September 12, 2017 | 2:00 PM
Contact: Shyanne Helms
As of Tuesday afternoon, here's the latest information:
Bridges
Both North and South Bridges are open to everyone, the restrictions have been lifted. Increased patrols are in effect to keep homes and businesses safe.
City Hall
City Hall will remain closed on Tuesday, September 12, it is expected to reopen to the public on Wednesday, September 13 at 8:00 AM.
City Commission Special Meeting
The Fort Pierce City Commission will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 6:00 PM to discuss the situational update of Hurricane Irma and to consider extending the State of Emergency.Agenda:http://cityoffortpierce.com/223/Agendas-Minutes
FPUA Update
Electric
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority is continuing to assess damages. Due to the length and severity of the storm, approximately 23,700 FPUA customers and three of FPUA's substations were without power as of Monday evening. Power is being restored to main feeders and then to lateral lines. Restoration crews are focusing their restoration efforts on critical customers, Health Care facilities, Nursing Homes, Wastewater Facilities, and other Health and Safety Systems/Facilities. Once critical customers are restored, FPUA restoration efforts will restore power to the greatest number of customers in the least time. Care is being taken to restore power efficiently while continuing to ensure safety for both customers and lineman.
Water
FPUA's potable water system maintained its integrity and is safe for all customers. FPUA did received notification that Martin County Utilities has issued a boil water notice for the residents of South Hutchinson Island. This affects Martin County Utilities customers ONLY. FPUA water customers are NOT affected.
Natural Gas
FPUA's natural gas services were undamaged by Hurricane Irma. As a safety precaution, services in mobile home parks were turned off before the most severe effects were felt. Those mobile home parks have been assessed for damage and all service was restored this morning.
Customer Service
FPUA's Storm Call Center is accepting calls at 772-466-7703. Please report any downed power lines. The Customer Service drive up window located at 206 S. 6th Street will be open on Tuesday, September 12 from 8 am to 5 pm and will accept payments only. Online payment services will be available beginning Tuesday, September 12th at 8 am. The Customer Service lobby will remain closed. Please checkwww.FPUA.com or www.facebook.com/teamFPUA for updates on restoration efforts as they become available.
Health Department
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County urges residents to avoid walking or playing in flood waters to avoid illness from bacteria or electrocution.
Be sure to “tip-and-toss” standing water to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
Information Hotline – St Lucie County
St. Lucie County’s Emergency Operations Center remains at a Level 1 (full) activation. St. Lucie County’s Information Hotline, 772-460-HELP (4357), is open until 8 p.m. today. Residents are urged to call the HELP Line to report flooding and road closures, instead of 9-1-1 - unless there is an emergency.
Jetty Park
Jetty Park is closed until further notice due to the effects of Hurricane Irma.
Sabal Chase, Bent Creek & Lakes at Savannah’s
Fort Pierce Police Department will be alternating between the Sabal Chase, Bent Creek and Lake’s at Savannah’s communities throughout the day today. Residents needing a ride out should flag down FPPD.
Shelters
All of St. Lucie County’s general population shelters and the pet-friendly shelter have been deactivated and those residents been released. The county’s Special Needs Shelter at the Fenn Center is still in the process of being demobilized. Those residents that have been displaced because of Hurricane Irma are being transferred to the emergency shelter at the Percy Peek Gym, 2902 Avenue D in Fort Pierce, thanks to assistance from the American Red Cross, the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County.
Trash Collection
Trash collection will resume normal service on Thursday, September 14, 2017. 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 many traffic lights out all over town. Treat any intersection with inoperable traffic lights like a 4-way stop. Same for any intersection without stop signs.