Pinellas Residents Encouraged to Apply for Barrier Island Re-entry Program Before Hurricane Season

If you live or own a business on one of Pinellas County’s barrier islands, you can sign up for the Barrier Island Re-entry Program. The program is an effort to prevent looting and burglary after a large-scale mandatory evacuation and to keep trespassers from easy access to properties. This program requests residents of the barrier islands to get a free Sheriff’s Office Emergency Access Permit to re-enter an evacuated area.

What is The Barrier Island Re-entry Program?

The Barrier Island Re-entry Program is a partnership between certain Pinellas cities and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. After a hurricane, once evacuation orders are lifted, Emergency Access Permits will provide for a faster re-entry without additional proof of residency. 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.

Eleven cities and the Tierra Verde community require the Emergency Access Permit to gain access after an evacuation order has been lifted.

Pinellas County is at high risk from hurricanes because of its miles of beaches and barrier islands, low elevation, and dense population. Preparing now can save your loved ones and yourself.

Also, make sure you know your evacuation zone! Zones change periodically, so stay up to date with what zone you live in. If you are in an evacuation zone, it’s crucial to leave the area when ordered. Flooding can happen quickly and catch you off guard. Storm surges can cause devastating loss of life and property.

Click here for additional information regarding registration.

Cities/communities that require an Emergency Access Permit:

• Belleair Beach
• Belleair Shore
• Clearwater Beach
• Indian Rocks Beach
• Indian Shores
• Madeira Beach
• North Redington Beach
• Redington Beach
• Redington Shores
• St. Pete Beach
• Tierra Verde
• Treasure Island