Overview

The impact of Hurricanes Milton and Helene on Pinellas County has been significant, affecting thousands of residents, homes, and infrastructure. As the community begins to recover, updated storm debris operations, financial assistance, and multiple resources are in place to aid residents.

Damage Summary

As of the latest assessment, the cumulative damage includes:

• Total Damages: 12,649 properties affected

  • Destroyed: 286 homes

  • Major Damage: 2,129 properties

  • Minor Damage: 5,354 properties

The widespread damage has left many families displaced or requiring extensive repairs. Pinellas County is collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to expedite recovery efforts.

Storm Debris Operations Update

To speed up debris removal, the County has made adjustments to storm debris collection:

• The Keystone Road and East Lake Road drop-off site will close to residents at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, to prioritize contractor use. This change aims to cut down contractor travel time, improving street cleanup speed.

• The Clearwater drop-off site at 13600 Icot Boulevard will remain open with extended hours from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting Monday.

To stay updated on debris collection efforts, residents can visit pinellas.gov/debris.

Financial Assistance and Recovery Resources

• FEMA Assistance: Nearly 166,000 residents have applied for FEMA aid, with over $106 million in total assistance provided across both hurricanes.

  • Applications are still open through DisasterAssistance.gov or the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

• Crisis Cleanup: Over 2,400 requests for cleanup help have been received, and local volunteer organizations are actively responding. Residents needing cleanup help can contact Crisis Cleanup at (844) 965-1386 or visit crisiscleanup.org.

Multiagency Resource Centers (MARC)

Three Disaster Recovery Centers provide assistance:

• Florida Botanical Gardens (Magnolia Room)- 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo

• Enoch D. Davis Center - 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg

• Dunedin City Hall - 737 Louden Ave, Dunedin

These centers operate daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing resources and support for residents in need.

County Information Center

For additional questions, the County Information Center is available at (727) 464-4333 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Oct. 19. Residents can also use the online chat option at PinellasChat.

Editorial: Pinellas Strong – A Call to Rebuild and Support Our Community

In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, Pinellas County has endured widespread damage and heartache.

Yet, as our community faces the challenges of recovery, our resilience shines through. Local and federal resources are mobilized to provide relief and restore normalcy.

Debris removal efforts have been streamlined, and support systems for housing, financial aid, and mental health resources are in place.

While this tragedy has left thousands affected, our collective strength and the spirit of neighborly support give us hope.

As we rebuild, we urge residents to make use of available resources and check in on each other. Together, Pinellas County will rise from this stronger and more united.

For ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to follow Pinellas County Government on Facebook and Twitter or visit disaster.pinellas.gov.

Our community stands resilient, and together, we will rebuild.