TAMPA, Fla. - Bay Area counties have started Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Here's what you need to know for each county.
Citrus County
Citrus County opened a Disaster Recovery Shelter on Saturday morning. The shelter is located at the Citrus Springs Community Center, 1570 West Citrus Springs Blvd, Citrus Springs, Florida 34434.
Citrus County schools plan on resuming school on Monday, September 30. Some schools were significantly damaged. For more information on those schools, click here.
For more information on county resources, click here.
Hardee County
Hardee County experienced minimal damage from Hurricane Helene, according to Hardee County Emergency Management.
Hardee County schools reopened on Friday.
Hernando County
Debris removal pick up for areas affected by Hurricane Helene began on Saturday. Some Hernando County parks remain closed due to damage from the storm.
For more information, click here.
READ: Many Bay Area residents still without power after Hurricane Helene
Highlands County
Highlands County experienced minimal damage from Hurricane Helene.
All schools and district offices in Highlands County opened for normal operations on Friday, September 27.
For the latest updates, click here.
Hillsborough County
Curbside solid waster collection for trash, recycling, and yard waste resumed as normal on Saturday. Hillsborough County is urging residents to report storm damage on their property by visitingHCFL.gov/DamageAssessment.
Hillsborough County Public Schools will reopen all schools on Monday, September 30.
For more information, click here.
READ: South Hillsborough County wastewater pumping system fully operational
Manatee County
There is still no power or water and the roads still have standing water and debris in Manatee County on Saturday.
Manatee County Utilities crews say they are actively restoring water service to Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key. Manatee Co. Utilities issued a boil water advisory for Anna Maria Island residents for drinking water only on Saturday. Bottled water is available at GT Bray Park.
The School District of Manatee County says all schools will return to normal operations on Monday except for Anna Maria Elementary. According to officials, Anna Maria Elementary will not be able to have classes on its campus until conditions improve. The district has made arrangements for Stewart Elementary in northwest Bradenton to host students and staff from Anna Maria Elementary.
For more information on Manatee County updates, click here.
Pasco County
Floodwaters west of U.S. 19 have receded, and clean-up is underway in Pasco County. Evacuation orders are still in effect for Zone A - but only for areas west of U.S. 19. Evacuation orders for Zones B and C have been lifted.
Pasco County Government offices will reopen on Monday. Hudson Library will be closed until further notice as the building is being used for storm recovery. Some parks are also closed due to storm debris.
The following Comfort Stations offering food, water and other amenities will open Sunday, Sept. 29, at 8 a.m.:
- Hudson Library | 8012 Library Rd.
- Hudson J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex | 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd.
- Holiday New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center | 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey
Pasco County schools will reopen on Monday, Sept. 30.
For more information, click here.
READ: Hurricane Helene devastates Pasco residents still cleaning up one year after Idalia
Pinellas County
The Pinellas County mandatory evacuation order has been lifted.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office announced the reopening of the barrier islands effective at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Access to barrier islands is only open to residents, business owners or employees with a Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or photo ID and reasonable proof that they reside or have legitimate business on the barrier islands.
Pinellas County has also opened cooling stations in areas where residents are still without power. These stations will provide a place for residents to cool off and charge their phones.
Pinellas County schools will be open for normal operations on Monday, September 30, for all schools except Gulf Beaches Elementary, Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 and Disston Academy.
For more information, click here.
Polk County
Polk County avoided much of Helene's wrath. "We were blessed," said Paul Womble, Polk County’s Emergency Management director. "We were ready to respond, but the storm mostly spared Polk County."
PCPS schools and offices will resume normal operations on Monday, Sept. 30.
For more information, click here.
Sarasota County
Sarasota County Emergency Management officials say there was an estimated $49 million in residential damages in unincorporated areas of Sarasota County. Officials noted that the number could increase since this estimate was only after one day of assessments in areas that were accessible.
Sarasota County Schools (SCS) announced all traditional public schools and facilities have been cleared, and will open on Monday, Sept. 30.
For more information, click here.
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