St Lucie Post Irma update Sept 15
Debris Pickup for Unincorporated St. Lucie County Starts Sept. 18
- LUCIE COUNTY – Contractors will begin picking up vegetative debris from residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas of St. Lucie County (outside city limits) starting Monday, Sept. 18.
Crews will begin picking up debris in the south end of the county, working north with plans to make two passes through neighborhoods. Additionally, St. Lucie County’s contractors will be working with gated communities to pick up vegetative debris inside these developments in the unincorporated areas.
- Debris should be stacked in piles on the residence and not in the road.
- Be sure not to stack debris too close to fire hydrants, utility poles and mailboxes.
- Makes sure vegetative debris is separated from other household garbage and refuse.
- Do not include any lumber of any kind, including fences with vegetative debris.
For additional information contact St. Lucie County Solid Waste at https://stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/solid-waste.
Marine Safety Coverage Temporarily Suspended from South Beach Park
FORT PIERCE – Due to damage from Hurricane Irma to the lifeguard tower, St. Lucie County’s Marine Safety coverage at South Beach Park, 800 South Ocean Drive, will be temporarily suspended through this weekend (Sept. 16-17).
Hutchinson Island beaches are expecting heavy surf and rip currents following the departure of Hurricane Irma as well as additional impacts from Hurricane Jose offshore. St. Lucie County’s Marine Safety Division encourages all residents and visitors to swim at lifeguarded beaches. Pepper Park Beach, 3302 North A1A, North Hutchinson Island, and Waveland Beach, 10350 South Ocean Drive, South Hutchinson Island, have lifeguards on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
With 21 miles of coastline, St. Lucie County features more than a dozen public beach accesses with a variety of amenities from full-scale parks with pavilions, paved parking, restrooms and showers to primitive sandy dune crossovers. For a list of all St. Lucie County parks, preserves and beach accesses, including amenities visit the interactive map athttps://gis.stlucieco.gov/parkspreserves.
Port St Lucie
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, the City of Port St. Lucie has these important updates:
Waste Pickup Information:
- The Public Works Department is overseeing the storm cleanup efforts. All yard waste (and other storm generated debris) will be picked up by the City’s emergency debris removal contractor for the next several weeks, beginning Monday, Sept. 18, 2017.
- For questions about storm debris please call the debris management hotline at 772-529-0934.
- This hotline will be manned from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week, starting Wednesday. Sept. 13, 2017.
- The City will keep updated debris management progress online at www.cityofpsl.com beginning Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017.
- The City is asking residents to assist with the cleanup effort by:
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Piling their storm generated debris by the street.
- Please be advised that the emergency debris contractor utilizes clam trucks, which cannot collect containerized or bagged debris.
- These clam trucks can only pick up storm-related debris in piles directly on the ground. Storm-related debris that is containerized or bagged will not be collected.
- Having all debris ready for collection, which will start on Monday, September 18, 2017.
- Separating yard waste from all other storm-generated debris, such as fence and construction materials. Please do not mix vegetative debris with non-vegetative debris.
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Putting out your household garbage and recycling per your normal schedule.
- Those schedules can be found at: https://pslgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=5a8c0b630ddd47d5b867e886ec2a2f79Please note, your household garbage and recycling will be collected by Waste Pro, NOT the debris collection contractor.
- The City would like to remind residents that City Code prohibits the open burning of trash and garbage, building materials and similar items.
FEMA Information
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has added St. Lucie County to the list of counties eligible to receive individual assistance for damages caused by Hurricane Irma. St. Lucie County residents are eligible if you are a disaster-impacted individual with expenses not covered by insurance including:
- Individuals and Households Program
- Housing Assistance provides financial and/or direct assistance to eligible disaster survivors who have necessary expenses and serious needs unmet through other resources, such as insurance.
Financial Housing Assistance can include Rental Assistance, Lodging Expense Reimbursement, Home Repair Assistance, and Home Replacement Assistance.
Direct Housing Assistance can include Manufactured Housing Units, Multi-Family Lease and Repair, and Permanent or Semi-Permanent Housing Construction.
Other Needs
Other Needs Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals and households who have other disaster-related necessary expenses such as medical, childcare, funeral, personal property, and transportation costs. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Assistance Program provides low-interest, long-term loans to those impacted by a declared disaster.
Crisis Counseling Assistance & Training Program assists in recovery from the effects of a disaster through community based outreach and psycho-educational services.
HOW TO APPLY
- Internet: https://www.disasterassistance.gov
- Smartphone: downloading FEMA application through https://www.fema.gov
- FEMA Toll-Free Helpline: 800-621-3362
- FEMA Toll-Free Helpline for deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disability: 800-462-7585
- Disaster Recovery Center open for limited periods post-disaster near your community.
- U.S. SBA Disaster Loan Assistance: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
Utility Systems Information
- Port St. Lucie Utility Systems has established emergency water supply depots to provide water to residents who do not have access to water at their homes due to power outages at the following locations:
- Shell gas station at Tulip Blvd. /Darwin Blvd.
- Publix at Prima Vista Crossings at U.S. 1 /Prima Vista Blvd.
- Speedway on U.S. 1 near Kitterman Rd. (note new location)
- Please bring your own containers, as these depots are self-serve stations.
- Customer Service is working hard to maintain multiple lines of communications: phones, email, Access PSL app. We appreciate your patience.
- Customers who still do not have electricity are being asked to continue to conserve water and avoid adding any unnecessary water to their drains. Utility crews are working around the clock to provide temporary relief. If you need this temporary service for your grinder, please call 772-873-6400 or email utlity@cityofpsl.com. Please be patient because of the large volume of calls.
Other important information
The Building Department has prepared a list to answer questions of “Do You Need a Permit?” Please note this list does not contain ALL permit requirements, only a list of most common storm related permits. For all other requirements, please check our website or contact permitting at 772-871-5132.
The list is found at: https://www.cityofpsl.com/emergency-management/pdf/irma-permit-requirements.pdf
REMINDER: The Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful Tree Giveaway that was scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens has been cancelled.
The Department of Economic Opportunity has launched the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program to provide temporary income support to eligible individuals in counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance. To file for DUA or for more information go to www.FloridaJobs.org or call 1-800-385-3920.
DEO has launched the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide support to businesses that suffered economic or physical damage from Hurricane Irma. To complete an application by the Oct. 31, 2017, deadline, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. For more information contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at 850-898-3489 or email Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org.
The Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center business damage assessment surveying tool has been activated for businesses to report damages resulting from Hurricane Irma. Businesses are encouraged to visit https://www.flvbeoc.org. Click on Hurricane Irma. Temporary Disaster Unemployment Benefits www.disasterassistance.gov
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie is open for services at the following locations:
714 Avenue C – Fort Pierce, FL 34950 – 772-462-3900
531 NW Lake Whitney Place, Suite 101 – Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 (772) 785-6124
Other Services Available at: 714 Avenue C – Fort Pierce, FL 34951 – (772) 462-3800
Visit: www.stluciecountyhealth.com or call (772) 462-3800 for more information about health services.
Parks and Recreation Information
Open Facilities
- Apache Park, 1449 SW Apache Avenue
- PSL Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd.
- PSL Community Fitness & Wellness Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd.
- Deacon Street Transit Station, 395 PV SE Deacon Avenue
- Doat Street Park, 425 SE Doat Street
- Loyalty Park, 2810 SE Morningside Blvd
- Mary Ann Cernuto Park, 2600 SE Grand Drive
- McChesney Park, 1585 SW Cashmere Blvd.
- Midport Lake, 2010 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway
- Milner Tot Lot, 5160 NW Milner
- O.L. Peacock, Sr. Park, 1950 SW Dreyfus Blvd.
- Ravenswood Racquetball Courts, 400 SW Ravenswood Lane
- Swan Park, 700 SW Carmelite Street
- Tom Hooper Family Park, 2340 SE Rivergate Parkway
- Treasure Coast Model Railroad Club, 273 SW Becker Road
- Whitmore Park, 474 SE Whitmore Drive
- Wilderness Park, 2701 SE Westmoreland Blvd.
- Winterlakes Park, 5234 NW Jannebo Street
- Turtle Run Park, 1945 SW Cameo Blvd.
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*Lyngate Park and Dog Park, 1301 SE Lyngate Drive
- River Place Park, 690 NW Bayou Country Road
- *Sportsman’s Park, 201 NW Prima Vista Blvd.
- Robert E. Minsky Gymnasium, 750 SW Darwin Blvd.
- C-24 Canal Park, 500 SE Oakridge Drive
- Rotary Park, 2101 SE Tiffany Avenue
- Jessica Clinton Park, 3200 SE Southbend Blvd.
- Sportsman’s Park, 201 NW Prima Vista Blvd.—UPDATE – there is no power to the facility, therefore, restrooms remain closed.
- Sportsman’s Park West, 220 NW Irving Street—there is no power to the facility, therefore, restrooms remain closed.
- Parks Yard, 1901 SW Hampshire Lane
- Sandhill Crane Park, 2355 SE Scenic Drive
- Turtle Run Park, 1945 SW Cameo Blvd.
- *Oak Hammock Park, 1872 SW Villanova Road (park is open, but trails remain closed)
- *Botanical Gardens, 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. (Building is open but Garden paths are closed.)
- *Charles Ray Park, 5626 NW Manville Drive (playground remains closed)
- *Veterans Park @ Rivergate, 2200 SE Veteran’s Memorial Parkway – boat ramp and parking lot open. UPDATE: entire park is now open to the public.
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Whispering Pines Park, 800 SW Darwin Blvd. UPDATE: park is now open, power has been restored and restrooms are now open, but ballfields are not available yet.
- Saints at PSL Golf Course, 2601 SE Morningside Blvd.-UPDATE: course will be open as of tomorrow, Friday, September 15, 2017, for normal hours of operation of 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Jaycee Park, 1301 SW Bayshore Blvd.
- *Woodstork Trail, 1957 SE Hillmoor Drive – restrooms, parking lot, and west side of park property is open and available to the public.
*Parks are open to the public, however, not all amenities may be available until crews address needed maintenance.
FACILITIES THAT REMAIN CLOSED AS OF 09-14-17 AT 4:01 P.M.
- Fred Cook Park, 400 SE Glenwood Avenue
- Girl Scout Friendship Park, 315 NW Heather Street
- Gulf Stream Park, 210 NE Ardsley Drive
- Harborview Park, 624 SE Harborview Drive
- Ian T. Zook Park, 5600 NW Manville Drive
- Kiwanis Park, 1320 SE Floresta Drive
- Mariposa Cane Slough Preserve, 2280 SE Mariposa Avenue
- PSL Elks Lodge #2658 Friendship Park, 2264 SE West Blackwell Drive
- Sandpiper Bay Park, 1870 SE Morningside Blvd.
- Veteran’s Memorial Park, 2100 SE Veteran’s Memorial Parkway
Please NOTE:
Due to Hurricane Irma, our vastly popular 2017-2018 Winter Junior Basketball Program registration was re-scheduled from Saturday, September 9, 2017, to Saturday, September 16, 2017. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, 09-16-17, and can be done either online or by visiting either the PSL Civic Center, PSL Community Center or Minsky Gymnasium. We look forward to a great season of recreational opportunities for your child in the Junior Basketball Program.
Please check the City’s website for the latest information, closures, cancellations and helpful links: www.CityofPSL/irma
St. Lucie County Designated for Individual FEMA Assistance
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has added St. Lucie County to the list of counties eligible to receive individual assistance for damages caused by Hurricane Irma.
Individuals and Households Program
Housing Assistance provides financial and/or direct assistance to eligible disaster survivors who have necessary expenses and serious needs unmet through other resources, such as insurance.
- Financial Housing Assistance can include Rental Assistance, Lodging Expense Reimbursement, Home Repair Assistance, and Home Replacement Assistance.
- Direct Housing Assistance can include Manufactured Housing Units, Multi-Family Lease and Repair, and Permanent or Semi-Permanent Housing Construction.
Other Needs
Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals and households who have other disaster-related necessary expenses such as medical, childcare, funeral, personal property, and transportation costs. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Assistance Program provides low-interest, long-term loans to those impacted by a declared disaster.
Crisis Counseling Assistance & Training Program assists in recovery from the effects of a disaster through community based outreach and psycho-educational services.
Unemployment Assistance provides unemployment benefits and re-employment services to individuals who have become unemployed because of the disaster and who are not eligible for regular State unemployment insurance.
HOW TO APPLY
- Internet: https://www.disasterassistance.gov
- Smartphone: downloading FEMA application through https://www.fema.gov
- FEMA Toll-Free Helpline: 800-621-3362
- FEMA Toll-Free Helpline for deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disability: 800-462-7585
- Disaster Recovery Center open for limited periods post-disaster near your community.
- U.S. SBA Disaster Loan Assistance: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN ST. LUCIE IS OPEN Some Services Are Limited
St. Lucie County, FL – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie is open for services at the following locations:
All WIC LOCATIONS ARE OPEN: 714 Avenue C – Fort Pierce, FL 34950 – 772-462-3900 531 NW Lake Whitney Place, Suite 101 – Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 (772) 785-6124
Other Services Available at: 714 Avenue C – Fort Pierce, FL 34951 – (772) 462-3800 WIC Case Management Healthy Start Dental by Appointment ONLY TB
The health department staff continues to assist with de-mobilizing patients at the Medical Special Needs Shelter.
Visit: www.stluciecountyhealth.com or call (772) 462-3800 for more information about health services.
The City of Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Dept. to begin hydrant flushing on Sept. 17
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – On September 17, Utility crews will begin a system-wide flush of the City’s entire water distribution system. Crews will work 7 days a week, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. It is anticipated the flushing project will be complete on or before October 1.
What should residents do when hydrants are being flushed in their neighborhood?
- Use caution and drive carefully though areas where hydrant flushing is taking place.
- Avoid running excessive amounts of tap water including, but not limited to, bath/shower water, washing machines, and dishwashers.
- Tap water used during flushing could contain sediment that causes temporary discoloration.
- Do not be alarmed, there is no health hazard associated with the discolored water.
- If you encounter discolored water, shut it off and wait several minutes before trying again.
- If water is still discolored, leave it on and allow fresh water to work its way into your home’s pipes.
Why is flushing necessary?
- The overall result of hydrant flushing is improved water quality, color and clarity throughout the entire water distribution system, including 1,200 miles of potable water mains and 5,400 fire hydrants.
- Flushing is necessary to ensure there is adequate flow and pressure in the City’s water pipes. It also verifies there is a sufficient flow of water for fighting fires.
Crew work area schedule: https://utility.cityofpsl.com/get-connected/news/hydrant-flushing-to-begin-sept-17/
Port St. Lucie Utility Systems is dedicated to providing the highest possible level of support for its customers, as well as leading the water and wastewater utility industry by protecting our environment and natural water resources, and relying on innovative operating and maintenance processes.
