September 13, 2017 | 5:00 PM
Contact: Shyanne Helms, 772.467.3034
As of Wednesday evening, 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
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today announced that St. Lucie County has been designated for FEMA Individual Assistance.
St. Lucie County’s 911 Call Center has received several calls from residents seeking financial assistance and/or reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relating to costs associated with Hurricane Irma.
Residents seeking FEMA assistance should contact the federal agency directly; as local governments are not involved in the reimbursement/claims process for individuals or businesses. To see if you quality for FEMA assistance for Hurricane Irma visit: https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-irma or call 800-621-3362.
Additionally, if residents plan to hire anyone to repair home damage; replace fences or install hurricane shutters as a result of Hurricane Irma, be sure to employ a licensed and insured contractor.
FPUA Update
Electric
As of Wednesday at noon, FPUA currently has 2,267 customers without power. Line crews have restored power to 21,507 or 90% of customers that were affected by Hurricane Irma. 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. The Customer Solutions lobby will open tomorrow, Thursday, September 14, at 9 am. As we are still in the restoration phase, new service requests will not be accepted at this time. We appreciate your patience as we restore electric service to those affected by Hurricane Irma. 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.
Meetings/Events
·King Plant Redevelopment Pre-Qualification Meeting – 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
·Planning Board Meeting – Rescheduled for September 28th at 6:00 PM
·Coffee with the Mayor – Rescheduled for Friday, September 22, 2017 at 8:00 AM
·Parent Academy Lip Sync Battle at Sunrise Theatre – Postponed, date to be determined.
Property Appraiser
Property owners that have experienced flood damage to the interior of their property or substantial wind damage due to Hurricane Irma, please contact the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office at PA_RealEstate@paslc.org or 772.460.3315.
Schools
St. Lucie Public 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.
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) remains dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of students. Breakfast and lunch will be served to students (pre-K through age 18) on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15 at the following school locations: Bayshore Elementary, C.A. Moore Elementary, Northport K–8, Samuel S. Gaines K-8 Academy, St. Lucie Elementary, Village Green Elementary, Weatherbee Elementary, and Windmill Point Elementary. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and lunch will be served from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on both days.
The meals are free, and students may go to any location. They are not required to go to their home school. Students choosing to enjoy meals at any of the identified SLPS sites will report to the front office prior to each meal.
“Even in the wake of Hurricane Irma’s devastation, we want to do everything possible to meet the needs of our students,” said Superintendent of Schools E. Wayne Gent. “We are happy to provide this service to our community.”
Deborah Weust, director of Child and Nutrition Services for SLPS, explained the District exercised Governor Rick Scott’s Executive Order 17-235 in response to Hurricane Irma. This rule establishes a process for school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) to continue providing meals to children affected by disruptions in food service due to the effects of Hurricane Irma and therefore protect the welfare of Florida residents.
IRSC
Indian River State College will remain closed on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15, 2017.
St. Anastasia Catholic School and John Carroll Catholic High School
Due to internet issues, allowing enough time for evacuees to return home, the streets being deemed safe for travel, and the percentage of students and staff without power, we will reopen on Monday, September 18, 2017.
Shelter
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 on Tuesday, September 12, 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.