5 found dead in Pinellas County after Hurricane Helene: officials

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Five people were found dead after Hurricane Helene struck Pinellas County on Thursday.

“Sadly, five lives were lost overnight,” Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins said in a news conference.

Two deaths occurred on Treasure Island, two in Indian Rocks Beach and one in Dunedin. They were found by search and rescue crews on Friday morning.

Officials said two deaths are believed to have been drownings. The other three are under investigation.

“It’s hard, but we will continue to recover as a community,” Perkins said. “And we will do everything in our power to continue restoration efforts for our residents.”

Search and rescue crews are still working to check on homes and residents. Perkins urged residents to be patient as teams go through the community.

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