People who chose to ride out Helene along Pinellas beaches described the fear they felt as water rushed through their streets and into their homes. It could take a long time for the barrier islands to recover.

Five people died in Pinellas County during the impact of Hurricane Helene, according to Cathie Perkins, emergency management director. It’s one of the many ways that Helene brought “life-changing impacts” as storm surge reached over 8 feet in some areas,

Pinellas County Schools will be open for normal operations on Monday, September 30th, for all schools except Gulf Beaches Elementary, Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 and Disston Academy.

Officials announced on Saturday that most Pinellas County schools and offices will re-open and resume normal operations on Monday. The only ones that won’t are Gulf Beaches Elementary, Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 and Disston Academy.