UPDATE FROM PINELLAS COUNTY:

Barrier Islands Open to Residents, Business Owners and Employees

Effective 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, access to all beaches and barrier islands will be open only to residents, business owners or employees with a Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit.

The north and southbound lanes of Gulf Boulevard will remain closed from 150^th Avenue (Tom Stuart Causeway) south to 140^th Avenue in Madeira Beach. Additionally, Gulf Boulevard, both north and southbound from the Park Boulevard Bridge to 196^th Avenue (Tiki Gardens County Park) in Indian Shores will also remain closed.

To gain access to the barrier islands, citizens must provide their Barrier Island Re-Entry Permit or photo ID and reasonable proof that they reside or have legitimate business on the barrier islands. Examples of this include:

• Vehicle registration
• Property tax or utility bill
• Proof of employment (pay stub, work ID, uniform)
• Work orders

If you enter the barrier islands, be advised that the power is out and traffic lights and signals are not functioning. Drive with caution and treat each intersection as a four-way stop.

Additional law enforcement resources will be patrolling all of the mandatory evacuation areas to ensure public safety and protect property during this event. This includes the Pinellas County barrier island communities.

Deputies will reevaluate any further openings tomorrow morning. We will provide updates when there are changes to the barrier island restrictions.

ALERT: Electric Vehicle and Electric Bicycle Owners

If you own an electric vehicle or lithium-powered bicycle and are currently not on the Barrier Islands, please email Nadine Esposito at nesposito@myindianshores.com, as soon as possible, to arrange plans to tow or move your E-Vehicles or E-Bikes at least 50 feet away from any structures due to potential fire risk.

Your prompt response is crucial to ensuring the safety of the area.