Pinellas County Rescue Group Forms In Wake Of 2 Hurricanes

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — In the wake of Hurricane Helene at the end of September, a group of Pinellas County boating enthusiasts quickly came together via a new Facebook group to rescue those trapped on the ravaged barrier islands and to bring needed supplies to the hard-hit beach communities.

By the time Hurricane Milton hit the area less than two weeks later as a Category 3 storm, the group was ready to jump in to help those in need.

Initially called “Need Rescue Pinellas - Helene,” the Facebook group has been rebranded as “Rescue Pinellas.” The group is also working to create a nonprofit organization under the name, all while working hard to assist Pinellas County residents with their needs following the back-to-back hurricanes.

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“We are a strong community, we have proven that with the hands of our many volunteers,” the group’s founder, Jenn Greacen, told Patch. “But now, we realize we can only do so much without the financial assistance. We need to be able to be proactive in procuring the items needed.”

So far, the group has raised $1,550 of a $100,000 goal through an online fundraiser.

It’s also hosting a hurricane relief fundraising concert at Dunedin Brewery on Sunday at 2 p.m. It will feature the School of Rock house band and donations aren’t required, but they’re appreciated.

Money raised through all initiatives will be used to reimburse the boat captains who paid for fuel out of their own pockets while making trips to the Pinellas beaches after Helene, as well as to fund future Rescue Pinellas projects.

Each day, the group’s priorities shift as they assess the requests that come in.

“It changes every day,” Greacen said.

Requests on Monday alone include those from a family of six who lost their home in the hurricane and are seeking a FEMA-approved hotel with vacancies, a disabled woman on oxygen who doesn’t drive seeking food assistance, and a barrier island resident seeking assistance removing their belongings.

Greacen also said that thinking long-term the group is looking for a large box truck or old school bus. Much of their work involves moving supplies from place to place.

“Rescue Pinellas isn’t going away. We have a ton of supplies and we need to organize these things better,” she said.

She’s proud of the work the group has accomplished in a short period and knows they’re far from done.

“This community will never quit. We aren’t just saying we are Pinellas Strong, we are proving it every second of every day” in recent weeks, Greacen said. “Unfortunately, we don’t see an opportunity to come up for air anytime soon. Adding requests for financial assistance to allow us to purchase the necessary items needed and fund relief will give our volunteers the breathing room we absolutely need.”