Hurricane Irma – Florida

10.09.2017

Humanity Road is activated for Florida for Hurricane Irma. This is a report of impacts from Hurricane Irma on some of the counties of Florida in the United States. It also includes useful information links. It is based on initial reports from social media and public domain sources. Humanity Road activated its disaster desk on Tuesday, September 5th in advance of initial landfall of Irma in the Caribbean and published Florida Situation Report No 1 on September 10, 2017.

Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, hit the eastern Caribbean on September 5, 2017 as a Category 5 hurricane with winds of up to 185 miles an hour. Irma first made landfall in Barbuda and then created devastation throughout the Caribbean. It made landfall on Cudjoe Key, Florida after 9:00am EDT on September 10. source The Florida Keys were the most heavily impacted area of Florida and are currently without power, water, and cell service.

Significant Updates

Sep 11:

  • The National Guard has entered the Florida Keys to assist with recovery. The first 6 or 42 bridges have been inspected and are safe. Roads will be opened after debris and power lines are cleared. First responders and emergency workers will be the first people allowed in. Most road in Key West are being cleared. 100 workers are en route to Key West to restore power. NASKW and Boca Chica runways are open for rotary and should be open for fixed wing soon. The USS Lincoln Aircraft Carrier will be anchored off Key West soon to provide emergency services. Three more Navy vessels are on the way. The Red Cross and Salvation Army will be bringing MRE’s and potable water. source
  • Hurricane Irma made landfall on Marco Island shortly after 3:30 p.m. with recorded winds of 130 mph and storm surges that caused extensive damage. Marco Island Police Department Capt. Dave Baer confirmed that there are parts of the island, like Barfield Drive, with 1 to 2 feet of standing water. Baer also said rescue missions are underway. The National Guard has been called in to assist. At least seven people have been rescued. Crews are being sent out to rescue people who elected not to evacuate. source
  • On Sep 10, Pasco County asked for 20 HAM radio volunteers. source 8 are still needed. Please email your contact information to volunteer@pascocountyfl.net or call the Customer Service Volunteer Hotline at 727-847-8944 to register.
  • A medical team from Tennessee has been deployed to Naples, Fl to help evacuate about 100 patients from a hospital without power/water. source

Sep 10:

  • At 4:00 pm EDT, Hurricane Irma was located 10 miles southeast of Naples, Florida with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (Category 4). source
  • Irma made landfall on Cudjoe Key, Florida after 9:00 am EDT on Sep 10. source
  • The US Coast Guard has pre-staged helicopters, boats, and people in AL, SC, & GA. source

Emergency Phone Numbers and Help Lines

Emergencies and Rescue

  • Life threatening emergencies – 911
  • Mariners in need of emergency assistance in South Florida please contact 305-953-4617

Help Lines (non life threatening)

  • Text FLPREPARES to 888777 to receive text alerts from FDEM source
  • Information, shelters, assistance: call 211 or use website or Text using your zipcode to 898211 or chat online
  • Florida information line: 1-800-342-3557. source
  • Monroe County Emergency Hotline: 1-800-955-5504. source
  • Florida Emergency Management Contacts by county Contact List

Reunification Sites and Numbers

 

  • Red Cross Safe and Well: website
  • Red Cross Hurricane App (helps you tell others you are safe): download app

 

Situation Reports and Maps

Situation Reports

  • Healthcare Ready situation reports and health resources. source
  • Rx Open (find open pharmacies): source
  • More than 150 Florida State Parks now closed. A full list of closures can be found at: source

Maps

  • FL Department of Emergency Management Regions with Counties. source
  • Google Crisis Map. source
  • Ventusky weather map (wind speeds, wave heights). source

 

National and Statewide Accounts

 

 

Shelters and Evacuation Centers

 

 

Communications Sector

 

Situation Updates:

 

Sep 10:

  • Charter Communications opened all of their Spectrum WiFi hotspots across Florida source

Sep 9:

 

Useful Links:

  • FDEM Media Line is 850-921-0217 source
  • List of telephone companies in the US. source
  • Internet providers in Florida. source
  • List of radio stations in Florida. source
  • List of television stations in Florida. source

Peer-to-Peer Offline (Mesh Network) Phone Apps

  • FireChat, works up to 210 feet (70 meters) without cell service or wifi, access through combination of wifi (does not need internet) and bluetooth creating local communication networks called a mesh, iOS and Android capability, Download app How-to
  • Serval (Mesh) Project, works without cell service or wifi, access through combination of wifi (does not need internet) and bluetooth creating local communication networks (or meshes), can use existing phone number, Android only, Download app About
  • Mesh network information, source source
  • Debunking Zello, must have either cell service or wifi access, similar to WhatsApp, has channels (much like a talking twitter feed), source

Amateur Radio

  • Amateur radio operators are monitoring the progress of Irma, and supporting south Florida Stations with information from the National Weather Service offices in Key West and Miami. Source Source Source
  • FEMA SHARES stations may be monitoring 5330.5 USB for calls. source

Health / Medical Sector

 

Situation Updates:

 

  • Sep 11: Urgent: if you work at Mariner’s Hospital in the Keys, report to work. They’ll help you get there. No residents yet. source
  • Sep 11: A medical team from Tennessee has been deployed to Naples, Fl to help evacuate about 100 patients from a hospital without power/water. source
  • Sep 9: Manatee County shelters are in need of volunteer medical professionals. Please call 800-354-3571 if you can help. source

 

Useful Links:

  • List of hospitals in Florida. source
  • Hospital Directory, Florida Hospital Association. source
  • Emergency and Urgent Care Finder, Florida Health Finder. source

Special Needs / Vulnerable Populations

 

Useful Links:

  • Special needs information by county: website
  • Statewide Special Needs Registry: website
  • Florida Department of Elder Affairs: website, Elder helpline: 1-800-963-5337.
  • Agency for Persons with Disabilities: website, @floridaapd, facebook
  • Florida Developmental Disabilities Resources: website
  • List of organizations providing support for persons with disabilities: website
  • Autism Resources in Florida: website
  • ChildCare Aware (childcare resources and situation reports): website

Airports

 

Situation Updates:

 

Sep 11:

  • Some airports are beginning to reopen while others are completing damage assessments. Check with your airline. source

 

Sep 10:

  • Closed airports source:
    • Albert Whitted Airport
    • Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport
    • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Heliport
    • Everglades Airpark
    • Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport
    • Immokalee Regional Airport
    • Marco Island Airport
    • Miami Executive Airport
    • Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport
    • Miami Seaplane Base
    • Naples Municipal Airport
    • North Perry Airport
    • Okeechobee County Airport
    • Opa-Locka Executive Airport
    • St George Island Airport
    • St Pete-Clearwater International Airport
    • Tallahassee Commercial Airport
    • Tavares Seaplane Base
    • Florida Keys Marathon International Airport

Useful Links:

  • List of airports in Florida. source
  • Map of airports in Florida. source

Ports

Situation Updates:

Sep 10:

  • Port Status source :
    • Key West: Port closed
    • Miami: Port closed
    • Port Everglades: Port closed
    • Palm Beach: Port closed
    • Manatee: Port closed
    • St. Petersburg: Port closed
    • Canaveral: Port closed, two oil tankers waiting offshore to discharge oil once USCG reopens port
    • Jacksonville: Open with restrictions
    • Fernandina: Open with restrictions
    • Tampa: Port closed
    • Panama City: Open with restrictions
    • Pensacola: Open with restrictions

Sep 9:

  • US Coast Guard closed Tampa, St. Petersburg, Manatee Ports source
  • US Coast Guard sets Port Condition Zulu and closes Port Canaveral source
  • US Coast Guard sets Port Condition Zulu, closes the Ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina source

Useful Links:

Roads

Situation Updates:

Sep 10:

  • Governor Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to suspend tolls across the entire State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Tolls will be suspended for the duration of the storm’s impacts to Florida. source

Useful Links:

  • Florida 511 (Real Time Road Conditions and Evacuation Routes): app, website facebook
  • Google Crisis live map, Traffic and Transit layer, website
  • Statewide @FL511_STATE
  • Panhandle @FL511_PANHANDL
  • NE Region @FL511_NORTHEAST
  • Central @FL511_CENTRAL
  • Tampa Bay @FL511_TAMPABAY
  • SW Region @FL511_SOUTHWEST
  • SE Region @FL511_SOUTHEAST
  • Traffic Twitter updates by road:
  • Interstate 4 @FL_511_I4
  • Interstate 10 @FL511_I10
  • Interstate 75 @FL511_I75
  • Interstate 95 @FL511_I95
  • 95 Express @FL511_95EXPRESS
  • Turnpike Mainland @FL511_TURNPIKE

Railways

Useful Links:

  • List of Florida railroads. source
  • Florida East Coast Railway: website

 

Power and Fuel

Situation Updates:

 

Sep 11:

  • At 11 a.m. Monday, 331,000 TECO customers were without power in Hillsborough, East Pinellas, and Polk Counties. source
  • Duke Energy reported the following customer outages by area: Pinellas 395,000; Hernando/Citrus 43,000; Polk 43,083 and Hillsborough/Pasco 25,000. source
  • Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative had 105,000 outages. And Florida Power and Light reported 102,000 customers without power in Manatee County and 159,000 without power in Sarasota County. source

 

 

Sep 10:

 

  • PRECO’s phone lines are down, multiple internet connections are down, and it is likely we will lose all communications tonight. source
  • Peace River Elec COOP has shut off all power to protect their grid in Manatee County source
  • FDOT is coordinating with utility companies to stage and fuel crews at the FDOT’s Weigh Stations in Punta Gorda and Martin County. source
  • All fuel ports in Florida are now closed for safety. source

Useful Links:

  • Gas Buddy (gasoline availability tracker): source
  • Report Gas price gouging call (803) 737-3953 source
  • Power tracker here

Florida Electric Utilities

Water Systems

 

Useful Links:

  • Water utilities in Florida (map): source

 

Animals in Disaster

 

Situation Updates:

  • Sep 11: 4 facilities in Key Largo are in desperate need of a refrigerated truck to deliver food for the dozens of dolphins affected by Irma. source
  • Emergency shelters are required to accommodate pets and service animals belonging to people who have evacuated. source

Useful Links:

  • City of Jacksonville information about animals and shelters. source
  • Directory of Veterinarians in Florida. source
  • Animal hospitals in Florida (map). source

Hashtags and Twitter Lists

 

Event Hashtags: #Irma #HurricaneIrma #HuracanIrma

Twitter Lists:

Situation Updates by Region

 

FL Department of Emergency Management Regions with Counties. Map

 

FL Department of Emergency Management Regions

Region 7 (Southeast Florida)

 

Broward County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Operations to resume at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Tuesday morning at 4am. source
  • Boil Water Notice in Lauderhill. Affected area: 55th to 56th Ave between 11th & 12th Court. source
  • Recovery centers will be designated for Broward residents who are not able to return home due to damage. source
  • Broward County has moved into recovery mode. Assessment crews are on the streets, and all cities are in cleanup mode. Ports remain closed until they are assessed. There are no fuel shortages. Shelters will be closed when it is safe for people to return home. Schools will be opened as soon as power is restored any school shelters closed. source

Sep 10:

  • Sep. 10: Please do not go outside to assess damage to your home until after the storm has completely passed and an “all clear” has been given. However, once the storm is over, residents can provide a valuable community service by participating in our Home Damage Assessment Program. source

Sep 9:

  • Sep 9: Downed power lines and transformers in Pompano Beach, FL. Stay indoors! source

Useful Links:

  • Emergency management website, facebook, @ReadyBroward
  • Important numbers to know source:
    • Broward County Emergency Hotline – 311 or 954-831-4000
    • Broward County Special Needs Shelter Information – 311
    • FPL to Report Power Outages and Downed Power lines – 1-800-468-8243
    • State of Florida Emergency Information – 1-800-342-3557
  • Broward County EOC Weather Cam source

Miami-Dade County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • City of Miami
    • Brickell flooding – water has receded, crews out now cleaning debris. 3 out of 12 pump stations now on generator power. source
    • Miami International Airport will still be closed today. source
    • Damage assessment teams will be canvassing the city beginning on Sep 11 so the city can start cleanup. source
    • People are being urged to stay off the streets due to debris, and people who evacuated are being asked to not return home yet. source, source
    • Sep 10: Area of 19 street and North Bayshore flooded (photo). source
    • Sep 10: A tower crane has collapsed on top of a high rise under construction at 300 Biscayne Blvd. Avoid the area! source
    • Sep 10: @MiamiDadeCounty water is safe to drink. If significant water pressure is lost during or after Hurricane Irma, boil water prior to drinking. source
    • Sep 10: All Jackson Health System hospitals and emergency rooms remain open and operational. Most outpatient facilities will remain closed Monday. Sept. 11 as we transition back to normal operations – they will reopen as soon as safely possible. source
  • Hialeah – west of Hialeah with no power since yesterday source
  • Downed power line and lamp post in Overtown source

Useful Links:

 

Monroe County (includes Florida Keys)

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Keysnews reports that Air National Guards C130 Cargo planes are due to arrive with supplies to Keys by early Monday. source Among the other services coming to Keys are mortuary teams said Martin Senterfitt, Monroe County Emergency Management Director. source
  • The National Guard has entered the Florida Keys to assist with recovery. The first 6 or 42 bridges have been inspected and are safe. Roads will be opened after debris and power lines are cleared. First responders and emergency workers will be the first people allowed in. Most road in Key West are being cleared. 100 workers are en route to Key West to restore power. NASKW and Boca Chica runways are open for rotary and should be open for fixed wing soon. The USS Lincoln Aircraft Carrier will be anchored off Key West soon to provide emergency services. Three more Navy vessels are on the way. The Red Cross and Salvation Army will be bringing MRE’s and potable water. source
  • The Florida Highway Patrol says roads to the Florida Keys will not open today. Too much damage. source
  • DOT is launching an aerial drone flight for inspection. source
  • There is no water, power, or cell service in the Keys. source
  • Law enforcement has been severely limited in communications. Monroe County Sheriff’s office got radios back late last night. Goes in and out. source
  • No communication below Key Largo. source
  • Heaviest damage from Sugarloaf Key to Marathon and moderate damage all the way to Key Largo. Storm surge was a big factor. source
  • Video: National Guard clearing storm surge damage from Hurricane #Irma between Marathon and Islamorada. source
  • Big Pine Key:
    • No cell service, power, or water. source
    • Photo: Boats in the road at Big Pine Key source
    • Sunshine Key RV’s tossed around everywhere, in Big Pine Key. [Photo] source
    • Big Pine Key survivor reports his house at 6 feet above and all three cars he parked at a 10 foot elevation are lost. source
  • Cudjoe Key:
    • No cell service reported. source
    • My friend’s house on cudjoe ocean side is missing. Not damaged … totally gone. source
  • Key Largo:
    • Damage to a trailer park (video). source
    • 4 facilities in Key Largo are in desperate need of a refrigerated truck to deliver food for the dozens of dolphins affected by Irma. source
  • Key West:
    • Florida Governor Rick Scott’s live press conference at 3:00 PM local time: Niblish Station still has water; Basic services: officials say water, sewer, and electricity not working; Transportation: all bridges are passable, bridge and road damage, little traffic present. source
    • Dusk to dawn curfew in place, source
    • Key West City General Manager Jim Scholl says Key West is closed. They have no power, water, or flushing toilets (video). source
    • Aerial video survey of damage; source
    • Officials estimate 25% residents remained and did not evacuate, source
    • Sep 10: Lower Keys Medical Center has staff ready to reestablish the clinic, but the facility had flooding that needs to be dealt with first. source
    • Sep 10: photos of storm surge and flooding. Up to 11 feet in some areas. source
  • Marathon:
    • Marathon has at least 2 deaths hurricane related. Crash during evacuation and someone found near courthouse. source
    • No communications south of Key Largo. Emergency operations center in Marathon cutoff. source
  • Tavernier:
    • Urgent: if you work at Mariner’s Hospital in the Keys REPORT TO WORK. They’ll help you get there. No residents yet. source

Sep 10:

  • Monroe County is closed until further notice. Evacuated residents do not return until further notice. More info to come. source
  • Sep 10: Estimated 10 feet storm surge from this morning at Cudjoe Key where Irma made Landfall. source
  • Sep.10 : Sep 10: Man killed losing control of his truck in an attempt carry a generator source

Useful Links:

 

Palm Beach County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • 74% of Palm Beach County without power. source
  • Police report 72 confirmed power lines down in Boynton Beach as of latest count. source
  • All Palm Beach County courts will be closed again Tuesday. Call hotline 561-355-6744 for info. Also, online court services down w/out power. source
  • Dozens of coconuts in roadway on Gateway Blvd west of Lawrence Rd. Hard to see until you get close. Big safety hazard. Stay off road. Boynton Beach source

Sep 10:

  • If you would like to volunteer to help with #PBCIrma recovery efforts please register online with United Way PBC: http://ow.ly/o4pq30f2MMg. source

Useful Links:

Region 6 (Southwest Florida)

Charlotte County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • FDOT worker estimated a week to fix one at mm 74 (Sea Oats Beach) [Photo] source
  • Going on six hours without electricity. No air conditioning. No refrigeration. source
  • Many power outages and stormwater work to do source
  • Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is open to deliver all services as normal, including emergency medical services, surgical, obstetric and pediatric services. Radiology, laboratory and cardiac catheterization labs are fully functional. Repairs to Bayfront Health Punta Gorda will be more extensive source
  • Fawcett Memorial Hospital incurred only minor damage from #Irma and are open to care for patients. source
  • The city of Punta Gorda is currently experiencing the storm surge from hurricane Irma in all coastal areas. Many streets are impassable at this time. Initial damage assessments were started last night and will continue for several days. Residents should avoid driving on water covered streets. source
  • City offices will remain closed today, Monday, September 11, 2017 while assessments and debris removal continue. source
  • The curfew enacted by Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell is still in effect 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for all of Charlotte County. source

Sep 10

  • Charlotte County Utilities Department customers who experience a loss of water service or sewer issues are reminded to call 941-764-4300. Charlotte County Utility Department staff will be responding as quickly as they can to requests, weather permitting. source

Useful Links:

  • Charlotte County Emergency management website, facebook, @CCOEM, source

 

Collier County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Widespread power outages. source
  • Video – Fire Chief on his way to Pelican Bay where trapped people are being rescued. source
  • City of Naples:
    • A medical team from Tennessee has been deployed to Naples, Fl to help evacuate about 100 patients from a hospital without power/water. source
    • Mayor says the city was mostly spared. Naples crews saw no major structural damage and only minimal flooding in their initial post-storm tours. The storm surge was minimal. source
    • Naples mayor on experience in #Irma: “It was scary…you just don’t realize the power.” [Video] shows damage. source
    • Naples Park is flooded with groundwater source
    • Photos – downed trees. source, source
    • Photos – street flooding. source, source, source
  • Marco Island:
    • Hurricane Irma made landfall on Marco Island shortly after 3:30 p.m. with recorded winds of 130 mph and storm surges that caused extensive damage. Marco Island Police Department Capt. Dave Baer confirmed that there are parts of the island, like Barfield Drive, with 1 to 2 feet of standing water. Baer also said rescue missions are underway. The National Guard has been called in to assist. At least seven people have been rescued. Crews are being sent out to rescue people who elected not to evacuate. source
    • Marco Island PD confirms that residents can return to the island and must use extreme caution. source
    • Photos of flooded neighborhood. source
    • Photos of flooded shopping center parking. source
    • Video of structural damages (roof damage, mobile home damage, private home damage). source

Useful Links:

  • Twitter Accounts to follow @CollierSheriff @MarcoIslandPD @MarcoIslandFire @NaplesChief @CollierEM @CollierPIO
  • Collier County Emergency management website, facebook, @CollierEM
  • FORM for Initial Damage Reporting Only

 

Desoto County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Sep 10: Curfew (9 PM to 6 AM local time) in effect for county, source
  • Sep 10: Official County curfew and shelter status information source
  • Sep 9: Mandatory evacuation in mobile home parks, RV parks, and low-lying areas prone to flooding, source
  • Sep 8: Shelters opened, source

Useful Links:

 

Glades County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • 46% of residents are without power. source
  • Glades schools to remain closed through Sep 15. source
  • Maple Grove Baptist Church in Lakeport is open for those who are displaced. source

Useful Links:

  • For General Information please call or text (863) 633-9703. source
  • For any damages/flooding to roads and bridges please call or text (863) 633-9474. source
  • Glades County Emergency management web, FB, @GladesCountyEM, e-mail
  • E-mail advisor list where anyone can be added to get actual information – sign up here
  • Glades County’s All Hazards Guide. source

 

Hendry County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • 81% of residents are without power. source

Useful Links:

  • Hendry County Emergency Management website, facebook, @HendryCountyEM, source
  • 170,000 customers with no access electric power source
  • Schools and district offices remain closed until Friday, Sep 15 source
  • Lee County roads and bridges update–Monday afternoon [PDF] source
  • Widespread devastation. Trees down everywhere in Bonita and North Naples. Many roads impassable. No power/weak cell service. source

Sep 10:

  • Lee County Emergency Management updates: source
  • Call United Way’s 211 for vital storm information; 211 can also be reached at 239-433-3900 source
  • All Lee County parks, pools, boat ramps and recreational facilities are closed until further notice. After the storm, the county will reassess as public safety decisions are made. source

Useful Links:

 

Manatee County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • According to the county government, damage appears to be minimal. source
  • Special needs shelters are still open. General shelters are closing soon. LWR shelter is already closed. source
  • Manatee Memorial Hospital is still closed until further notice. Emergency patients are being routed to other hospitals. source
  • To report damage – flooding, personal damage until 7 p.m. 941-748-4501. source
  • Est. 108K FPL customers are without power but power to 4K has been restored. source
  • No telling when gas stations will reopen. source
  • St Rd 64 closed from Verna Bethany to Duette Rd due to downed power lines. Same for many other roads around county so use extreme caution. source
  • Bridges to Anna Maria Island remain closed. source
  • Be patient Manatee County and please stay off roads. Bridges closed and power lines down in numerous roadways. Stay safe. source

Sep 10:

  • Mills Elementary School in Palmetto storm shelter – power out, some people having breathing problems. source

Sep 9:

  • Manatee County shelters are in need of volunteer medical professionals. Pls call 800-354-3571 if you can help. source

Useful Links:

 

Sarasota County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • More than 60% of the country is still without power. Crews are on their way to restore restore electricity repairing 11 main breaks. source source
  • In Englewood. No power or drinking water and awaiting surge, source
  • #911 Sarasota Sheriff est. 50 calls since 8pm down power lines, structure fires & medical calls source
  • Water restored to barrier islands. Boil water advisory for 48 hrs. source
  • Schools closed Tuesday, Sep 12. source
  • Over 100 traffic signal are out throughout Sarasota County. source

Sep 10:

  • Residents rescued several manatees stuck in mud after Hurricane Irma pulled away water from Sarasota Bay. source

Useful Links:

  • Shelter info source
  • Emergency management website, facebook, @scgoveoc
  • If you have any questions, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 source
  • Evacuation information, call 861-5000. source
  • TTY-Deaf Communications, call 941-861-1833. source
  • Special Needs Registry, call 861-5000. source
  • NOAA Weather Radio frequency 162.40 Mhz source

Region 4 (West Central Florida)

 

Citrus County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Surge down to 2-6 ft. source
  • East Hernando is under a boil water notice due to a water main break from a down tree. source
  • Withlacoochee Electric is trying to get power restored as quickly as possible. source
  • There is still significant road blockage around the county. source
  • Road closures. source

Useful Links:

 

Hernando County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • A boil water notice is in effect for the entire area east of I-75 due to a water main break from a down tree. source & Source
  • WREC Line Crews are restoring power. We have started to experience heavy wind gusts again that are hampering our efforts. source
  • It is premature for coastal residents to return home. For your safety, please do not attempt to enter the area. source
  • Coastal residents advised not to return home – storm surge warning. Source
  • Schools are confirmed closed for the week. Source
  • List of closed roads. Source
  • An exploded generator caused home fire; second fire after the one on Sep 10. Source
  • List of open and closed shelters. Source
  • Brooksville:
    • Brooksville is mostly impacted: there are reports of flooding and trees fallen on roads and houses. Source
    • No electricity in any part of Brooksville. Source
    • Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport sustained minor damages. Source
    • Delores S Parrott Middle school also has no power. Source

Useful Links:

 

Hillsborough County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Hillsborough County has completed initial damage assessments for roadways accessibility and safety. While some downed trees and power lines, and minor flooding remain, the majority of roadways in the County are open. source
  • After sheltering nearly 29,000 evacuees in 42 general population shelters, Hillsborough County is transitioning shelter availability for evacuees who continue to need assistance. Special-needs shelters are not included in this transition, and those evacuees will continue to receive assistance. Shelter managers are coordinating transportation assistance for evacuees needing help relocating from a closing shelter to one of the three remaining open shelters. source
  • Hillsborough County residents are urged to stay inside while damage assessments continue. source
  • Residents can call (813) 272-5900 to report flooding and road problems or to request additional information source
  • All Hillsborough County Public Schools are closed through at least Tuesday, Sept. 12. source
  • Hillsborough County offices and facilities are closed today source
  • Stay in place while emergency personnel respond to hazards such as downed power lines, fallen trees, and flooded roadways. source
  • Expect additional rain and wind gusts today as the storm continues to move north source
  • Solid Waste facilities are closed for Monday, September 11. source

Useful Links:

 

Pasco County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • On Sep 10, the county asked for 20 HAM radio volunteers. source 8 are still needed. Please email your contact information to volunteer@pascocountyfl.net or call the Customer Service Volunteer Hotline at 727-847-8944 to register.
  • PASCO: Curfew LIFTED. Drive safely! source
  • Photo of damaged carport. source
  • From @PascoSheriff: Some storm damage in eastern Pasco from outer bands from #Irma. Look out for down trees and power lines. source

Useful Links:

  • Pasco County encourages everyone to use the MyPasco App to report Irma damages directly to assessment teams. More info: http://ow.ly/CGRI30f4jEN. source

 

Pinellas County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Staff will contact all who boarded pets with Animal Services on Tue, 9/12 to arrange pet return. Facility will be closed Tue. source
  • Residents countywide urged to minimize flushing toilets or water down the drain to prevent sewer backup and overflows. source
  • Per Pinellas County Utilities: No boil water notice in effect source
  • Law enforcement is currently blocking all entrances to Pinellas County. source

Useful Links:

Polk County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Polk County is reporting that power outages are widespread, many trees and power lines are down blocking roadways, there is extensive private property damage, and many traffic signals are not working. source
  • About 80% of the county is without power. source
  • Most of Polk County’s public shelters are also without power. source
  • One potable water plant is down. source
  • Several sanitary lift stations are without power. This may cause spillage to flow into areas near these lift stations. source
  • Polk County Utilities issues precautionary Boil Water Notice. source
  • Photos of downed trees and power poles. source

Useful Links:

  • Polk County Emergency Management: facebook
  • Polk County Government: @PolkCountyFL, facebook
  • Residents who have questions or need to report a problem should call the Citizen’s Information Line at 863.401.2234. source

Region 5 (East Central Florida)

 

Brevard County

Situation Updates:

Sep 11:

  • Titusville Police are rescuing people from homes/apartments where roofs have collapsed.Streets are flooded.police cars stalling in water. source
  • Indialantic – Homes on 12th Ave off S Ramona completely under water. Waist deep. No power and water rising source
  • County Government Offices, Courts, Schools Remain Closed Tues. source
  • Schools & BPS HQ will be closed Tues & will remain closed until further notice. source

Useful Links:

Volunteers Reporting

 

Alberto, Alice, Aline, Allyson, Cat, Chris, Cindy, Crystal, Eleonora, Joshua, Katerina, Katie, Lloyd, Phillip, Sandy, Najeeb

 

Learn more about how to prepare wireless devices during an emergency

Communications During an Emergency:

Use text messaging, e-mail or social media to let your loved ones know you are okay. Keep it short and simple by only conveying necessary information. By doing so, other people are also able to communicate with their loved ones.

Avoid making voice calls unless it’s an emergency to prevent clogging the network. Voice calls take up more space on the wireless network and it’s important to minimize unnecessary voice calls so our emergency responders are able to communicate.

If you must make a call, keep it short.

Also, when making a call, wait 10 seconds before redialing a call to help reduce network congestion. Quickly redialing phone numbers contributes to a clogged network.

Judiciously use social media to keep you informed as the situation unfolds. This may include using location-based mapping apps for evacuation routes.

Learn more about how to prepare wireless devices during an emergency