Hurricane Milton Storm Advisory 4
City of Fort Pierce
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 @ 1:00 PM
Website: www.cityoffortpierce.com
NEW INFORMATION
The City of Fort Pierce is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and preparing for potential impacts. The city remains under a Hurricane Warning and a Flood Watch until 8:00 PM tomorrow.
Potential Impacts for Fort Pierce:
- Primary hazards: Heavy rain and strong winds in fast-moving squalls, expected primarily Wednesday into Thursday.
- Rainfall: 4-6 inches, increasing the risk of localized flooding, particularly in areas with above-average rainfall.
- Winds: Tropical storm conditions are expected, with hurricane conditions possible.
Sand Distribution:
Free, self-serve sand stations are still available for residents at the following locations:
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamland Park (S. 25th St.)
- Pioneer Park (Ave M and N. 29th St.)
- Little Jim Bait & Tackle (601 N. Causeway)
- Maravilla Park (2622 Oleander Ave)
- Jaycee Park (South Hutchinson Island)
Residents are asked to bring their own bags and shovels. Sand replenishment will continue until 5:00 PM today, October 9. However, the sand piles will remain in place until fully used.
Solid Waste Collection:
The Solid Waste Division will operate on its regular pick-up schedule today, October 9. Trash and recycling collection will be suspended tomorrow, October 10. Residents will receive service on their next regularly scheduled pick-up day.
Streets and Drainage:
The Public Works Department has been working tirelessly to reduce the potential for flooding by clearing storm drains, inspecting culverts, and addressing any infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Communication:
The City of Fort Pierce will keep residents informed through the city’s website, social media platforms, and Fort Pierce TV Channel 27. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications via St. Lucie County’s Alert St. Lucie program: www.stlucieco.gov/Alert.
Shelter Operations:
Saint Lucie County opened the following shelters on Tuesday, October 10, at 2:00 PM:
- Fort Pierce Westwood Academy (General Population/Pet-Friendly): 1801 Panther Ln., Fort Pierce
- Treasure Coast HS (General Population/Pet-Friendly): 1000 SW Darwin Blvd, Port St. Lucie
- Havert L. Fenn Center (Special Needs): 2000 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce
Residents with special medical needs or pets are encouraged to pre-register: https://shorturl.at/175gr
Power Outages / FPUA:
To report power outages, contact the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) online at https://fpua.com/report-an-outage/ or call (772) 466-7703.
FPUA’s Customer Service Lobby will be closed until Friday, October 11.
FPUA facilities and utility systems are prepared for the storm and the impacts the City of Fort Pierce may experience. Additionally, through the Florida Municipal Electric Association, FPUA has activated Mutual Aid Assistance for additional crews if required to assist with restoration. FPUA will not disconnect utility services during Hurricane Milton storm operations.
City of Fort Pierce Updates:
- City Hall and all City facilities, including parks, will close on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. Normal operations are expected to resume Friday, October 11, at 8:00 AM.
- A Local State of Emergency was declared on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM.
- Freebee services will be suspended on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10 for rider and driver safety, with normal operations expected on Friday, October 11.
St. Lucie County Updates:
- St. Lucie County officials provided a live update from the Douglas M. Anderson Emergency Operations Center today at Noon on the county’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/StLucieGov.
- St. Lucie County will close the bridges that connect to North and South Hutchinson Island at 8:00 PM today, October 9, due to the impacts from Hurricane Milton. Only first responders and residents with emergencies will be allowed access if deemed safe by law enforcement that will be present at the bridges. If you are not a resident of North and South Hutchinson Island, you will not be allowed access to those bridges until the winds decrease.
- St. Lucie County’s public transit, ART (Area Regional Transit), will suspend fixed route and on-demand service at noon today, October 9, and remain closed through Thursday, Oct. 10. ART plans to reopen Friday, October 11, weather permitting. For additional information, visit www.slcart.org or call 772-462-1778.
- Residents with questions about the storm should call the county’s public information lines at 772-460-HELP (4357).
St. Lucie Public Schools:
St. Lucie Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, October 8, through Friday, October 11. Students are expected back on Tuesday, October 15, as Monday, October 14, is a pre-scheduled teacher workday.
Indian River State College (IRSC):
IRSC will close all campuses on Monday, October 7. Classes, including online, and events are canceled through Thursday, with normal operations anticipated to resume Friday, October 11.