Barrier Islands To Reopen To The Public: Pinellas County Sheriff

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — After Hurricane Helene devastated Pinellas County beach communities last week, the barrier islands will reopen to the public Tuesday at 4 p.m., the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post.

The barrier islands reopened only to residents, business owners and employees on Saturday afternoon.

Most of the communities are still without power, water and sewer, the sheriff’s office said.

• Related: Hurricane Helene: 128 Dead, $160B In Damage Estimated, FEMA Funding

At least 60 deputies will patrol the Gulf beaches overnight daily from dusk to dawn as the communities recover from damages caused by the powerful Category 4 storm.

“Looters or anyone who comes to the barrier islands with bad intentions should know that we are out here, and we are going to put you in jail. This is no time or place to take advantage of people. It will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.