Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has described the conditions along Gulf Boulevard as resembling a 'war zone' following the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The 15-mile-long road that runs the length of the county's barrier islands has been severely affected by the storm.
Sheriff Gualtieri expressed astonishment at the unprecedented surge experienced by Pinellas County, stating that the areas of Gulf Boulevard have never looked as they do now. He emphasized that the roadway is currently impassible and dangerous for travel.
Although much of the water has dissipated, the sheriff reported that approximately 12 to 15 areas in the county remain barricaded due to water still being present on the roadway. Barrier island roads in the county have become impassable, with sand mounds resembling 'snowbanks' blocking the way.
Gualtieri highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the sand accumulation on the roads is so high that the ground is no longer visible. He compared the piles of sand to those that would require a large plow to clear, with some reaching heights of four to five feet.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left a significant impact on Pinellas County, with Gulf Boulevard and other areas facing challenges in terms of accessibility and safety. The sheriff's assessment of the situation underscores the need for extensive cleanup and recovery efforts to restore normalcy to the affected areas.
