Pinellas officials gives updates to residents on operations following Helene

LARGO, Fla. —Pinellas Officials will hold a news conference to give updates to residents on operations and information about Hurricane Helene.

Officials ask residents to stay off the roads while crews are working to clean up debris and sand.

Crews are still working to rescue residents who have called emergency services, with so many calls they have had to work into the day on the rescues.

“Not everyone evacuated, and unfortunately, they called for help, and we couldn’t help a lot of people who called. As those conditions got very bad last night, and it was inaccessible,” Pinellas County Sheriff, Bob Gualtieri said.

The St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport will open back up on Friday.

Pinellas County deputies got a total of 5,000 9-1-1 calls throughout the night, according to Barbara Hernandez, Director of Communications.

Pinellas County has around 140 downed traffic signals and access to barrier islands remains closed until further notice due to debris and sand.

Officials ask residents to conserve water as much as possible.

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