October 5, 2024 from Patrick Heinzen

Pinellas County’s barrier islands and beaches continue to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Gabber Newspaper has compiled a beach information guide for residents in need.

Pinellas County utilities have lifted the boil water advisory for the southern barrier islands. These include St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde. The district is asking residents to continue to reduce water use and limit the discharge of wastewater into sewers.

Expedited approval for St. Pete Beach

The City of St. Pete Beach’s Community Development Department (CDD) is working to make permitting easier for residents who need to make repairs. The CDD provides expedited permitting, increased service hours for mobile permitting, and increased enforcement to answer questions.

Residents can visit the city’s permit desk at 155 Corey Ave. Visit Monday to Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. A mobile permit technician is available daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The city’s emergency permit deadline is March 29, 2025. City staff will prioritize demolition, roof, windows/doors, garage doors, electrical repairs and water heater repairs. To learn more, visit stpetebeach.org.

St. Pete Beach Helene updates

The city will conduct trash pickup from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Garbage collection is a slow process and can take a long time, the city said in a press release. In addition, city staff are working with the county to remove sand debris from the island and resurface beaches.

Mayor Adrian Petrila commented on the city’s efforts in a press release.

“Recovery from Hurricane Helene is our city’s top priority. We are committed to supporting our residents and businesses during this challenging time. “Our debris collection and sand removal efforts are just the beginning of our comprehensive cleanup plan,” Petrila said.

Treasure Island updates

Treasure Island warned against price gouging during the storm recovery in a news release. Florida state law prohibits excessive price increases for essential goods such as gas, food and water during a state of emergency.

Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it at myfloridagal.com or call 866-966-7226.

Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene cleanup hotline. Anyone needing help with the Hurricane Helene cleanup can call 844-965-1386 to speak with local volunteers and relief organizations. The Services are free but not guaranteed. The hotline is available until October 11th.

Madeira Beach updates

The City of Madeira Beach continues to ask for donations of supplies, including cleaning supplies, flashlights and batteries. Donation locations include the Marina (503 150th Ave.) and City Hall (300 Municipal Dr.).

Building permit fees are waived. Residents can initiate the approval process at mgoconnect.org. To speak with staff and answer questions, email [email protected] or [email protected].

We are the calm during the storm. No hype, just help!

bookmark The Gabber Newspaper Storm cover Page for quick access to relevant tropical storm updates. No hype, no guessing, just updates on shelters, sandbags and closures. And Sign up for text alerts to get real-time guidance and advice on how to prepare if a named storm is heading our way. Also check out downtown Gulfport, the marina and the beach Webcams.

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