PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – With the 2025 hurricane season underway, Pinellas County is taking proactive steps to help residents protect their property from potential flooding. The county will hold self-serve sandbag distribution events at two county parks on Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14.
Residents can visit John Chesnut Sr. Park, located at 2200 East Lake Road S. in Palm Harbor, and Walsingham Park, at 12615 102nd Ave. in Seminole, to fill up to 10 sandbags per vehicle. The sites will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, while supplies last.
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County staff will be available to assist elderly or disabled residents with filling and loading their sandbags. While bags will be provided, residents are encouraged to bring their own shovels as a limited number will be available for public use.
Pinellas County officials are urging residents to take advantage of this pre-storm opportunity, reminding them that long lines are common when a storm is approaching. Sandbag operations cease 48 hours before a hurricane is anticipated to make landfall.
Officials also caution that sandbags are a limited solution, effective only against flooding of less than 15 inches. They point to the significant storm surge from Hurricane Helene last September, which brought more than two feet of water to many areas. Residents in flood-prone zones are encouraged to research more robust flood barrier options.
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Both John Chesnut Sr. Park and Walsingham Park will remain open for regular park activities during the sandbag distribution events. The county is not offering pre-filled sandbags at this time.
Several municipalities within Pinellas County are also providing sandbags for their residents. The City of St. Petersburg offers sandbags year-round on weekdays and the second Saturday of each month at the Pavement and Traffic Operations Building. The City of Gulfport will have a staffed distribution site at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center on Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The cities of Clearwater, Dunedin, Pinellas Park, Indian Rocks Beach, St. Pete Beach, and the Town of Belleair have announced plans to offer sandbags to their residents before a storm. Residents of these municipalities are advised to check with their local city government for specific details.
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