Drinking water supplies to the Pinellas Barrier Islands will be cut off and the area will remain closed

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. – Drinking water service to Pinellas County's barrier islands from Johns Pass to Fort DeSoto will be interrupted starting at 8 p.m. Friday night as workers begin repairs to the system.

Pinellas County officials said the drinking water station would run out of water if the supply was not interrupted.

The discontinuation of service impacts Pinellas County customers in the communities of St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde. A boil water advisory will also be issued in the area at 8 p.m.

According to Pinellas County officials, workers are trying to complete repairs to the system as quickly as possible, but a timeline is not known. They said a better estimate of the repair schedule could come Saturday.

If you are in the affected areas, Pinellas County recommends calling customer service at 727-464-4000.

While the county works on the water system, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said the barrier islands will remain closed Friday. Sheriff's deputies will also patrol the islands from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to search for looters.

The sheriff's office said buses will be available to provide free transportation to anyone still on the barrier islands beginning Friday at 6 p.m.

People wishing to leave will be dropped off by buses, where they can either receive transportation to a shelter or request an Uber ride to another location. Animals are allowed on the buses.

PCSO said space on the buses is limited, so anyone wanting to leave should only bring essentials.

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