Pinellas Reels from Helene: Schools Adapt, Recovery Begins
Hurricane Helene struck Pinellas County hard, leaving a trail of destruction. Every building on Treasure Island now sits in 2-6 feet of water. The county faces widespread power outages, with 80,000 residents still in the dark, mostly along coastal areas.
Search and rescue teams continue their work. Over 100 crew members comb through debris, clear sand, and help restore island communities. Gulf Boulevard access remains limited, with some sections closed off entirely.
Most Pinellas schools will reopen Monday, but some face major hurdles. Gulf Beaches Elementary suffered severe damage. Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 students must relocate. Elementary kids will head to Walsingham, while middle schoolers will join Osceola Fundamental High.
This shift forces Osceola to adjust its schedule. Disston Academy students will now attend Lealman Innovation. The district offers childcare Monday and Tuesday for affected families.
Power issues persist at eight schools, down from 40 on Friday. Barrier islands remain off-limits to all but residents and business owners. Not all structures have been checked yet.
The storm’s impact reaches beyond property damage. Hundreds of school employees lost homes or face major repairs. Tragically, one staff member died during Helene’s onslaught.
FEMA steps in to help. Residents can report damage by calling 1-800-621-3362 or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. Shelters stay open for those in need.
The school district vows to support students and staff mentally. They stress the importance of community in these trying times. Despite obstacles, they aim to provide quality education.
Recovery efforts continue around the clock. Crews work tirelessly to restore power and fix infrastructure. The road ahead looks long, but Pinellas residents stand united.
