Pinellas County government's latest news, events, photos, video and general information. We're on the
#GulfOfMexico
and
#TampaBay
on the west coast of
#Florida
.
Anticipating possible life-threatening storm surge as Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to become a major hurricane, Pinellas County has ordered the mandatory evacuation of Zone A, including all mobile homes, effective tonight, Monday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. 1/2
The countywide ordinance takes effect Wednesday, June 24, at 5 p.m., and will remain in effect through the duration of Pinellas County’s State of Local Emergency. The Board extended that declaration through July 3 and can continue to renew it on a weekly basis. (1/2)
Uber today announced it will be offering free round-trip rides, up to $30 each way, to and from a state-approved evacuation shelter. Details here on how to redeem a free round trip, up to $30 each way, to and from a state-approved evacuation shelter*. /1
Roads are already starting to flood now, but it’s going to get MUCH WORSE LATER TODAY as storm surge levels rise. This graphic compares how high storm surge rose during Hurricane Idalia last year, which flooded 1,500 homes, and the forecasted 8-foot surge expected later today. /1
Access to the barrier islands and gulf beaches is anticipated to be cut off around 6 p.m. If your road is not flooded and it is safe to leave, NOW IS YOUR LAST CHANCE to evacuate. /1
Phillippe Park will be closed until noon today (potentially later). We spotted a black bear in the park early this morning and are working with FWC to ensure safety.
Thank you to all the Public Works employees who were part of the first push to clear Pinellas County’s roadways following Hurricane Ian! As our signal technicians work to restore normal traffic light functions, 1/2
Pinellas County park volunteers work hard to keep our beaches clean. Now, we’re making it easier by providing reusable baskets for visitors to collect trash in as they walk the beaches at Fort De Soto, Sand Key and Fred Howard parks. For more information, call 727-582-2100.
If you're out this weekend (and always) wear a mask if you can't keep six feet from people outside of your household. "The main reason we want you to wear a mask is to protect me from you and the particles in your respiratory system from getting into my respiratory system."
We've reviewed the Governor’s order and continue to follow his Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step phased plan. His order from Friday does not impact the local orders Pinellas County has, including the face covering requirement for indoor facilities and that customers be seated (1/2)
Last year, Hurricane Idalia brought 4-foot storm surge that flooded 1,500 homes in Pinellas. With 5-8 feet of surge forecast Thursday through Friday, Helene poses an even bigger threat to our coastal and low-lying neighborhoods. /1
Thanks
@tropicalupdate
for sharing this important info about emergency kits as we enter peak hurricane season. Most hurricane prep items are tax free through Sept. 6. For a full checklist, see
#GetReadyPinellas
#PCEM
Pinellas County is set to open special needs shelters & 2 general population shelters, Mon., Sept. 26 @ 6 p.m. Residents with special needs requiring shelter transportation can still sign up. Visit for shelter information.
#GetReadyPinellas
#TSIan
Pinellas County is urging residents to shelter in place by no later than 12 a.m. Wednesday. Tropical force winds are expected to arrive by early Wednesday & will create unsafe driving conditions. Learn more at
#PCian
#HurricaneIan
#GetReadyPinellas
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is restricting access to all barrier islands and closing Gulf Blvd. until further notice.
Those who leave the islands will not be allowed to return until storm impacts subside. This includes residents with a barrier island access pass. (1/3)
Today the flags are flying at half mast in honor of our fallen hero
@SheriffPinellas
Deputy Michael Magli. Please continue to keep Deputy Magli, his family, and
@SheriffPinellas
family in your thoughts and prayers.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Pinellas County. Heavy rains, coastal flooding and gusty winds are possible across Pinellas County starting late Saturday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 4. Have a plan to protect the items in your home:
1/3
Some parts of Pinellas County are inaccessible due to damage, flooding or debris blocking major roadways. Storm surge flooding combined with high tides are expected to cause more flooding throughout the day in coastal and low-lying areas. NEVER drive through standing water. 1/2
Afternoon update on Tropical Storm Helene:
Pinellas County has not yet ordered evacuations for residents, however, we have started mandatory evacuations for our long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and hospitals in Zone A. /1
With high tides still coming for many coastal and low-lying areas, it's not safe yet to travel in many parts of Pinellas. Please be patient until the all clear is announced. Dozens of local roads and bridges remain closed due to active flooding or damage. 1/2
Utilities Meter Reader Shane Wisner received department’s Gold Award for potentially lifesaving service to an elderly customer. Shane insisted on welfare check when he saw water and mold throughout the home, and the customer received the care he needed. Congrats, Shane!
Thank you to all the brave men, women and
#k9s
with
@SheriffPinellas
and all of our law enforcement partners who serve and protect Pinellas County and those around the country. We are grateful for your efforts in keeping us safe.
#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay
Evacuations for special needs registrants will begin at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25. If you have questions about the special needs evacuations, the County Information Center (CIC) is open 24 hours for preparedness questions. Call (727) 464-4333.
#PCEM
#PCHelene
(1/3)
If you are leaving a shelter today, Uber is still offering free rides, up to $30 each way from a state-approved evacuation shelter. Details here on how to redeem a free round trip, up to $30 each way from a state-approved evacuation shelter*. 1/4
Mandatory evacuations of all residents in Zone A & mobile home parks countywide begin at 7 p.m. tonight. Everyone in Zone A & all mobile home parks countywide should complete their evacuations & be in their safe place by Tuesday evening before weather conditions become hazardous.
Uber today announced it will be offering free round-trip rides, up to $35 each way, to and from a state-approved evacuation shelter. Here's how to use it:
Non-essential businesses are ordered to close storefront operations and customer foot traffic if they can't meet CDC guidelines. However, businesses may continue internal and minimum basic operations required to maintain the businesses. Businesses are still required to enforce
BEACHES: Pinellas County public beaches and public beach parking will re-open on Monday, May 4 at 7:00 a.m. Residents must follow CDC social distancing guidelines and remain at least six feet apart from anyone they do not live with, and in groups of 10 or fewer people.
Weather conditions will deteriorate quickly tonight. Don't travel while high winds and storm surge are affecting our area. First responders may not be able to immediately help once road conditions become unsafe, so stay in your safe place until the storm passes.
#PinellasIdalia
County crews and first responders are proactively conducting damage assessments and response as needed. Mandatory evacuation orders for Pinellas County lifted for all evacuation zones, mobile home communities and residential health care facilities effective 9 a.m. 1/2
Tampering with or removing manhole covers is dangerous and illegal. You may think you're helping to drain flood water, but you're really creating a hole for unsuspecting people and pets to fall into and introducing debris into the stormwater system. /1
Yesterday, our Board of County Commissioners authorized County Administrator Barry A. Burton to negotiate and contribute up to $3.5 million in County funds for the purchase of the Gladys E. Douglas property in partnership with the City of Dunedin. (1/3)
September 26, 2024 @ 3:40 PM
The Florida Highway Patrol has determined that the Howard Frankland Bridge is now CLOSED as a result of high winds and storm surge. Motorists should seek alternate travel routes and if not absolutely necessary remain off the highways.
Thank you to all the brave men, women and
#k9s
with Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and all of our law enforcement partners who serve and protect Pinellas County and those around the world. We are grateful for your efforts in keeping us safe.
#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay
Even if you are not in an ordered Evacuation Zone, your neighborhood will likely flood Thursday-Friday if you experienced high waters during recent storms like Idalia, Debby, or the heavy rains over the past month. /1
Have you ever been at a signalized intersection and wondered what those square cuts in the pavement are? They are called loop detection. There is a wire in the pavement that detects when a vehicle is waiting and communicates this to the signal. 1/2
As of 3/26/21, 146,051 people in Pinellas have completed their
#COVID19
vaccines in one or two doses, depending on
#vaccine
. When your turn comes up, protect yourself & those you love. Stay
#healthy
& stay safe!
Pinellas County residents should shelter in place. Hurricane Helene is bringing storm surge flooding, tropical storm force winds, rain, fallen trees and power lines. Conditions have rapidly deteriorated in the barrier islands and soon will expand to the rest of Zone A. (1/2)
The Fort De Soto Park flagpole stands 130 feet tall, a towering welcome for beachgoers and boaters. It's easy to spot, but not so easy to inspect. Recently, we hired a professional flagpole inspector to evaluate this Pinellas County landmark, a job not for the faint of heart. 1/2
Pinellas residents can now apply for FEMA Individual Assistance as the county was added the FL's Major Disaster Declaration today.
Visit or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Learn more:
#PinellasIdalia
#PCEM
We know everyone is asking when the bridges will be reopened. Here’s the latest:
Bridges to the barrier islands will all be reopened at the same time. We expect that to be Wed evening because clean up is continuing in some areas. 1/3
During a hurricane, don't venture outside. Emergency crews can not respond when wind speeds exceed 40 miles per hour and a hurricane is approaching. If your home is breached, shelter in an interior room, closet or hallway until the storm passes.
#PCian
#HurricaneIan
Let us remember that good days also come with bad ones. Wishing you all a day of trials that you can overcome. Take time today for yourself and your mental health.
Belleair Beach is closed until further notice due to an emergency beach erosion control project. Do not trespass through the project work zone or over the new dunes. Please visit one of our other local beaches.
Elsa has been upgraded to a Cat 1 hurricane, but its ultimate path is still uncertain. No plans at this time for evacuations or sandbags, but stay informed this weekend & solidify your emergency plan. Info on hurricane prep, including pets & special needs:
Coastal communities are reporting flooding due to
#Idalia
. Stay off the roads & avoid contact w/ flood waters if possible. Be cautious at night, when flood dangers are harder to see. Stay out of any room where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.
#PinellasIdalia
#PCEM
As the storm moves slowly across Florida, conditions in Pinellas County are expected to worsen throughout the day, even if the storm remains to the south. Our area could experience wind speeds up to 110 miles per hour, storm surge and heavy rain through Thursday morning. 1/2
The Pinellas Commission has issued a “Safer at Home directive” effective Thursday: businesses required to practice strict CDC social distancing guidelines or close & residents must limit travel outside their home to slow spread of
#COVID19
. More details to come.
There is even more of Wall Springs Park to enjoy! The Wall Springs Park Coastal Addition adds 125 extra acres to the existing 84-acre facility. The expansion adds a considerable amount natural areas & amenities, giving visitors more recreational options.
#PinellasPC
#WallSprings
Pinellas County has launched a new Tropical Storm Flooding Risk Map to show residents their flood risk from Tropical Storm Elsa. The map can be accessed via desktop or mobile applications at . Enter your address to find your flood risk.
#PCElsa
#TSElsa
Big shoutout from Pinellas County Public Works to the
@CMAquarium
Sea Turtle Nesting team (blue shirts) & St. Pete Beach Sea Turtle Trackers (green shirts) for helping us protect our loggerhead sea turtle nests during our Hurricane Idalia Emergency Beach Erosion Control Project.
It was a reely good day at Fort De Soto. In case you didn't catch the news, we reopened the Bay Pier after rebuilding it. Penny for Pinellas funds paid for it, along with money from the Federal Transit Administration. 1/2
Pinellas County will open two shelters at 9 a.m. Tuesday for residents seeking emergency shelter from Tropical Storm Elsa.
*Lealman Exchange shelter, located at 5175 45th St. N in St. Petersburg, will open for the general population, those with special needs & persons with pets
⚠ Pinellas County's Cold Night Shelters have been activated on Friday, 1/28, & Saturday, 1/29 ⚠
Saturday night will be the coldest, with an expected low of 37-degrees according to the National Weather Service. Please see below for a list of shelters.
Pinellas County's "Safer at Home" Order goes into effect at noon tomorrow to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The order requires non-essential business to follow CDC social distancing guidelines or close and also limits activities by residents outside the home. (cont.)
We're midway through the holiday season &
#Omicron
is in the news. The best protection for you & your family is getting
#vaccinated
and
#boosted
, but remember that testing is available across Pinellas County at no cost to you. Info here
Our Storm Surge Risk Tool shows potential storm surge flooding based on the
@NHC_Atlantic
forecast for Hurricane Ian. Visit to find this tool & other resources. NOTE: Model doesn't include flooding from rain or waves & isn't an evacuation map.
#PCian
Pinellas County enhanced pedestrian safety with new flashing crosswalk lights at the corner of Edgewater Drive and Main Street in Dunedin. Pedestrians can push a button to activate the lights and be more visible to drivers while safely crossing the road. 1/2
Free face mask distribution locations announced
Limited number of masks will be available on a first come, first served basis. Individuals are encouraged to call the location before heading out to verify availability. (1/3)
Hundreds of Pinellas County families have fresh food to eat after the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and community partners teamed up to give away fresh produce and groceries Friday morning at the Sunderman Complex in Palm Harbor. 1/2
#DYK
many crosswalks in Pinellas County have yellow plastic bumps at the edge that help pedestrians with visual impairments cross safely? The bumps are called truncated domes & they were invented in Japan by an inventor who wanted to protect a friend who was losing his eyesight.
Questions about Hurricane Ian? The County Information Center is open overnight for storm questions at 727-464-4333. Remember, this is NOT an emergency line. For emergencies, dial 911.
#GetReadyPinellas
#PCIan
#HurricaneIan
Due to a nationwide outage, Pinellas County Regional 9-1-1 is currently unable to receive emergency calls from Verizon users. If you are a Verizon user, please call (727) 588-4761 when in need of emergency assistance. 1/3
You may see EMS workers around the county wearing protective clothing while responding to some calls. These protective measures are in accordance with CDC guidelines designed to keep both the workers and the patients safe against respiratory infections.
#PinellasMC
#SESPinellas
(1/2) Sandbags will be available for unincorporated residents Monday, 12-6 p.m. at John Chesnut Sr. Park: 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor & Walsingham Park: 12615 102nd Ave, Seminole. Sandbags limited to 10 per vehicle. ID required.
ALERT PINELLAS: Pinellas County is included in the area that could be impacted by Tropical Depression
#10
within the next five days. Review your emergency plans and kits. Monitor forecasts as the system continues to develop at .
The Pinellas County Animal Services is resuming full dog operations today, after all dogs have recovered following treatment for canine pneumovirus.
All dog areas have been sanitized and both intake and adoptions have resumed. Adoption fees are waived until January 31st. 1/3
The order takes effect immediately, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, and includes high-rise buildings in Evacuation Zone A, which will not be a safe place to ride out the storm. You can check you zone at .
#PCEM
#PCHelene
/2
Enjoy no fees this Saturday at Pinellas County Parks. In honor of Veterans Day parking fees will be waived on Nov. 11 for all visitors to Fred Howard, Ft. De Soto, and Sand Key Parks, as well as the Madeira Beach Access and at county boat ramps.
Pinellas residents 50+ may now get vaccinated per the latest order from FL’s governor, along with health care workers & medically vulnerable people (with a doctor’s form). There are many options available: (1/3)
Remember, folks: Pinellas County Utilities delivers drinking water that exceeds federal and state standards. When you're loading up on supplies at your local grocer (not too much, please, leave some for the neighbors), you can skip the bottled water.
John Chesnut Sr. Park, is the home to a variety of wild life! Did you know that Palm Harbor park is full of wild white-tailed deer and other wildlife? What other animals have you seen in our parks? 🦌
#PCPARK
Good luck to
@RaysBaseball
on their home opener 2021! As a reminder: the Tropicana Field COVID-19 testing site remains open April 9-10, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will continue with the same hours Tues-Sat next week. Thanks for staying safe while supporting our home team!