Island Estates, and Sand Key.
Beach business owners and residents are permitted to return to their properties at this time. They will need to provide proof of residency or property ownership at the police checkpoint. To ensure a smooth and efficient re-entry process, it is recommended that residents and business owners have their barrier island re-entry passes ready. If these passes are not available, re-entry might be delayed. Employees of businesses located in these areas will also be granted access with appropriate identification.
Read: Hurricane Helene Claims Nine Lives In Pinellas County
Please be aware that some areas within Clearwater Beach, Island Estates, and Sand Key might still be experiencing power outages or intermittent power. Water service is operational and safe to drink, but water pressure could be low. The stormwater system is currently operating at full capacity, so residents are asked to conserve water. This includes avoiding pool drainage, excessive laundry loads, and opting for short showers instead of baths.
It’s important to remember that the beach communities are not yet open to visitors, and Pier 60 remains closed due to storm damage. Public parking lots are also closed as they are being utilized for equipment storage, contaminated sand storage, and clean-up efforts.
Residents and business owners should exercise caution while navigating the area. There are numerous clean-up and response vehicles on the beach roadways, so it is crucial to drive carefully. Additionally, a portion of the traffic signals are not operational, and drivers should treat any intersection without power as a 4-way stop. Some roads are still impassable, and South Gulfview Boulevard is closed from Coronado to Hamden drives.
Read: Pinellas County Barrier Islands To Reopen with Restrictions
If you have general questions, you can contact the city information center at 727-562-4682 until 5 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For any storm response or damage-related questions, please reach out to the Pinellas County Citizen Information Center 24 hours a day by calling 727-464-4333.
City crews are diligently working around the clock to ensure conditions are safe for reopening. Your patience during this time is greatly appreciated.
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