x
Breaking News
More () »

Pinellas County reopens access to barrier islands, lifts evacuation

People are asked to use caution going home.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Access to Clearwater Beach and the Pinellas County barrier islands will reopen at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The county has lifted its mandatory evacuation order.

"Residents should exercise caution when returning home and avoid any roads that remain flooded or have other debris. Emergency crews may still be working in the area," the county said in a statement.

The previous story is below.

---

Earlier in the day, the Clearwater Police Department posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that no one is allowed on the beach even with barrier access permits.

"You can leave the beach, but you cannot get there via Memorial Causeway or Sand Key," the police department said in the post.

The closure comes after flooding in the beach area and other places in the city.

Access to all barrier islands has also been closed to all citizens, including residents as of 2 p.m. Wednesday.

The barrier islands with no access include:

  • Belleair Beach
  • Belleair Shore
  • Clearwater
  • Dunedin Causeway/ Honeymoon Island
  • Indian Rocks Beach
  • Indian Shores
  • Madeira Beach
  • North Redington Beach
  • Redington Beach
  • Redington Shores
  • St. Pete Beach
  • Tierra Verde
  • Treasure Island

Before You Leave, Check This Out