Pinellas County leaders are reviewing a comprehensive 60-page report detailing lessons learned from the 2024 hurricane season in a push to strengthen emergency response and readiness ahead of future storms.

“What we faced last year was unprecedented,” said County Administrator Barry Burton.

The report outlines the impact of each storm, highlights successful strategies, and identifies areas in need of improvement. County officials say the storms caused widespread damage and triggered over 1,600 water rescue calls, along with thousands more for downed power lines, elevator rescues, and fires.

“We had multiple agencies respond, but many self-deployed to places like the islands. A more organized staging area would’ve allowed us to assign clearer mission tasks,” Burton explained.

Titled the 2024 Hurricane Season After Action Report and Improvement Plan, the document offers a high-level analysis of the county’s emergency response, with recommendations for better coordination, communication, and community support.

Among the suggestions: creating more immediate housing options for displaced families, developing pre-drafted templates for public alerts like boil water notices, and enforcing safety protocols—such as removing unsecured cranes ahead of storms.

“It ranges from how shelters were operated and located to how we managed our overall response,” Burton added.

More than 13,000 people sought shelter last hurricane season. The Salvation Army played a major role, distributing meals to storm victims.

“Food boxes with sandwiches, fruit, drinks, chips, cookies — and man, they were right on time. We were able to serve thousands across the area,” said Major Gary Sturdivant of the Salvation Army.

With shelters open for over 50 days, the county is considering staffing increases this year to better handle prolonged needs. Officials are also rethinking shelter capacity, especially for evacuees bringing personal belongings — a challenge that caused overcrowding last season.

“The hurricane doesn’t pick and choose who it impacts. We’re here to help everyone, no matter their background,” Sturdivant said.

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(Image credit: Pinellas County)

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