Helene’s Aftermath In Clearwater: Bridges Closed, Solid Waste Pickup

CLEARWATER, FL — As Florida recovers from Hurricane Helene Friday, here’s the latest news and updates for Clearwater residents:

Bridges and Road Closures

The Memorial Causeway Bridge remains closed until further notice, the city said in a news release around 1 p.m. No media, residents or business owners will be granted access to the beach.

There is significant damage and debris blocking access roads. Beach re-entry passes won’t grant holders access until debris and safety checks have been done, which could take several hours.

Personnel from Clearwater Fire Station 44 on Sand Key and Station 46 on north Clearwater Beach have relocated to the mainland. City crews are only able to access very limited portions of the beach with high-water vehicles.

The Courtney Campbell Causeway is also closed in both directions.

Officials urge people to avoid driving through flood waters.

“If you don’t absolutely have to be somewhere, stay home,” the city said. “Never drive through flood waters; turn around, don't drown. If you must drive and it is safe to do so, use (the) Waze app or website for (the) latest road and bridge closure information.”

Evacuation Order

Pinellas County is still under a mandatory evacuation for residents and businesses in Evacuation Zone A and all mobile homes countywide. The order includes high-rise buildings in Zone A.

Report Storm Damage

Storm damage can be submitted through Clearwater Connect, the city's online reporting system, using the “Hurricane Helene” category or at MyClearwater.info/ReportHeleneDamage For immediate emergencies, call 911.

Water and Wastewater

While the city’s drinking water system is safe and operating properly, it shut down the reclaimed water system to help prevent its contributing to local flooding in case the pipes break, officials said. This service change is expected to last through early next week.

Residents and business owners are asked to conserve water post storm as best they can.

Citywide Closures

• City offices, marinas, libraries and recreation centers are closed Friday.
• All parks will be closed until they are inspected and confirmed to be safe for the public.
• The Clearwater Harbormaster's Office will be closed Friday and will resume normal operations Monday.
• The Harbor Marina Office and the Clearwater Fuel Dock will be closed Friday and will resume normal operations Saturday.
• Seminole Boat Ramp is closed.
• The Clearwater Airpark resumed normal operations Friday at 11:30 a.m.
• Pinellas County Schools are closed Friday.

Canceled Events

• 2024 XInsurance Clearwater Offshore Nationals, Friday through Sunday
• Clearwater Latin Jazz Festival, Friday
• Rumba en Clearwater, Saturday

Solid Waste and Recycling

The city is picking up Friday’s solid waste routes, including solid waste, recycling and yard waste. If crews are unable to get to all the Friday routes they will likely return to finish the Friday routes on Saturday. Once the solid waste crew has serviced a neighborhood, they will not be back until the next scheduled service day.

Residents should put yard waste and other storm debris at the curb and crews will begin picking up when it is safe to do so. Do not place yard waste in city-issued barrels.

Friday’s commercial routes and compactors will not be serviced Friday. If the area is safe to access, crews will service containers on Saturday.

It could take several days for crews to clear the entire city of yard debris.

Don't rake things to the curb. Loose debris and leaves must be in a bag, box or non-city-issued garbage can. Put limbs in neat piles that will be easy for our crews to pick up.

Sandbags that did not come into contact with floodwaters can be saved for future storms or spread sand on lawns or landscape beds. Don’t place full sandbags or any sand in regular trash or dump them on the beach. The sand does not burn and will not convert to energy in the county’s Waste-to-Energy Facility.

Don’t mix sandbags with yard debris. The sand is abrasive and damages equipment used to grind yard debris into mulch. Bring used sandbags separated from other waste to the Solid Waste Disposal Complex.

Storm Questions and Cleanup Hotline

The Pinellas County's Citizen Information Center is open 24 hours a day. Call 727-464-4333 for storm-related questions.

Those who need assistance with cleanup after the storm, should call 844-965-1386 to reach voluntary organizations who will help with yard or home cleanup.