With the primary threats of Hurricane Irma now past our region, Pinellas County continues response and recovery operations. Please see below for the latest updates:
Evacuation orders – The mandatory evacuation orders for levels A and B, and all mobile homes countywide, are lifted effective immediately.
Power outages – Duke Energy and other local utility companies continue to work to ensure the restoration of power services, both electric and gas, to Pinellas County residents and businesses. For information on Duke Energy’s progress addressing power outages, visit: www.duke-energy.com/outages.
Roads and bridges – All bridges across the county have been inspected for safety and reopened. Public Works crews have covered most of the County’s road network to clear debris and conduct safety assessments.
County water and sewer – Power outages have affected Pinellas County Utilities sewer pump stations. Crews continue to work to keep pump stations functioning on generator power or tanker support while waiting for power service to be fully restored. In the meantime, utility customers are reminded to not put water down the drain. Please do not run a load of laundry, run your dishwasher or flush toilets when possible. The Pinellas County Utilities potable water system is safe and there is no need to boil water.
Neighborhood debris removal – Debris contractors will begin debris collection from rights of way on Monday, giving residents returning home over the next few days enough time to collect and place their debris piles in their nearest right of way.
Intersections – Approximately 300 intersection signals throughout the county remain without power. Local law enforcement agencies are providing traffic control and the County’s Public Works department is installing temporary stop signs at various locations for traffic safety. All residents are reminded to treat all intersections without power as full 4-way stops.
Business support – The county’s Economic Development office staff will be available Wednesday, Sept. 13, for business disaster loan support to businesses that suffered physical damage from the storm. Interested businesses can call (727) 453-7200.
Shelters – A small number of evacuated residents remains in emergency shelters. The County keeps working with several agency partners to provide continued support for residents with special needs who are dependent on electrical devices.
Pets – The Animal Services department is following up with owners of pets who were transported to the Animal Shelter ahead of the storm, to make reunification arrangements.
Consumer reminders – Citizens who experienced any damage to their property as a result of Hurricane Irma can apply for federal assistance through FEMA by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Those considering hiring contractors to repair damages are advised to always verify that the contractor is licensed. For additional information on hiring contractors, visit www.pcclb.com. Remember, do not pay for work until it is fully completed to your satisfaction. For additional consumer protections available to you, visit: www.pinellascounty.org/
County facilities – County government offices will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 13, due to power outages at many county facilities. The St. Pete-Clearwater Airport has resumed normal operations. The county’s Solid Waste Department has also re-opened. County parks, preserves and Heritage Village will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 16.
The Citizen Information Center is open until 8 p.m. today and residents can call (727) 464-4333 to report issues or for more information.
Pinellas County staff will continue working around the clock with partners, including the Sheriff’s Office, fire and rescue agencies, municipalities and state and federal agencies to ensure the wellbeing of our community during recovery from the storm.