Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, along with officials from beach communities, has unveiled the new Barrier Island Re-Entry Program. The program was established in an effort to prevent looting and burglary after a large-scale mandatory evacuation and to keep trespassers from easy access to property.

PINELLAS COUNTY – In an effort to prevent looting and burglary and to keep residential and business properties as safe as possible following a large-scale mandatory evacuation, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has created the Barrier Island Re-Entry Program.

The Barrier Island Re-Entry Program is a partnership between 11 cities, Tierra Verde and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office under which free emergency access permits will be provided to all businesses and residents of the barrier islands. Once evacuation orders are lifted, emergency access permits will be required to re-enter an evacuated area. There are nine points of entry into the barrier islands. After an evacuation, access will be limited based on the closest active entry point to your residence or business; or as directed by law enforcement.

Effective immediately, home and business owners are asked to contact their local government to obtain their free permit. Proof of ownership must be provided to obtain permits and registration must be done in person. A total of two permits will be issued per household; businesses may require additional permits and will be handled on a case by case basis by the issuing cities. Home and business owners are encouraged to provide their tenants with the permits for their use in the event of an emergency evacuation.

When an order is lifted, law enforcement posted at the various access points will scan the permit to verify permit validity prior to granting access; as well as to record entry and exit.

“I am pleased to announce the official launch of the Barrier Island Re-Entry Program and to set in motion, along with our partners, a plan that strives to the best of our ability, to protect the property of Pinellas County residents during an emergency situation,” Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.

The municipalities and communities that will require the emergency access permit: Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Clearwater, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde and Treasure Island. Registration for the program is effective immediately via the participating cities/communities.

For additional information regarding registration, residents are asked to contact their respective municipalities; or to visit pcsoweb.com. Gualtieri’s press conference announcing the program can be viewed here: youtube/C0-FGekEwog.

Pinellas County Sheriff | Bob Gualtieri | Pinellas Beaches | Hurricane

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