City of St. Petersburg, FL

08/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/05/2024 15:43

Update #6 - Mayor Welch and City Officials Assess Storm Damage and Begin Recovery Efforts

St. Pete Update #6 - Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and City Officials Assess Storm Damage and Begin Recovery Efforts in St. Pete

Aug. 5, 2024 - Today, City of St. Petersburg crews began to assess damages and begin recovery efforts from Hurricane Debby. Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and City leaders deployed this afternoon to thank team members and finalize recovery plans.

"We are thankful that St. Pete experienced minimal impacts from this storm. However, our thoughts are with our low-lying neighbors who have been affected by flooding," said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "I'm incredibly grateful for the resilience and preparedness of our City teams. Investment in our infrastructure and workforce continues to remain a high priority for the City, so that we can be prepared for storms like Hurricane Debby. These rain and wind events are increasing in frequency and impact, often resulting in flooding and debris. We are dedicated to ensuring our city is equipped to handle such challenges efficiently and effectively."

Latest Storm / Weather Update:

  • Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning have been discontinued.

  • Tornado watch is in effect until 4 p.m. Flood watch until 8 p.m.

  • Howard Frankland Bridge - Two Northbound lanes are open

  • Skyway Bridge closed (due to winds)

City of St. Petersburg Operational Update:

  • Nearly 400 City team members have been part of damage assessment

  • City leadership has made contact with Duke Energy to get real-time updates on power outages and restoration.

  • St. Pete Fire Rescue responded to 320+ calls overnight and today.

  • FL Task Force 3 has been deployed and is on way to Levy County, which include members of St. Pete Fire Rescue.

  • St. Pete Police Department is actively monitoring all storm-related calls and working to mitigate community hazards.

Initial Damage Assessments

  • 50+ downed trees across the city

  • Currently - 14,000 power outages County wide

  • All power for traffic lights have been restored.

  • City Closures:

    • Dell Holmes splash pad and park are closed due to flooding.

    • Shore Acres Recreation Center now closed for the day (Monday) due to flooding.

    • City golf courses today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday).

    • Childs Park and North Park library closed due to power outages.

    • Sunken Gardens closed today (Monday).

What's next:

  • Damage assessments of low-lying areas will continue tomorrow (Tuesday).

  • City teams will finalize a debris plan and share with the community.

  • Recovery resources and information will be shared.

For real-time updates, please follow the City of St. Petersburg official social media channels @StPeteFL or visit www.stpete.org/hurricane for hurricane-related resources.