Pinellas Sheriff Rescues 33 People During Tropical Storm Eta

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — While residents hunkered down to await the passage of Tropical Storm Eta Wednesday night, Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies were dodging waves and flying tree limbs as Eta brought high damage from sustained winds, storm surge and flooding throughout the county but especially in Gulf beach communities.

The sheriff’s office deployed high water rescue teams throughout the county that used boats and high-water vehicles to rescue 33 people from homes and roadways.

The Sheriff’s Office dive team assisted in several rescues from flooded areas that were inaccessible to vehicles. Deputies also used Humvees, flat-bottom boats and inflatable boats to rescue residents.

Most of the rescues occurred in the flood-prone area from Pass-a-Grille in south St. Pete Beach north to Madeira Beach. Those rescued were taken to area hotels or shelters.

No injuries were reported during the rescues.

Deputies also worked overnight to make sure the roads were safe and used chainsaws and other hurricane response equipment to remove fallen trees and branches from the roads. The sheriff's office is continuing to work with county road crews to further clear the roads.