Pinellas County surveys damage from Irma

CLEARWATER (FOX 13) - Agencies within Pinellas County are surveying the damage across the county following Hurricane Irma.

One of the worst amount of damage seen so far in Clearwater was at Drew Ridge Apartments, a senior living apartment complex located at 1221 Drew Street.

One of the unit’s roof was blown off and landed on at least four cars, with its black tar paper facing up at the gloomy sky. Blocks of cement were resting in empty parking spaces, as well as a large satellite dish and TV antenna.

Residents tell FOX 13 they are grateful because there were no injuries, and things can be replaced.

“I just thank the lord nobody was hurt,” said Stella Sharp, one of the residents. “That was my main concern.”

A family from Naples -- which experienced its own devastation from Hurricane Irma -- drove to the apartments on Friday. One of the family members is employed with the U.S. Coast Guard and said he came to stay with his mother-in-law, who is in her 80s, to make sure she is safe.

“We thought it was going to stay on its original track more towards the east coast, so we came here to seek refuge,” he said.

Deputies allowed access back into the county as of 9:30 a.m. on Monday. However, the barrier islands remained closed. They are reporting snapped trees, limbs and downed power lines.

A StarLite Cruises passenger vessel came loose during the storm.  The Sheriff’s Office shared video showing it bouncing against the Tierra Verde Bridge,

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 13 for the latest.