Sat., Sept. 19, 2:45 p.m. - Updates are highlighted
- Dangerous flooding is still anticipated for the Yellow River area. Residents of that area need to stay aware of rising water levels and be prepared to leave quickly.
- The county is working with state and FEMA recovery teams on damage assessments. Please continue to report your damage at https://bit.ly/2Rnogx8 to assist these teams.
- The county curfew has been lifted as of Sat., Sept. 19 which includes all of unincorporated Santa Rosa County. It does not include the City of Gulf Breeze.
- Navarre Beach is open with no restrictions as of noon, Sat., Sept. 19.
- The pier is open for business as usual; all repairs have been made.
- Navarre Bayside Park is closed due to damages. The Visitors Information Center is also closed.
- Some Navarre Beach Marine Park bathrooms are closed due to lack of power..
- The Navarre Beach Boat Ramp along with the floating dock/kayak access on the sound side on Navarre Beach will remained closed for safety until further notice, do not go past safety barriers.
- Floridatown Park will be closed until further notice for cleanup and repairs.
- Most grocery stores are open for food, water and ice.
- The Citizens Information Line is open, call 850-983-INFO (4636) for questions.
- Those interested in donating should visit SAFER Santa Rosa (www.facebook.com/safersantarosa) or mail a check to SAFER, 4499 Pine Forest Road, Milton, FL 32583. There is no call for in-kind donations.
Volunteer Coordinator/Volunteer Needs
- Resident who need assistance with tree removal, muck-outs or other needs should call the Citizen Information Line, 850-983-INFO.
- Persons and organizations (churches, etc.) who would like to volunteer should call 850-983-INFO and a volunteer coordinator will match them to the best fit.
Damage/Tarps
- Tarps are available today (Sat., Sept. 19 until 7 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sun. Sept. 20 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) while supplies last at the Emergency Operations Center, 4499 Pine Forest Road in Milton. Enter off Spike’s Way and drive to the back of the building. Tarps are 20x25’ and include rope. Limited two per vehicle.
- Residents are asked to continue to report damage at https://bit.ly/2Rnogx8 or call 850-983-4636. This is important as it helps the county with the damage assessment to the state and FEMA.
- Take photos - Before you start cleaning up after a disaster, take photos of all storm-related damages to your home - including taking photos of the water line from flood waters on the outside of your home before you begin pressure washing.
- Make a list - During the cleaning process, take note of lost or damaged items and gather any original receipts for these items.
- Call your insurance agent - After gathering necessary documentation, call your insurance company to submit a claim.
Debris
- Santa Rosa County residents only (not commercial landscapers) may bring vegetative debris at no cost to Central Landfill, bypassing the scale house, until further notice. Staff will direct vehicles to the appropriate area once they enter the landfill.
- Vegetative debris will be mulched. Residents are asked not to bag debris in plastic bags so as not to contaminate mulch. Paper leaf and lawn bags can be purchased at local hardware stores for those who want to bag their debris.
- The county is also establishing two free residential debris drop-off locations to help reduce congestion at Central Landfill until further notice. Locations to be announced as soon as confirmed.
- Santa Rosa County is also working with a debris removal contractor to begin picking up debris beginning Wed., Sept. 23.
- To help removal debris pickup operate as smoothly as possible, separate your debris as follows:- normal household trash
- vegetative debris (do not bag debris in plastic bags - use paper leaf and lawn bags or leave them unbagged)
- construction/demolition debris
- appliances/white goods
- electronics
- household hazardous debris - Place separated debris beside the roadway, not in the roadway and not on a fire hydrant. Do not block drainage ditches. Use caution to avoid covering any irrigation (sprinkler) systems.
Shelter
- Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom St. in Milton (map), remains open as a pet-friendly shelter.
Road and Bridge Closures
- The following county roads are closed at the bridge:
- Amos Cabaniss Road
- Bryant Bridge Road
- Deaton Bridge Road
- Hall Road
- Gin Road - Three Mile Bridge remains closed at this time and will not reopen soon.
- FDOT has extended the toll suspension for the Garcon Point Bridge until 6 a.m. Wed., Sept. 23.. Traffic on the Garcon Point Bridge remains limited to two-axle vehicles. Emergency service vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks, are permitted to cross the bridge as well as sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, and private vehicles towing single or double axle trailers. Trucks need to continue to follow the truck detour routes. Variable message boards will be placed on both ends of the bridge to alert drivers about the temporary restrictions. The Garcon Point Bridge will continue to serve as a temporary detour while the Pensacola Bay Bridge is closed. FDOT’s assessments of the damage incurred on the Pensacola Bay Bridge as a result of Hurricane Sally are ongoing at this time.
- For the latest closures and updates, travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines and online at www.FL511.com. For more information, follow Florida’s Turnpike on Twitter @FloridaTurnpike or on Facebook at Facebook.com/MyFDOTTurnpike.
- River flooding is still possible. River bridges that typically flood include:
- Deaton Bridge/Deaton Bridge Road
- Wagner Bridge/East Fork Coldwater Creek/Spring Hill Road
- Red Rock Bridge/Juniper Creek/Red Rock Road
- Juniper Creek Bridge/Indian Ford Road
- West Fork Big Coldwater Creek Bridge/Walling Road
- Turkey Creek Bridge/Amos Cabaniss Road - For state and federal road closures (I-10, 87, 89, 90, 98, Avalon Blvd.), see www.FL511.com.
- Do not drive around or move any barricades. Responders are still running calls to vehicles that bypass barriers and become Turn around - don’t drown!
- See road closures: www.santarosa.fl.gov/293/Current-Road-Bridge-Closures.
- Report road issues (flooding, debris) at www.santarosa.fl.gov/FormCenter/Public-Works-7/Citizen-Work-Request-48.
- Inoperable Traffic Lights - If a law enforcement officer is present, follow their directions. Otherwise, treat the intersection as if it were a four-way stop sign. If traffic lights are flashing red, come to a complete stop and treat the intersection as a four-way stop. If lights are flashing yellow, proceed with caution and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic.
Safety
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
- Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
- Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows. Always have a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector when using a generator.
County Offices
- Anticipate normal operations of county offices, including the libraries, will reopen on Mon., Sept. 21. A final decision will be made Sunday afternoon as power is restored.
- The Visitors Information Center in Navarre Park is closed
- Emergency Management remains activated at a Level II for Hurricane Sally.
County COVID Testing
- COVID testing is planned to be resumed Mon., Sept. 21 at Milton Community Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
General Preparedness Information
- Stay informed! Sign up for emergency alerts at www.AlertSantaRosa.com.
- For current weather events, visit www.weather.gov/mob.
- For information on preparing for disasters, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency.
- 211 is a free phone resource offered by United Way of West Florida for residents throughout the area. 211 is able to direct callers to an array of community resources for food, clothing, medical/prescription and financial assistance that were both pre-existing and post event emergent. Hope you can help inform residents of this free resource
Water
- Boil water notice for the following streets due to possible leaks in the Bagdad Garcon Point Water System:
- Mary Kitchens Road South to Avalon Blvd
- From Avalon Sanchez Ct. South to Garcon Point Road
- For questions, call (850-623-8508). - A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for the following streets in Pace:
- Kentwood Street
- Lancer Street
- Bayview Park
- Vivian Court
- Ashmore Lane
- Twisted Pine Court
- Twisted Oak Court - Residents are advised to boil all water used for cooking, drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes. A rolling boil of one minute is sufficient. Bottled water may be used as an alternative. Tap water can also be disinfected by adding eight drops of unscented household bleach to each gallon of water, then mixing the water and allowing it to stand for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Bacteriological samples will be collected and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
PODs (Points of Distribution)
- Santa Rosa County PODS distributing MREs (meals ready-to-eat) and water have been depleted for Saturday,. PODS will open Sunday at 7 a.m. and stay open as long as supplies last at the following locations (see map https://bit.ly/2Rnogx8):
- Hickory Hammock Baptist Church, 8351 Hickory Hammock Rd., Milton
- King Middle School, 5928 Stewart St., Milton
- Navarre High School, 8600 High School Blvd., Navarre
- Santa Rosa Sportsplex, 5976 Chumuckla Hwy., Pace
Feeding Sites
Meals
- The Salvation Army will be serving a hot dinner at Woodlawn Elementary in Midway and East Milton Elementary from noon to approximately 6 p.m. today (Sat., Sept. 19) or until meals are depleted.
- Meals are free.
- On Friday, they served 475 meals at Milton Elementary.
Animal Shelter
- Search lost pets: https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/406/Search-Lost-Pets
- To help families reunite, lost pets who arrived during Hurricane Sally will be held for an extended five days on top of the required three day stray hold period.
- All redemption fees will be waived through Sept. 26.
- Lost pets who go home will receive a microchip, spay/neuter certificate at no cost and pet food if needed.
- If you are need of assistance to help care for your pets, call 850-983-4680.
- A pet friendly shelter is available at the Milton Community Center: https://www.facebook.com/736618273027521/posts/3472508202771834/?vh=e&d=n
- To support our lifesaving work we need fosters, adopters, and donations:
-Blankets
-Towels
-Cat and kitten food (dry and wet)
-Kitten milk
-Cat litter - Foster an animal - bring an animal into your home for a period of time. They are happier and get lots of love and interaction, and it opens a kennel for another animal in need. We have a lot of dogs in our care who could use a vacation from the shelter. Apply to foster online or call us at 850-983-4680 https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/foster/SAS/Dog
- Lots of kittens, cats, and dogs are waiting to find homes. If you are able to open your home to a pet in need you will save their life, and open a kennel for another pet in need. Adoption fees are only $10 through September 26th. Search adoptable pets here or visit the shelter https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/405/Search-Adoptable-Pets
- Schedule an appointment https://app.waitwhile.com/book/srcas If you don’t have an appointment we will still accommodate your visit. Hours are Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Waste Haulers
- ECUA’s recycling facility sustained damage during the hurricane and has temporarily suspended the acceptance of recyclables. Recycling pickup will be suspended until the facility is re-opened.
- All residents are asked to make sure that their garbage cans are not full of water. The water makes them too heavy for the automated truck arm to pick them up.
Santa Rosa County School District
City of Milton
- The City is transitioning from emergency response to disaster recovery. As such, the Declaration of Emergency has been extended for an additional 72 hours.
- Limited free bottled water is available in the parking lot of City Hall. The water is first come, first serve. Take only what you need. City Hall is at 6738 Dixon Street, Milton.
- Riverwalk Street remains closed due to flooding at this time.
- With the exception of Riverwalk Street, all streets within the city limits are open and passible. Traffic lights are currently being restored in the city however a few may still be out. Treat inoperative or flashing traffic lights as four-way stops.
- Beginning Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020, the city’s emergency debris hauler, BKW, Inc., should begin collection of storm debris. Any debris directly attributable to Hurricane Sally may be placed at the curb for collection. This includes: all vegetation, building debris, and damaged/destroyed household items. Regular household trash, hazardous waste and items not damaged by the storm may NOT be included Place all debris in the right-of-way for collection. Do not place any items in the street or block any sidewalk. Place debris clear of power lines, mailboxes, and other structures.Avoid placement near fire hydrants or sprinkler heads. The debris hauler will be utilizing automated equipment for collection that may damage these items or present a hazard to the collection crew.
- Sanitation Services has resumed their normal collection schedule.
- City Crews have restored all municipal services, with minor exceptions. If you experience any issues with natural gas, water, or sewer over the weekend, please call Milton Police Department at (850) 983-5420 and they will notify the appropriate department.
- City Hall is closed for the weekend. All parks remain closed including boat ramps.
- Suspension of cut-offs for non-payment of utilities has been extended until September 30.
- The Milton Community Center remains open as an emergency evacuation shelter and is closed for regularly scheduled activities.
- Business damage assessments have been activated by the SBDC. All businesses are encouraged to compete the assessment at https://floridadisaster.biz/.
- For up to date information, visit the city’s Facebook page @MiltonFlorida or the website: www.miltonfl.org.
City of Gulf Breeze
- The curfew remains in effect from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. except for business commuters and emergency purposes.
- All Gulf Breeze motorists traveling residential roads: Avoid all city streets with standing water. Moving water threatens homes!
- Shoreline Park South remains closed to walkers, motorists and boaters. This includes boat ramps, parks facilities and parking areas.
- City residents are encouraged to report damage from the hurricane, flooding and sewer backups at: https://cityofgulfbreeze.us/contactus.
Gulf Breeze Water
- All residents and businesses inside the city limits are under a precautionary boil water notice for a minimum of two days.
- All water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes should be boiled at least one minute or bottled water should be used.
- This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected.
Gulf Breeze Sewer
- Sewer customers are advised that sewer backups are still possible as crews are still working on sewer lift stations without power. Customers experiencing sewer issues should not flush toilets or run water down drains. Residents can prevent sewer backing up into their homes by sandbagging toilet bowls and shower drains using a large trash bag underneath the sandbags. Residents with sewer issues should call 850-934-5100. If there is no answer, please call back. City utility staff are diligently working to address all outstanding water and sewer inquiries.
Gulf Breeze debris removal and trash pickup
- The city’s debris removal contractor will make multiple passes until further notice. Do not place yard debris in plastic bags. To assist with quick storm clean up, residents are asked to move storm debris to edge of yards for truck pick up. Residents should pile debris and trash into three piles: (1) vegetative/yard debris pile, (2) construction and demolition debris (C&D), and (3) “white goods” such as refrigerators, washing machines, electrical goods, typically white in color.
- Garbage service provided by Republic will resume today on all roadways within the city and with multiple passes. Regular schedules are expected to resume next week. The transfer station is closed until further notice.
- For updates, check the city’s web site at CITYOFGULFBREEZE.US or social media sites at FACEBOOK, TWITTER or NEXTDOOR.
NAS Whiting Field
- NAS Whiting Field is still in Condition of Readiness 5 (COR 5).
- The NAS Whiting Field Navy Exchange and commissary are open.
Santa Rosa Chamber
- Chamber offices at 4315 Avalon Boulevard are now open.
- Limited workspace available if needed, power to charge electronic devices, etc.
- Call 850-623-2339.
Escambia County Information
Department of Health
- Social Security Scam happening in our area since hurricane. DO NOT GIVE YOU SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON THE PHONE.
- To file a fraud claim go to OIG.SSA.gov and fill out the form. They have had so many from the panhandle that they are no longer taking fraud complaints by phone.
First Judicial Circuit Court
- Courts in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties will be closed Monday, September 21.
- In Santa Rosa County:
Judge Hilliard will conduct first appearances at the jail at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Judge Giraud will conduct first appearances at the jail at 9 a.m. on Sunday and Monday.
Judge Hilliard’s September 21 criminal hearings will be rescheduled to a later date. Notice of the new date will be sent in advance.
Baptist Health Care
- All Baptist Health Care facilities are back to normal operations. For all locations, patients are being contacted directly to reschedule cancelled appointments. We thank you for your patience as we worked through the challenges presented by Hurricane Sally.
- These clinics will be open Saturday, Sept. 19:
- Baptist Medical Park – Nine Mile Urgent Care
- Baptist Medical Park – Airport Urgent Care
- Baptist Medical Park – Pace Walk-in Care
- Baptist Medical Park – Navarre Walk-in Care
- The regular Jay Hospital phone number has been restored. To reach Jay Hospital, please call 675-8000.
- Debris removal is ongoing at many of our campuses, so please be cautious if you visit.
Power Companies
- Gulf Power - Outage Map (https://map.gulfpower.com) - 35,230 customers are without power as of Thurs. at noon.
- EREC - EREC line crews and assisting cooperative crews are making great progress in power restoration efforts. The total number of outages has been reduced to 2,607 with 1,727 in Escambia County and 880 in Santa Rosa County. 76% of outages from Hurricane Sally have been restored at this time.
- “Our storm team is working hard day and night to restore power to our membership,” said CEO Ryan Campbell. “We know our members are eager to get their electricity restored, and our crews will not stop working until everyone has power. The support our members have shown us has been amazing. We’ve had deliveries of snacks, doughnuts and even a sign placed in front of the co-op thanking our linemen. It’s great to be part of such a supportive community.”
- We ask our members to be safe as there still may be hazardous conditions such as downed power lines and flooded roads. We appreciate your patience as line crews continue power restoration efforts.
Pensacola State College
Council on Aging
- All Meals on Wheels and to-go prepackaged meals from churches and community centers will resume as normal next week.
- Anyone in an emergency situation should call (850) 432-1475.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Opal Beach is closed until further notice.
- Highway 399, J. Earle Bowden Way is closed until further notice.
- Park staff will assess conditions once the weather passes and throughout the next few days and announce updates as appropriate.
Report Price Gouging
- Report price gouging to 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226)
- Visit www.MyFloridaLegal.com to find consumer tips or to file a complaint.
Generator/Power Safety
Chain Saw Safety
- Familiarize yourself with the safe operational procedures before attempting to use a chain saw.
- Be sure that you are in top physical and mental condition when operating dangerous machinery. Medications and alcohol can cause you to be a hazard to yourself and others when working with chain saws.
- Equip yourself with protective clothing and equipment including safety goggles, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, hard hat, gloves, and close-fitting clothing.
- Never make cuts with the saw between your legs; always cut with the saw to the outside of your legs.
- Never position yourself or other people in line with the chain and keep the chain out of the dirt.
Contractor Tips
- Emergency repairs are for achieving a basic level of safety for occupancy of a structure. A roof permit is not required for repairs that are less than two roofing squares or 200 square feet. Tarps can be placed to protect the home form further damage. Emergency repairs can be completed even if the permit has not yet been issued; however, a permit is required for most flood related repairs including drywall and insulation, plumbing and gas pipes, A/C unit and ductwork replacement, water heater replacements, wiring repairs, etc. Call Development Services at 850-981-7000 for information on permitting requirements and processes.
- Ask to see a contractor’s license and call the appropriate licensing agency – search for contractors online or DBPR for state license to verify the status and insurance.
- Don’t base your choice on the lowest bid. Ask for and verify references from past customers or check with the Better Business Bureau.
- Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Ensure the estimate includes all work to be done by the contractor, materials involved, date of completion and the total cost.
- Check with your insurance company before signing a contractor to verify tat insurance will cover the repairs.
- An occupational license is not sufficient in the construction trades.
- Beware of alleged contractors who ask to be paid in cash or ask for large payments up front.
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