September 13, 2017 | 10:00 AM
Contact: Shyanne Helms, 772.467.3034
As of Wednesday morning, here's the latest information:
Building
In the aftermath of disasters in which large numbers of buildings are damaged, there are likely to be opportunists posing as legitimate contractors willing to assist you in making needed repairs. The best way to avoid these unscrupulous or illegal operators is to ask for proof of both a current state contractor’s license and a certificate of worker’s compensation insurance.
For a list of licensed General Contractors in Fort Pierce, visit: http://cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/4146
Building Procedures after a Disaster: http://cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/4144
Building Department Special Flood Procedures: http://cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/4145
FPUA Update
Electric
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) serves 28,381 electric customers. In the hours after Hurricane Irma had moved away from Fort Pierce, 23,774 of FPUA electric customers were without power. Two days into the Hurricane Irma restoration, FPUA has restored electric service to 20,440 (86%) of those customers affected. FPUA currently has 3,334 customers without power. FPUA electric crews and mutual aid crews from Michigan will continue restoration efforts until all electric service has been restored.
An electric customer with a damaged meter can/box and/or weatherhead (a pipe above or below meter box) must have these repaired before service can be restored. CAUTION: DO NOT TOUCH ANY WIRE! The meter can/box and weatherhead are the responsibility of the property owner. If repairs are needed, a licensed electrician should be called and appropriate permits drawn and inspections made before restoration can be made.
Customer Service
FPUA Customer Service is accepting calls at 772-466-1600, extension 3900. The Customer Service drive up window located at 206 S. 6th Street will be open to accept payments from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Online payment services are available. As we focus on restoring power to our customers, the Customer Service Lobby will remain closed until further notice. Please check www.FPUA.com or www.facebook.com/teamFPUA for updates on restoration efforts as they become available.
Jetty Park
Jetty Park is closed until further notice due to the effects of Hurricane Irma.
Rescheduled Meetings
- The King Plant Redevelopment Pre-Qualification Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 13 has been rescheduled to Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 3:00 PM.
- Budget Hearing – 1st Reading of Ordinance has been rescheduled to Monday, 9/18/17 at 6:30 PM, a regular meeting
- Special FPRA Meeting - Budget Hearing has been rescheduled to Monday, 9/18/17 at 5:45 PM
- Budget Hearing – 2nd Reading of Ordinance has been rescheduled to Monday, 9/25/17 at 5:05 PM, a special meeting
Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools and District Offices will remain closed on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15, 2017. Afterschool and athletic activities are also suspended.
Indian River State College will remain closed on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15, 2017.
Shelters
An emergency shelter at the Percy Peek Gym, 2902 Avenue D in Fort Pierce is now open for residents effected by Hurricane Irma thanks to assistance from the American Red Cross, the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County. Individuals should bring items needed for comfort, including: blankets, linens, non-perishable food for individual preference or dietary needs. Medications in prescription bottles, medical supplies, medical equipment. Personal items; important papers, glasses, hygiene articles, clothing, flashlight, quiet games i.e cards, books.
State of Emergency
At the Special Commission Meeting tonight the City Commission extended the Declaration of Local Emergency through September 20 to continue providing enhanced emergency response to our community.
Trash Collection
Normal household garbage and recycling collection will take place on the resident’s next scheduled day. Residents with yard waste and storm debris should separate material in two piles along the right of way, not in the road. Please take care not to block access to fire hydrants and utility boxes. Avoid placing debris under low hanging wires.
Traffic Lights
There are still traffic lights out throughout the City of Fort Pierce. Treat any intersection with inoperable traffic lights like a 4-way stop. Same for any intersection without stop signs. See St. Lucie County’s list of road closures as of 1:30 PM: http://stlucieco.gov/home/showdocument?id=5988