Pinellas Death Toll Increases To 9, Names Of 8 Victims Released

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Among the 11 confirmed deaths in Florida related to Hurricane Helene, nine of those victims drowned in their homes in a mandatory evacuation area in Pinellas County, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.

In an update Saturday, the sheriff increased the county's death toll from five to nine storm victims. He released the names of eight of the victims and the circumstances around their deaths.

The name of the ninth victim — who drowned in his home on Indian Rocks Beach — will be released once his relatives have been notified.

The eight storm victims who died in mandatory evacuation Zone A are:

Donna Fagersten, 66, of 326 Windrush Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach

Fagersten was located in several inches of water inside her residence. It was apparent that water entered the residence and Fagersten appeared to have drowned.

Patricia Mikos, 80, of 1100 Curlew Road, Lot 213, Dunedin

Mikos was in her residence when water rushed inside, and a possible electrical fire started. The Dunedin Fire Department attempted to get to the residence, but could not because of the rising water. Once the water receded, Mikos was found dead in the residence, covered by a large amount of debris.

Aiden Bowles, 71, of 121 12th Ave., Unit B, Indian Rocks Beach

Bowles was found in a bedroom in his residence. He appeared to have drowned from the rising water that entered the residence.

Marjorie Havard, 79, of 265 40th Ave., St. Pete Beach

Havard was found inside the residence surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence, and she appeared to have drowned.

Francis Wright, 71, of 15473 First St. East, Madeira Beach

Wright was found on the floor of the residence surrounded by debris. It was apparent he drowned after water entered the residence.

Jerome Waite, 89, 9101 Oak Street NE, St. Petersburg

Waite was located in his garage surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and he appeared to have drowned.

James Thompson, 55, of 155 175th Terrace Drive, Unit B, Redington Shores

Thompson was found in his residence in several inches of water, surrounded by debris. It was apparent water entered the residence and Thompson appeared to have drowned.

Rachel Burch, 37, of 7801 West Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island

Detectives say it was apparent water entered the residence, and Burch was found dead inside.

These storm-related deaths will be investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Indian Shores Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Treasure Island Police Department.