Sheriff’s Office To Saturate Barrier Islands For Looters
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) will remain committed to keeping the residents and their property safe. PCSO will have saturated overnight patrols with at least sixty deputies on the gulf beaches from dusk to dawn seven days a week. Deputies will be in undercover vehicles as well as marked cruisers with lights on all night.
Most of the barrier islands are still out of power, water, and sewer.
“Looters or anyone who comes to the barrier islands with bad intentions should know that we are out here, and we are going to put you in jail. This is no time or place to take advantage of people. It will not be tolerated.” Sheriff Gualtieri.
If you see any suspicious or criminal activity, please contact law enforcement immediately.
View a message from Sheriff Gualtieri here.
Message from Alert Pinellas and Pinellas County Government
Points of Distribution for Free Food, Water, and Tarps
Five distribution sites are operating in the county for free food, water, and tarps for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene (St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Tierra Verde, Redington Shores, and St. Petersburg).
- St. Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (Food, water, and tarps)
- Treasure Island: 10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island (Food, water, and tarps)
- Tierra Verde Fire Station: 540 Sands Point Drive, Tierra Verde (Water only)
- Redington Shores: 18200 Gulf Boulevard (Food, water, and tarps)
- Lake Vista Park: 401 62nd Ave S, St Petersburg (Food and water)
A Family Resource Center is also now open for various supplies is now open in St. Petersburg (6690 Crosswinds Dr. N.).
Cooling Centers Remain Open
Various cooling stations are available in areas where residents remain without power following Hurricane Helene. These stations will provide a place for residents to cool off and charge their phones. Locations open can be found at pinellas.gov/news/cooling-stations-open-around-county/.
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 toll-free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opening Tomorrow (10/02)
A FEMA Disaster Recover Center will open tomorrow (10/02) at the (Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo) to provide residents with various disaster related resources/info. FEMA assistance remains available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. FEMA may be able to help homeowners and renters with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Low Interest Loans
The US Small Business Administration is offering low interest Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans. Residents and businesses can visit www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply, and can contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.
Donation Collection Sites
Collection sites around Pinellas County are accepting donations for those affected by Hurricane Helene. These locations are for donation drop-offs only, unless otherwise specified by the location’s agency. The locations can be found here: pinellas.gov/news/hurricane-helene-donation-collection-sites-open/.
Get updates on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by visiting disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov and @PinellasEM, search hashtag #PCHelene. The County Information Center remains open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the County Information Center via online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.