Tropical Storm Ian, Advisory 4 Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Contact: Joe Sweat, Communications Specialist
772.467.3031 | jsweat@cityoffortpierce.com
Website: www.cityoffortpierce.com
Hurricane Ian has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm. As of 5:00 AM, Ian was located 40 miles SE of Orlando, with sustained winds of 65 mph and traveling NE at 8 miles per hour. Overnight, our area experienced sustained winds of 40 + mph and gusts over 60 mph. No major damage or flooding has been reported in Fort Pierce.
The Treasure Coast is still under a Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch. Today, sustained winds of 25-35 mph with stronger gusts can be expected to continue before diminishing tonight.
The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority reported power outages that have affected 12.5% of their customers, mainly along the Avenue D, Okeechobee Road, and Delaware Avenue corridors. Numerous traffic lights are out at this time and motorists are advised to use caution when approaching intersections without power. The Fort Pierce Police Department and Fort Pierce Public Works are working diligently to keep traffic safely moving until power can be restored.
• FPUA Outage Map at this link: https://arcg.is/04f1ry
• To report an FPUA power outage, call 772-466-1600 ext. 3900
• FPL's Power Tracker - enter a street address, city, or ZIP code to view outage and restoration information. https://www.fplmaps.com/
• To report FPL Power Outage: https://www.fpl.com/my-account/web-outage.html
Solid Waste & Storm Debris Cleanup Update
The City of Fort Pierce’s priority is public safety. Public Works takes weather events seriously and are ready to start cleanup efforts as soon as possible following extreme weather events. The City of Fort Pierce Public Work Department asks residents for their cooperation with response and cleanup efforts.
Residents are asked to follow these steps in assisting with debris collection:
Please visit the city’s website at www.cityoffortpierce.com for the latest updates and news regarding cleanup efforts and waste collection.
Residents who have storm debris involving trees, limbs, and branches are advised to gather and place them neatly at the curb when weather permits. For efficiency purposes, please group the debris in bundles no longer than five feet in width.
For Your Safety and the Safety of Others:
• Do not place storm debris in roadways or block sidewalks.
• Do not mix bulk and brush debris piles.
• City workers will not go onto private property to remove trees, limbs/branches, or other storm debris. Property owners should contact a private tree removal company for help if they cannot remove trees and associated debris.
• Do not place storm debris in open channels of water as this can block pipes and culverts.
The City is asking residents to be patient with the cleanup schedule. Collecting storm debris after a weather event will take several days and could last as long as several weeks. Debris pickup is a team effort, and your cooperation is appreciated to ensure the cleanup is as fast and efficient as possible.
For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 772.467.3794 or visit www.cityoffortpierce.com
The shelter at Fort Pierce Central High School was relocated to the General Population/Pet-Friendly Shelter located at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy (1801 Panther Lane, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34947) due to low turnout. The Special Needs Shelter (Havert L. Fenn, 2000 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34982) remains open at this time.
• FPUA Customer Service Lobby is closed to the public today, Thursday, September 29th.
• City Hall remains closed to the public for Thursday, September 29.
• St. Lucie Public Schools and district offices are closed today, Thursday, September 29.
Sand Distribution Replenished
The free self-serve sandbag stations are located at 3 parks in Fort Pierce. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamland Park (S. 25th St.), Pioneer Park (Ave M and N. 29th St.), and Jaycee Park (South Hutchinson Island). Residents should bring their own bags and a shovel. Parks are open daily from dawn to dusk. For more info regarding sand distribution, please call the Public Works Department at 772-467-3794.
State of Emergency Declared
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for all 67 counties on Saturday, September 24. St. Lucie County declared a Local State of Emergency at 9 a.m. on September 27. The City of Fort Pierce declared a State of Emergency at 11:00 AM, September 27.
We are committed to keeping our residents safe and informed - all public notices will be provided on the city’s website at www.cityoffortpierce.com, social media channels, and Fort Pierce TV Channel 27. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for St. Lucie County's Alert St. Lucie program to get emergency notifications sent directly to their phone, email, or text: www.stlucieco.gov/Aler