ST PETE BEACH -- Recovery from Hurricane Helene continues in Pinellas County, as residents, contractors and county crews work to clean up debris and damage from the storm. Pinellas County estimates 364 businesses have been damaged or destroyed, resulting in $49 million worth of business damage.
Our TTWN helicopter went over the Pinellas Gulf coastline Wednesday for a view.
Storm debris cleanup has begun in some areas of the county. Kelli Levy with Pinellas County says homeowners need to separate their debris into piles. Furniture, drywall and other items destroyed or damaged by flooding should go in one pile. Yard waste from trees should form another pile. Items such as electronics should be placed into regular garbage. The rules are set by FEMA, which reimburses local governments for debris pickup.
County officials say the beaches aren't ready to handle tourists, and visitors should find other things to do, well away from the water.
Check out this album of scenes from the Pinellas beaches below:
Photo: TTWN/Phil Azoon