Superintendent Kevin Hendrick and school leaders of Pinellas County discussed school operations ahead of this week following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the area.

Thousands of residents along the Tampa Bay area’s beachside communities were told to leave Wednesday morning as Hurricane Helene threatened potentially record-breaking surge of more than five feet. Those who defied the orders, from St. Pete Beach north to Redington Shores, told the Tampa Bay Times it’s a decision they quickly regretted.

"The water was coming through the vents, through the air-conditioning ducts, every which way you can imagine."

People who chose to ride out Helene along Pinellas beaches described the fear they felt as water rushed through their streets and into their homes. It could take a long time for the barrier islands to recover.

While some school districts are slated to reopen this Monday, others are still assessing damage caused by the storm.

Five people died in Pinellas County during the impact of Hurricane Helene, according to Cathie Perkins, emergency management director. It’s one of the many ways that Helene brought “life-changing impacts” as storm surge reached over 8 feet in some areas,