Barrier Islands Hurricane Preparedness Summit

Disaster preparedness has always been essential for St. Pete/Clearwater beach residents and businesses. To help the community better prepare for Hurricane Season, Pinellas County Emergency Management and beach community partners present the annual Barrier Islands Hurricane Preparedness Summit 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday May 19.

The summit will be a hybrid event, with the option of participating in person at Madeira Beach City Hall, or virtually via Zoom. Registration is required to attend the live and virtual event.

Moderated by St. Pete Beach Mayor Alan Johnson, president of the Barrier Islands Governmental Council (BIG-C), the panelists will discuss personal and home preparation, evacuation procedures, shelter options, special needs, and insurance considerations for the residents of the barrier islands, as well as the responsibilities before, during and after a storm. This webinar will address the unique considerations of Pinellas County beach residents, from Clearwater Beach to Tierra Verde.

Pinellas County Emergency Management encourages the barrier island communities to “Pledge to Plan” in 2021 and will provide the information and resources needed to create, or update, disaster plans for the 2021 storm season.

Summit panelists include representatives from Pinellas County Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, Local Law Enforcement, Local Fire Rescue, Public Works and the insurance industry.

In addition, local subject matter experts and personnel from the various beach municipalities will be on hand to answer questions.