In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Pinellas County, Florida, late last week saw over 100 individuals apprehended on charges related to looting and operating as unlicensed contractors, as the community continues to recover from the devastating storm that compelled many residents to evacuate their homes.
According to local news reports and statements from Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, 45 arrests occurred on Madeira Beach, located near St. Petersburg. These individuals were charged with serious offenses, including burglary, loitering, grand theft, armed robbery, and vandalism, particularly as many homes in the area were left unoccupied by their owners prior to Hurricane Milton’s landfall on October 9.
Gualtieri revealed that a significant number of those detained were not local residents and many were thought to be undocumented immigrants. He emphasized this point during a press conference, highlighting the need for vigilance in the wake of the hurricane’s aftermath.
In a related operation, detectives conducted a three-day undercover sting that resulted in the arrest of over 60 individuals engaging in unlicensed contracting practices. These suspects misrepresented themselves as licensed contractors, offering services such as roofing, plumbing, and electrical work without the proper credentials, according to Gualtieri, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times and WUSF public radio station.
State officials have been vigilant in their warnings to Florida residents affected by the recent hurricanes, urging them to remain alert to potential looters and unlicensed repair workers attempting to exploit the situation. Sheriff Gualtieri also noted that incidents of looting and unauthorized contracting were not isolated to Pinellas County but had also been reported from other barrier islands in the region.
“Our effort to protect the community has not stopped with these hurricanes’ direct impact,” Sheriff Gualtieri stated in a statement shared online. “We are now focused on protecting our residents and our businesses who are desperate to rebuild and get on with their lives.”
Photo: Sheriff Gualtieri at the news conference. (Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office/YouTube)
### Interview with Sheriff Bob Gualtieri on Hurricane Milton and Recent Looting Arrests in Pinellas County
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sheriff Gualtieri. Can you provide us with an overview of the situation in Pinellas County following Hurricane Milton?
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** Thank you for having me. The aftermath of Hurricane Milton has been challenging for our community. Many residents were forced to evacuate their homes, which unfortunately created an opportunity for criminal activity. We have seen over 100 arrests related to looting and unlicensed contracting in the wake of the storm.
**Editor:** You mentioned that a significant portion of those arrested were not local residents. Can you elaborate on that?
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** Yes, a disturbing number of those apprehended were from outside of our community. This highlights the predatory nature of some individuals who exploit disasters like Hurricane Milton. They see vacant homes as easy targets for looting or illegal contracting, which is incredibly disheartening for our residents trying to recover.
**Editor:** What specific charges are these individuals facing?
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** The charges vary widely but include serious offenses such as burglary, lootering, grand theft, armed robbery, and vandalism. Many were apprehended in the Madeira Beach area, where the damage was significant and many houses were unoccupied, making it a prime area for these criminals.
**Editor:** Has the community responded to these issues of crime during recovery?
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** The community has been exceptional in sticking together during this tough time. We encourage local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. We also have increased patrols in affected areas to deter further criminal actions as recovery efforts continue.
**Editor:** What message do you have for residents who may feel vulnerable in the wake of the recovery process?
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** It’s important for residents to reach out to local law enforcement if they have concerns. We are here to protect them and ensure their safety. We understand that rebuilding is difficult, but working together and looking out for one another will help us recover stronger.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sheriff Gualtieri, for sharing these insights with us today. We hope for a swift recovery for all affected by Hurricane Milton.
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** Thank you.
It the vulnerability of residents during such times of crisis. Many of those arrested were believed to be undocumented immigrants, which raises additional concerns about the safety and security of our community during the recovery phase.
**Editor:** That is indeed concerning. Can you tell us more about the undercover sting operation that led to the arrests of those engaging in unlicensed contracting?
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** Absolutely. Our detectives conducted a three-day operation to identify individuals posing as licensed contractors. They offered critical services like roofing and plumbing—services that are in high demand after the storm—but they did so without proper permits or qualifications. This not only puts homeowners at risk but also jeopardizes public safety. We arrested over 60 individuals for these types of activities, and we are committed to protecting our residents from further exploitation.
**Editor:** What advice can you give to residents who are looking to rebuild their homes in the wake of Hurricane Milton?
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** My primary advice is to be vigilant and cautious. Only hire licensed and reputable contractors for any repairs or rebuilding. If someone approaches you with offers that seem too good to be true, trust your instincts and do your research. Also, report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. Our focus right now is on protecting our community as we all work to recover from this disaster.
**Editor:** Thank you for that important guidance, Sheriff. What are some next steps or ongoing efforts from your office to address these issues in Pinellas County?
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to conduct operations aimed at curbing looting and unlicensed contracting. Our deputies will remain vigilant, and we will work closely with state officials to educate the public and respond swiftly to any criminal activity that arises in the aftermath of the hurricane. We want to ensure that our residents can rebuild without fear of being taken advantage of.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sheriff Gualtieri, for your time and for sharing this critical information with us.
**Sheriff Gualtieri:** Thank you for having me. Together, we will ensure that our community rises from this challenge stronger than before.