The Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department made the following Facebook posts recently:
The Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department and Clearwater Police teamed up last week on several high-water rescue calls on Clearwater Beach and elsewhere across the city. They waded into deep flood waters to rescue people trapped in their homes. Police officers used a large city dump truck to navigate the high waters, while firefighters used inflatable boats and high-profile vehicles to help. Thank you for all that you do for the community during its time of need, no matter the risk or danger to yourselves.
From the Clearwater Police Department Facebook page:
In some places on Clearwater Beach, there is 6 feet of sand burying the road. On Memorial Causeway, two jet skis and a sea of other debris litter lanes in both directions. On other streets, there is water that is too high to safely navigate in a car. The storm surge and high winds from Hurricane Helene left the beach a mess, and city employees were hard at work at daybreak trying to make it safe to return. Mayor Bruce Rector, City Manager Jennifer Poirrier, Assistant City Manager Dan Slaughter and Police Chief Eric Gandy toured the beach to get a first-hand look at the damage. Access to the beach remains suspended at this time for all, whether or not you have a barrier island re-entry permit. It will be reopened only when it is deemed safe for everyone. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
