PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2024) — Pinellas County Utilities will restrict potable water service on the barrier islands, from Sand Key south to Fort De Soto, starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, due to the impending threat of Hurricane Milton. Residents in the affected areas should expect extremely low water pressure after this time.
This news follows the full closure of the barrier islands scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 8, as authorities urge any remaining residents to evacuate immediately for their safety.
The water restriction is intended to protect critical infrastructure and ease the strain on both the water and wastewater systems, especially as repairs continue on county substations damaged by Hurricane Helene. This limitation will also impact fire lines, meaning fire rescue crews will not have access to hydrants in case of a fire. As a precaution, evacuees are advised to turn off the power to their homes before leaving to minimize the risk of electrical fires caused by potential flooding.
Pinellas County Utilities will keep residents informed about water and sewer service updates before, during, and after the storm through email and text alerts sent to account holders.
For more information, residents can contact Pinellas County Utilities’ Customer Service at (727) 464-4000 or visit disaster.pinellas.gov for the latest updates on storm preparedness and recovery efforts.