Pinellas Barrier Island Residents Should Sign Up For Re-Entry Passes

PINELLAS COUNTY — With hurricane season beginning June 1, business and homeowners who live on one of Pinellas County's barrier islands are encouraged to sign up for the Barrier Island Re-entry Program.

The program was established to prevent looting and burglary after a large-scale mandatory evacuation, and to keep trespassers from easy access to properties.

This program requests residents of the barrier islands to obtain a free Sheriff's Office Emergency Access Permit to re-enter an evacuated area.

The Barrier Island Re-entry Program is a partnership between the listed cities and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Once evacuation orders are lifted, emergency access permits will provide for a faster re-entry onto the barrier islands without additional proof of residency.

After an evacuation, access will be limited based on the closest active entry point to your residence or business; or as directed by law enforcement.

Eleven cities and the Tierra Verde community require the emergency access permit to gain access after an evacuation order has been lifted.

• Belleair Beach
• Belleair Shore
• Clearwater Beach
• Indian Rocks Beach
• Indian Shores
• Madeira Beach
• North Redington Beach
• Redington Beach
• Redington Shores
• St. Pete Beach
• Tierra Verde
• Treasure Island

Pinellas County is at high risk from hurricanes due to its miles of beaches and barrier islands, low elevation and dense population. Zones change periodically, so make sure you know your evacuation zone. If you are in an evacuation zone, it's crucial to leave the area when ordered.

Flooding can happen quickly and catch you off guard. Storm surges can cause devastating loss of life and property.

For more information regarding registration, residents are asked to contact their respective municipalities or to click here.