CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Pinellas County barrier islands are open to the public on Tuesday afternoon after access was shut down Thursday evening in preparation for Hurricane Helene.
Officials say this allows those who are providing food and other resources for victims to travel more efficiently.
Despite the reentry access being restored, there are still restrictions for people who enter the area as crews are still working to clear up debris, restore power and complete other recovery efforts. County leaders also note that certain businesses in the area are still closed due to storm damage, such as Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach.
"There's just not space for all the relief workers that need to be out here and folks who don't have a good reason to be out here," Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector said during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.
Officials announced that the Acacia Roundabout at North Beach will still be restricted to only residents, barrier island pass holders and legitimate business with residents in the area.
This is due to roads in the area being narrow, holding "mounds" of household items and garbage.
Clearwater public parking lots are currently being used as staging areas for debris and other equipment, making them unavailable.
"People should not come to look around for morbid curiosity to see what are beaches look like," Clearwater City Manager Jennifer Poirrier said. "To do so would be at the detriment of our residents and our business owners who have lost so much."
In addition, law enforcement says it is doubling down on efforts to patrol the barrier islands from looting.
"We have multiple businesses and homes that are being dried out, cleared out, and so that would give access to those that would commit crimes," City Police Chief Eric Gandy said.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office also announced Monday that at least 60 deputies are taking part in saturated overnight patrols on the gulf beaches from dusk to dawn seven days a week, with undercover vehicles and marked cruisers with lights on all night.
"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." Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said in a statement.
In a post on X, the city of Clearwater says its beach is not ready to host any visitors as there is dirty sand, debris and dead marine life in the area.
"The city of #Clearwater asks you….please do not come to the beach to galivant and satisfy any sense of curiosity. If you do, this would be at the expense of our residents and businesses that have already lost so much." the city wrote.