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Pinellas County Lifts Hurricane Milton Evacuation Order, Urges Caution on Roads Amid Cleanup

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Published on October 10, 2024
Pinellas County Lifts Hurricane Milton Evacuation Order, Urges Caution on Roads Amid CleanupSource: Wikipedia/Joseph Gage, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After Hurricane Milton passed, Pinellas County lifted the mandatory evacuation order for zones A, B, C, and mobile homes, allowing residents to return home. However, officials urge people to avoid unnecessary travel to help emergency crews clear the roads more efficiently, as extra traffic can hinder their efforts.

Despite the reopening of bridges to the barrier islands, including those at Howard Frankland and Gandy. Many intersections remain powerless, and debris still obstructs various routes, confirming the need to avoid the urge to immediately traverse the roads. According to a release from Pinellas County, "Crews can clear roads and restore utility services sooner if they can move about freely."

The Sunshine Skyway is open in both directions, and the Courtney Campbell Causeway is allowing eastbound travel. Residents can check the latest travel conditions at fl511.com. While reopening these key roads is a positive step toward normalcy, it also highlights the storm's impact and the ongoing recovery efforts needed in the community.

Emergency services and utility companies are working diligently to restore essential services. The county recommends that residents stay informed through local updates and maintain a safety-first approach.

Tampa-Crime & Emergencies