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BCC declares State of Local Emergency for Tropical Storm Helene

Latest storm/incident developments  

  • The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners declared a State of Local Emergency for Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to become a major hurricane. Effective for seven days, the declaration gives County Administrator Barry A. Burton authority to quickly approve expenditures and issue special orders to ensure public safety. 
  • A Hurricane Watch, Storm Surge Watch and Flood Watch are in effect for Pinellas County. Significant and possibly life-threatening hurricane, storm surge flooding and flash flood conditions are possible in Pinellas County. The current forecast calls for higher storm surge than Tampa Bay has experienced in recent history, with higher storm surge impacting the county for a longer time period than during Hurricane Idalia. The biggest impacts are currently expected throughout the day on Thursday.  
  • No evacuations have been ordered as of 10:30 a.m. today, but residents are urged to continue monitoring the storm at disaster.pinellas.gov and through local news sources.   

Pinellas County response/action 

  • The County Information Center (CIC) is open 24 hours for preparedness questions. Call (727) 464-4333. Residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the CIC online chat at bit.ly/PinellasChat.  
  • Pinellas County Public Works is checking hot spots to clear vegetation or debris that could impede stormwater drainage.  
  • The County is drawing down the water level at Taylor Lake in Largo, and the Southwest Water Management District is drawing down Lake Tarpon in Palm Harbor. 
  • The campground at Fort De Soto is closed today until further notice.  
  • Flood gauges at Brooker Creek and other locations are being monitored. 
  • Road closure information will be pushed to the Waze app for real-time updates. 

Sandbag locations & information 

  • John Chesnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road S., Palm Harbor, Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to noon. Note: Chesnut Park will otherwise be closed to the public during sandbag operation hours.  
  • Pinellas and City of Clearwater: Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, 2450 Drew Street, Clearwater; Tuesday sunrise to sunset and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon. Unincorporated County and City of Clearwater residents only. 
  • Sandbags are available while supplies last; limit of 10 per vehicle. Residents are encouraged to bring a shovel.  
  • Municipal residents can check with their city/town directly for the latest sandbag site information. 
  • Sandbags are only recommended for residents who may experience flooding less than 15 inches from rain or tides. Sandbags won’t stop water completely, but they can reduce the amount of water entering your home. They will NOT protect against waves or storm surge. 

Advice & information for residents 

  • Review and finalize personal preparedness plans.