Pinellas County residents, mark your calendars: a series of government office closures are coming up this holiday season. According to the official county website, Pinellas County Government offices will shut their doors early at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, extending through Wednesday, Dec. 25, to observe Christmas. This hiatus will include the gamut of administrative functions from the Board of County Commissioners to the offices of the Clerk, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections. Pinellas County stated, "This includes departments under the Board of County Commissioners, Clerk’s Office, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections."

For those aiming to enjoy the county's outdoor offerings, the festive season brings a mixed bag. Various parks and associated facilities will also pause operations; the Parks administrative office, Heritage Village, and Education Centers are all on the shutdown list. In the wake of recent storm havoc, certain popular beach access points have been temporarily shuttered. Notably, Fred Howard Park causeway and beach area along with Indian Rocks Beach Access and Madeira Beach Access are currently closed for repair.

However, there's some good news for outdoor enthusiasts seeking respite amidst the holiday hustle. Fort De Soto Park, a local favorite, has welcomed back campers in Area 3 after the restoration of its electric service, and its East Beach is again accessible to visitors. Indian Shores (Tiki Gardens) Beach Access and Sand Key Park are slated to greet the public once more today. Lake Seminole Park is expected to follow suit, preparing for a reopening on Saturday, Dec. 28, just in time for end-of-year celebrations.

These updates come in response to current conditions and the ongoing recovery efforts. Pinellas County residents and visitors looking for further information on specific park reopenings can refer to the county's news site which states, "Sand Key Park: Scheduled to reopen onSaturday, Dec. 21." As holiday plans take shape, locals and tourists alike are encouraged to check the latest status reports to ensure their destinations are open and operational.