FEMA Application Assistance available at the Belleair Beach Community Center on Friday, October 18 from 10am-4pm.
The State of Florida's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced that the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services is hosting four insurance villages in critical locations around the state impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The villages will serve as an opportunity for policyholders to meet with their insurance carriers in person and work together to file insurance claims.
Policyholders should bring as much documentation as they can, including:
- A driver’s license or other form of identification (Passport/State issued ID)
- Insurance cards and insurance policy information/documentation
- Pictures or documentation of the property being claimed as a loss resulting from Hurricane Helene
- Repair estimates
- Any additional insurance-related information that is readily accessible
NOTE: Due to space limitations, the insurance village will exclusively focus on insurance related-issues and staff from other agencies will not be present to assist with other post-storm benefits.
Each village will launch on an opening day and operate seven days a week thereafter. Every village will remain open for as long as there is demand in each location. All times eastern.
CLEARWATER - OPENS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
Long Center
1501 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
Opening Day - 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. TUESDAY 10/15
9 A.M. to 5 P.M. the following days
The community center is open to the public from 9 to 4 daily. Please visit if you need to cool off, recharge your mobile device, or have a cup of coffee or a snack to start your day.
The FEMA comfort stations will be re-opening soon. Like before, they will include 24-hour clean restrooms, hot showers, charging and cooling areas, and laundry services available to all.
Waste Pro will resume its regular operating days on Monday. The schedule follows: Monday and Thursday are for garbage collection, and Wednesday is for recycling pickup. For now, all recycling and garbage must be in the proper containers for pickup.
Home demolition waste, furniture, appliances, and yard debris will continue to be collected this weekend. Please do not place items like paint cans and toxic chemicals on the street. These items must be disposed of properly at a chemical collection site. If you have placed drywall or yard waste in bags, please empty the contents of these bags into neat piles in your yard. Contracted services will not collect bags due to the uncertainty of their contents.
Please remember that we are utilizing heavy equipment to collect disposed items. If disposed items are placed on concrete or paver driveways, there is a chance that either could be damaged during collection. To protect your driveway, place all disposed items on your lawn.
Duke is working quickly to restore power in Belleair Beach. We have not heard of an exact date and time, but linemen are working on Gulf Blvd.
While the traffic signals are out, please navigate the intersections of Gulf and Causeway the same way you would an all-way stop. Be mindful that others may try to proceed even though it may be your turn to cross the intersection. It is always better to avoid an accident.
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna’s staff will be at City Hall on Friday, October 18th, to assist with FEMA applications.
Please be advised that Donato Drive is now open to one-lane traffic. Please be sure to use caution and yield to oncoming vehicles while Pinellas County crews are repairing the damages.
The City of Belleair Beach Community Center will be open Sunday, October 13, 9am-4pm, as a cooling center and a place to recharge your devices. Some disaster recovery supplies are still available. Please take only what you need to ensure that supplies remain accessible for all.
The City of Belleair Beach Community Center will be open Saturday, October 12, 8am-3pm, as a cooling center and a place to recharge your devices. Some disaster recovery supplies are still available. Please take only what you need to ensure that supplies remain accessible for all.
As repairs from Milton are currently underway, Duke Energy's top priority is restoring power to critical services such as hospitals, water treatment plants, pump stations, and facilities providing emergency services. For more information on the restoration process, please click here.
While bridge access to Belleair Beach is open, most homes in the area remain without power. Duke Energy does not have an estimated time for when power will be restored, as crews are still assessing the damage.
To view outage maps, please visit Duke Energy Outage Map. To sign up for outage alerts, please visit Duke Energy Get Outage Alerts.
The City of Belleair Beach experienced flooding and downed tree limbs due to Hurricane Milton. Fortunately, the flooding was not as severe as with the previous event.
Access to the Pinellas County mainland and our barrier islands has been restored; however, please be aware of ongoing hazards on the roads, including downed power lines, fallen trees, and non-functional traffic lights.
The Community Center will be open Friday, October 11, 8am-5pm, as a cooling center and a place to recharge your devices. Additionally, disaster recovery supplies are still available. As a reminder, please take only what you need to ensure that supplies remain accessible for all.
Please exercise caution as you return home. Stay safe!
Effective at 10 a.m. Wednesday, 10/9, Pinellas County Utilities will restrict potable water to the barrier islands. The water is not being shut off entirely and there's not a boil water notice, but residents may notice less water coming out of their taps and there will not be enough for firefighting.
Water Conservation
With many sewage facilities offline and some municipalities proactively closing their plants, all residents are encouraged to practice water conservation.
Please continue to monitor disaster.pinellas.gov
Per the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office - Pinellas County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in Zones A, B, and C and all mobile homes county-wide. Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
Effective now through 7:00 p.m. this evening (10/8), access to the barrier islands will be restricted to only residents, business owners, and employees. A re-entry permit or other documentation will be required. Businesses should not operate but take this opportunity to prepare their property.
In addition, rideshare operators will be allowed on the barrier islands to transport people off the islands. Debris removal operators may continue their cleanup efforts on the barrier islands until it is no longer safe to do so.
Effective at 7:00 p.m. tonight, October 8, all access to the barrier islands will be closed.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will maintain a significant law enforcement presence on the barrier islands to protect residential and business owner property until it is no longer safe for first responders.
Find your evacuation zone and shelter information at disaster.pinellas.gov
At this time, please refrain from placing additional debris at the curb. Debris removal crews are still operating, but due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton, they may not be able to collect all debris before the storm makes landfall. Please continue to monitor disaster.pinellas.gov.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and private contractors have begun 24-hour operations to remove debris from the rights-of-way on the barrier islands in advance of Hurricane Milton.
The City of Belleair Beach Sandbag Station will be open Sunday, October 6, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Sandbags will be available to BELLEAIR BEACH RESIDENTS ONLY. The sandbag station is located in the parking lot of Bayside Park accessible via 9th Street. There is a 20 bag limit per address. City staff will be monitoring the site. A valid driver's license with a Belleair Beach address will be required to collect bags. Please monitor disaster.pinellas.gov for more details.
Debris Removal To Begin 10/5 - Please practice patience while trucks and debris removal crews begin to navigate our city streets this weekend. Debris removal crews are expected to begin collecting tomorrow, Saturday, October 5. If your debris is not removed and the truck passes your house, they will return at a later time. Trucks will collect debris from the same residence more than one time.
Home Repairs
Read Pinellas County's Rebuilding After a Storm webpage before beginning your repairs to ensure your house can better withstand future storms.
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. Verify contractors are licensed at contractorsearch.pcclb.com.
If you suspect unlicensed construction activity is taking place and the work is actively in progress, submit your report by completing this form or call the Pinellas County Tipline at (727) 582-6767.
Please turn off all irrigation systems immediately. Crews are currently working to clear roads and gutters in preparation for the upcoming rain event.
Running irrigation systems are causing the mud to thicken in the gutters, making it more difficult for crews to complete their work effectively.
Supplies Available at the Community Center - Thanks to the Belleair Beach Community Foundation and a generous donation, disaster recovery supplies are available for the community. Supplies are set up in the Belleair Beach Community Center and are available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and 9am-1pm on Saturday (10/5). Just a reminder to everyone to take only what they need to ensure that supplies are available for everyone.
We are grateful to Rudy Davis and Marcia Davis for providing these essential supplies.
Pinellas County Public Works completed clearing Gulf Blvd from Causeway Blvd north to the south end of the Sand Key Bridge. It is important that residents not place sand in the right-of-ways along Gulf Blvd. Residents who live along the east side Gulf Blvd can place sand in the right-of-way of the city's side streets.
- Do not put sand in your trash.
- Do not push it onto the road.
- Do not attempt to clear public roads. County Public Works department is working on an authorization from Florida Department of Environmental Protection to screen clean sand to remove debris and return it to the beach.
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).
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, impacted property owners should begin to complete the following:
- Document losses with itemized lists and photographs or videos.
- After you file your claim with your insurance company, do not initiate repairs until advised to do so. Do not discard damaged items until your
- insurance company advises you they may be disposed of.
- Clean up safely by always wearing personal protective equipment.
- Maintain receipts for all additional living expenses.
- Contact FEMA at www.fema.gov/assistance to start a claim file.
What to do with storm debris: Separating tree limbs and yard waste from household items or building debris will speed up future collection. Put the debris in separated piles on your curb without blocking the road and away from gutters and storm drains. Vegetative debris from the storm is contaminated and not for regular pickup. Storm-related debris cannot go to the county waste facility. Please practice patience as monitoring debris removal is crucial for FEMA reimbursements.
The image at the top of the page contains specific direction about how to locate the debris at the curb or roadside.
WastePro will return to their regular schedule on Monday (9/30). Please be advised this is for standard residential household waste. This is not for large bulk items such as damaged furniture and construction debris. More information is coming soon.
The city has installed a rear-entry dumpster for residents to dispose of their contaminated sandbags. Please access the dumpster via the door at the back of the dumpster. The dumpster is located in the parking lot of the Belleair Beach Marina at 3505 Gulf Blvd and will remain there for two weeks. Please load the dumpster opposite the door so the doorway remains clear.
For sandbags that have come into contact with floodwaters:
- Sandbags that have been in contact with floodwaters may be contaminated by sewage, animal waste, oil or chemicals. Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling potentially contaminated materials. Do not place used sand in or near bodies of water, playgrounds, sandboxes or other areas of direct human contact.
- Do not put sand or full sandbags in your regular trash or yard waste. Do not mix sandbags with yard debris for disposal.
Per the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office - – Effective until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the barrier islands will remain accessible only to residents, business owners, and their employees with a Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or other documentation.
To gain access to the barrier islands, citizens must provide their Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or photo ID and reasonable proof that they reside or have legitimate business on the barrier islands. Examples of this include vehicle registration, property tax or utility bill, and proof of employment (pay stub, work ID, uniform, and work orders).
In addition, licensed tow truck drivers and licensed contractors (with a visible license # displayed on their commercial vehicle), such as plumbers and electricians, will be given access.
Until the restriction is lifted at 4 p.m. on Oct. 1, individuals will not be provided access to go to vacation rentals or hotels. Individuals or organizations who want to “street feed’ will not be permitted access unless they have coordinated with Pinellas County Emergency Management.
These restrictions are in place as a result of a meeting among the Pinellas County Administrator, City Mayors, and City Managers. The decision was made in order to maintain public safety and to allow residents the opportunity to assess damages to their homes. The barrier islands are still without power and many streets are impassable due to debris and other safety hazards.
Flood Claims:
Please watch this FEMA video concerning flood claims. It is imperative that you properly document everything before you remove damaged items. FEMA’s Flood Insurance Advocate Explains Flood Claims (youtube.com)
Avoid Fire and Electric Shock Hazards:
Before stepping back inside your home, take precautions to avoid fire and electrical shock hazards:
- Turn Off Main Breaker: If standing water is present, do NOT enter! Once it’s safe, cut off power from the main breaker to prevent electrical shocks. If you're unsure, have an electrician inspect the breaker panel for moisture damage.
- Check Outlets: Water in walls and outlets can cause serious hazards. Inspect all outlets for moisture and signs of damage. Do not use any outlets until they’ve been professionally checked.
- Air Conditioners: Your A/C unit could have been submerged or damaged. Before powering it on, have a professional inspect the unit to ensure no water is trapped inside, which could lead to shorts or fires.
- Inspect Appliances: Waterlogged electronics and appliances are serious fire risks. Avoid turning them on until they’ve been inspected or dried thoroughly.
Remember: Safety first! When in doubt, consult professionals before restoring power or using electrical devices. Stay safe!
Contractors, Adjusters, and General Help with Flood Damage:
Currently, the sheriff does not allow outside help on the barrier islands. We will let you know as soon as permission is given.
Before you start cleaning out your homes, make sure you follow these steps.
- Take photos and videos of the damage in and around your home.
- Measure and photograph high water lines around your home – inside and out.
- Record Make, Model, and Serial Numbers of larger appliances, electronics, and motorized equipment.
- Collect receipts of damaged personal items.
- Take photos of items before they are hauled away.
- Keep samples of things such as flooring, carpet, and wallpaper.
- Before your adjustor arrives, create a detailed list of damaged items and any questions you may have.
- Consult your insurance company to determine what’s covered before you begin repairs.
The adjuster will inspect your property, create a loss estimate, and assist in presenting your loss to your insurance company. They will provide their official ID during their visit and will NEVER ask for a fee. Your adjustor will provide a room-by-room cost estimate for damages.
Help with Cleanup (Crisis Cleanup Hotline):
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.
Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.
https://pinellas.gov/emergency-information
Temporary Housing:
If your property was affected and you need assistance finding a place to stay, contact the County Information Center at (727) 464-4333. Public shelters are now transitioning to assist the displaced.
Helping Your Neighbors:
If you are one of the fortunate residents who have not lost everything, please assist your neighbor if possible. Hundreds of people in our city right now could use a hot meal, a cold drink, a break from the heat, a hot shower, dry clothes, or even somewhere to sleep. Belleair Beach is one of the most loving and generous communities on the beach. Together, we will get through this crisis.
Returning Home? Stay Safe!
Before stepping back inside your home, take precautions to avoid fire and electrical shock hazards:
- Turn Off Main Breaker: If standing water is present, do NOT enter! Once it’s safe, cut off power from the main breaker to prevent electrical shocks. If you're unsure, have an electrician inspect the breaker panel for moisture damage.
- Check Outlets: Water in walls and outlets can cause serious hazards. Inspect all outlets for moisture and signs of damage. Do not use any outlets until they’ve been professionally checked.
- Air Conditioners: Your A/C unit could have been submerged or damaged. Before powering it on, have a professional inspect the unit to ensure no water is trapped inside, which could lead to shorts or fires.
- Inspect Appliances: Waterlogged electronics and appliances are serious fire risks. Avoid turning them on until they’ve been inspected or dried thoroughly.
Remember: Safety first! When in doubt, consult professionals before restoring power or using electrical devices. Stay safe!
City Updates
- Belleair Beach Community Center will be open Saturday, September 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a "Cooling/Charging Station" for residents without power. Please bring your chargers.
- The Marina is closed until further notice due to significant storm damage.
- Power outages: Duke Energy reports crews are working with multiple agencies to restore power to critical services like hospitals, water treatment plants, pump stations, and facilities providing emergency services. To better understand their restoration sequence process: https://www.duke-energy.com/outages/restoring-your-power
Disaster Relief
- Pinellas County crews and city staff are assessing local damage and working with FEMA on disaster relief.
- Get updates on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by visiting disaster.pinellas.gov, Facebook @PinellasGov and X @PinellasGov; search hashtag #PCHelene.
Latest Storm Updates and Reminders
- Limit travel, if possible, as many roads have high water, storm debris and possible trees and power lines down.
- Do not wade through floodwaters, which could have live power lines, sewage, wildlife and dangerous objects.
- Use a generator safely. Keep generators in well-ventilated locations outside, away from all doors, windows and vent openings. Never use a generator in a garage, even with the door open.
- Water-damaged power outlets can cause fires. Keep your power off after home flooding until an electrician can take a look.
- If you have an electric vehicle or golf cart and it was exposed to salt water, it needs to be moved away from your home by at least 50 feet. These vehicles may catch fire in the coming days.
Additional Resources:
disaster.pinellas.gov - Pinellas County Emergency Information
Duke Energy - Contact Duke Energy to report or view current power outages in the area.
City of Belleair Beach Website - Check out our website for important updates and information.