City Messaging:
• Please limit water usage – the sewer system is running on generators and bypass pumps.
• Keep all debris off the roads and storm drain inlets.
• Beaches remain closed to everyone at this time. The beaches are unsafe and walkovers have not been inspected.
Regular Trash & Recycling Collection (Sunset Beach Info Below)
• Regular trash and recycling collection schedules will resume Oct. 1.
• Do not place waste in recycling containers.
• Do not place construction materials (drywall, wood, concrete, ect) in trash or recycling containers.
• Notification is required to Sanitation when commercial properties come back online. Many are assumed to not require collection at this time and many commercial dumpsters are unable to be reached or rolled due to various site conditions.
• The loads are extremely heavy and staff may not get to complete a route in any given day. We ask for understanding and patience as we work through these heavy loads and long landfill lines.
Storm Debris Removal
• The Treasure Island Community Park Debris Management Site site will open Oct. 2 for use by the city’s debris removal contractor.
• Debris collection will take 6 or more months to complete.
• It may become difficult to find disposal sites as they fill up regionally.
• There is a lot of contractor and equipment competition from other storm impacted areas up to Tennessee and North Carolina.
• The contractor will only be collecting household items, such as furniture, and construction debris. The city will collect regular waste, electronics and vegetative debris. Appliances/white goods will not be collected until the end of the process.
• For the progress map posted online at MyTreasureIsland.com, a property will be considered to be “cleared” when the following is achieved (Map goes live on Oct. 3):
- All debris other than appliances/white goods is removed from the curb
- Once a property is cleared, no additional storm debris will be picked up until the rest of the city has been cleared.
SUNSET BEACH MESSAGING - City Messaging
• Plan today, it will change and we must remain flexible.
• Vehicle access remains restricted to the neighborhood due to impassable side streets and one way in and out.
• The city is working with the County to have the sand placed back on the beach. The beach has to be cleaned of all debris first and then the sand has to be screened before it can be replaced. Do not move the sand or drive over it or place anything on top of it or it will get contaminated.
•Once the sand is replaced, we can open Sunset Beach to vehicle access.
SUNSET BEACH MESSAGING - Trash/Recyling
• There will be no recycling service in Sunset Beach until further notice
• Regular household garbage (non-storm waste) will be collected on Wednesdays starting at 7 a.m. on Oct.2.
If you have sand along the front of your house:
• Please don't put waste on top of the sand. This will contaminate the sand and cause it to remain in front of your house for longer and it will not be able to go back on the beach (it will have to be disposed of).
• Do not place waste in the road or on access paths.
• Door-side trash service will be provided for those with sand piled in front of their house. Only plastic trash bags weighing less than 15 pounds will be collected at this time. Please your waste in the bags at your front door before 7 a.m. on Wednesdays and the waste will be collected.
Barrier Island Points of Distribution (PODs) for Food, Water, Tarps
Pinellas County is supporting three points of distribution (PODs) where barrier island residents affected by Hurricane Helene can receive free food, water and tarps while supplies last starting today:
- St. Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (Food, Water, and Tarps)
- Treasure Island: 10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. (Food, Water, and Tarps)
- Tierra Verde Fire Station: 540 Sands Point Drive, Tierra Verde. (Water Only)
Feeding Tampa Bay is also offering food pantries and food distribution events in Pinellas County for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Make sure contractors you hire are licensed – unlicensed or fraudulent contractors often target desperate homeowners in the aftermath of hurricanes. Learn more at pinellas.gov/choosing-a-contractor and verify contractors are licensed at contractorsearch.pcclb.com.
PERMITS: Find out what you need to obtain a permit for after a storm:
• mytreasureisland.org/residents/departments/community_improvement/index.php
• 727-547-4575 ext. 230
• permits@mytreasureisland.org
Pinellas County will be documenting flood damages to apply for potential state and federal emergency assistance. They are asking individuals and businesses to report damages to ensure all damage is accounted for.
• Residents are asked to report their flood damage at https://survey123.arcgis.com
• Businesses are asked to report damages at https://floridadisaster.biz
• Both reporting tools are available on the Ready Pinellas app. pinellas.gov/ready-pinellas/
Crisis Cleanup Assistance
Crisis Cleanup has activated the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386. This is for people who need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene and connects people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able assist with jobs such as muck-outs (cleaning up), trees, tarp, and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
