The barrier islands will reopen to the public tomorrow, October 1, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents and their properties. To this end, PCSO will deploy at least sixty deputies for overnight patrols on the gulf beaches from dusk to dawn, seven days a week. These patrols will include undercover vehicles and marked cruisers with lights on throughout the night.
Despite the reopening, most of the barrier islands remain without power, water, and sewer services.
Sheriff Gualtieri issued a stern warning: “Looters or anyone who comes to the barrier islands with bad intentions should know that we are out here, and we are going to put you in jail. This is no time or place to take advantage of people. It will not be tolerated.”
Residents and visitors are urged to immediately report any suspicious or criminal activity to law enforcement.
For more information, you can view a message from Sheriff Gualtieri here.
View a message from Sheriff Gualtieri here: