Hurricane Helene Post-Storm FAQs

Last week, Hurricane Helene passed through our beloved St. Pete-Clearwater region, leaving behind significant impacts, particularly to our beachfront. While many parts of our destination have bounced back quickly, some areas, especially the barrier islands and beaches, need more time to fully recover. However, through it all, our community's spirit remains strong, and we are committed to restoring our slice of paradise. We are Still Shining.

Much of our destination has returned to normal business operations. Residents and visitors can still enjoy many of the amazing art and cultural experiences, wonderful restaurants and nature excursions in our area. As each day passes, we expect to be able to share more of our destination as recovery efforts progress. For visitors planning to come to St. Pete-Clearwater soon, we encourage you to check with your accommodations and local businesses for the most up-to-date information. 

Both Tampa Bay International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport are fully operational, and all bridges and roadways are open. 

Updated Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 1 p.m.

Note: We will update this page as recovery efforts progress.

Will I be able to come on the vacation I've planned to St. Pete-Clearwater?

St. Pete downtown businesses and attractions were largely unaffected by Hurricane Helene. Central Avenue, Fourth Street and other business corridors are open and ready to welcome you. The St. Pete Pier, our museums and Sunken Gardens are open. City parks and recreational facilities are open, with the exception of some city-run boat ramps and docks.

If you're traveling in the near future, and have planned to stay in one of our beach communities, you should contact your hotel to check their most up-to-date information on availability. Also be aware that while some local restaurants and other businesses will be open, others will be working through their recovery and re-opening process. In addition, cleanup or other recovery efforts may still be taking place on our beaches. 

Are all bridges and roadways in St. Pete-Clearwater open?

All bridges and roadways are open and accessible. The bridges to our barrier islands re-opened at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

However, local officials ask that those who don't have a reason to be on our barrier islands to please stay away at this time so that recovery efforts may be completed. We understand that many are curious and concerned about our beaches, but we want to keep roadways clear for recovery crews, business owners and residents for the short-term.

Are the beaches open after Hurricane Helene?

Currently, there are no universal restrictions on beach access in our barrier island communities. However, cleanup is still ongoing, and some beaches, including Fort De Soto Park, Sand Key Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, and Caladesi Island State Park, remain closed. We recommend staying off our beaches until they can be assessed for safety reasons.

What is the status of communities in St. Pete-Clearwater?

St. Petersburg:

Most hotels and restaurants in St. Petersburg are open. Hotels along Central Avenue and nearby attractions are fully operational. While some residential communities in St. Pete experienced flooding, most local businesses were not affected. You will find that hotels, museums, restaurants, shops and other businesses are open and welcoming visitors and residents in St. Pete. 

Clearwater and Clearwater Beach:

Many hotels and other businesses in Clearwater Beach experienced flooding and wind damage, although to a lesser degree than our more southern beaches in Pinellas County. 

Visitors who have vacations planned will want to check with their hotel or accommodations to confirm their status. Some local restaurants and shops are closed at this time. However, as each day passes, we expect to be able to share that more of our businesses are ready to welcome visitors.

Hotels including AC Hotel, JW Marriott, Sheraton Sand Key, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Courtyard by Marriot Clearwater Beach, Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Karol, Holiday Inn St. Pete North/Clearwater, Homewood Suites by Hilton, La Quinta Inn & Suites are open. Area restaurants are also beginning to open back up as quickly as possible.

Just across from Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is temporarily closed. All animals are safe and being cared for. The attraction will keep the public informed when it knows more about a re-opening date. .

St. Pete Beach & Pass-a-Grille Beach:

Many hotels and restaurants in this area remain closed due to significant storm damage. Once access to the community is restored, visitors who have vacations planned will want to check with their hotel or accommodations to confirm their status. Many local restaurants and shops are closed at this time, though not all.

The Sirata Beach Resort has announced that will accept walk-in reservations through Sunday, October 6, for displaced local residents, first responders and licensed contractors only. Harry's Bar at the resort is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The resort is planning to be open and selling reservations beginning Monday, October 7. 

Treasure Island & Madeira Beach:

John's Pass Village experienced extensive damage during the storm, as Madeira Beach and Treasure Island were hard hit by storm surge and wind. Businesses there and along the boardwalk are currently working to recover and will need some time before they welcome visitors.

Visitors who have vacations planned will want to check with their hotel or accommodations to confirm their status. Many local restaurants and shops are closed at this time, though not all.

Gulfport:

There was significant flooding in Gulfport's downtown with its shops and restaurants, as well as in some residential areas. At this time, the local businesses that are open, such as restaurants, are primarily focused on assisting local residents. 

We recommend reaching out directly to your accommodations or local restaurants to confirm their current status before traveling. 

Tarpon Springs:

The famous Sponge Docks were affected by the storm, with damage to the docks; several nearby restaurants and shops are closed at this time. However, some of the local restaurants are open and welcoming diners. The Sponge Exchange is open. Sunset Beach is expected to reopen on October 7.  

Dunedin:

Many merchants and restaurants in downtown Dunedin are open for business. 

Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island state parks are closed. In addition, several local parks and playgrounds are closed. The Dunedin Marina and boat ramp is closed until further notice.

Safety Harbor: 

The iconic Safety Harbor Resort & Spa is open and welcoming guests. Many local shops and restaurants are open. Safety Harbor Waterfront Park will be closed for several weeks.

How can I help in the recovery efforts?

Now more than ever, local businesses need your support. Please shop local, and be patient and kind when visiting our communities.

If you wish to volunteer, you can connect with organizations such as Volunteer Florida and donate money or volunteer time to World Central Kitchens which is deploying food trucks throughout our communities. Find more options for donating or volunteering. 

Is the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport operational?

Yes, both St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa Bay International Airport are fully operational and ready to welcome visitors. 

Please check back for more updates as the recovery process continues. We are working hard to ensure that every corner of St. Pete-Clearwater is once again ready to welcome you to America's Best Beaches. Until then, we are Still Shining! Follow Visit St. Pete-Clearwater on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.