Pinellas County residents who live on the barrier islands and evacuated ahead of Hurricane Helene are still waiting to assess the storm damage.

Pinellas County Officials will hold a news conference to give updates to residents on operations and information about Hurricane Helene.

Thousands of residents along the Tampa Bay area’s beachside communities were told to leave Wednesday morning as Hurricane Helene threatened potentially record-breaking surge of more than five feet. Those who defied the orders, from St. Pete Beach north to Redington Shores, told the Tampa Bay Times it’s a decision they quickly regretted.

Our coastal communities in Pinellas County got hit hard with homes and businesses taking on several feet of water. Streets turned into beaches on Madeira Beach as the sand washed over.