Clearwater Police, Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, along with several other agencies, rescued more than 500 residents trapped by severe flooding today at The Standard, an apartment complex at 2690 Drew St. in Clearwater.
The rescue calls began coming in overnight as residents found themselves stranded by rising waters caused by Hurricane Milton. However, initial efforts were delayed as high winds prevented first responders from accessing the area. When the winds subsided just before sunrise, Clearwater police and fire crews launched rescue operations.
Photos:
The Details: Upon arrival, first responders encountered water reaching chest and neck levels in parts of the complex. Many vehicles were entirely submerged, leaving residents isolated within their homes. Recognizing the vast scale of the flooding, Clearwater’s first responders called in support from multiple agencies, including the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Crews used high-water vehicles to navigate the submerged areas and access the stranded residents. They conducted door-to-door searches to ensure no one was left behind. Evacuees were then transported to nearby shelters designated for those displaced by Hurricane Milton. While some evacuees required medical evaluations, no significant injuries were reported.
By the Numbers:
• Total Rescued: 565 people, including 449 adults and 116 children.
• Units Affected: 178 apartments.
What’s Next: As Hurricane Milton continues to affect the region, residents are urged to stay informed of further emergency notifications and avoid any areas affected by flooding.
