Law enforcement escorted people out of the barrier islands due to dangerous conditions following Hurricane Helene. Pinellas County Officials said barrier islands will remain closed.

Pinellas County residents who live on the barrier islands and evacuated ahead of Hurricane Helene are still waiting to assess the storm damage.

Pinellas County Deputies and work crews are cleaning up the barrier islands. Photos shared by PCSO show the sand and debris in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This is Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores.

Thousands of residents along the Tampa Bay area’s beachside communities were told to leave Wednesday morning as Hurricane Helene threatened potentially record-breaking surge of more than five feet. Those who defied the orders, from St. Pete Beach north to Redington Shores, told the Tampa Bay Times it’s a decision they quickly regretted.

The Barrier Islands in Pinellas County remain closed today. Deputies and work crews continue to clean up debris and assess the area for hazards and will be reevaluated tomorrow. Deputies will continue to patrol for looters on the barrier islands from 7:00 p.

Due to the severe impact of Hurricane Helene, Pinellas County Utilities has issued a boil water notice for all residents on the southern barrier islands from John's Pass to Fort De Soto Park. This includes St.