- April 20, 2024
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Flagler Schools will resume Wednesday, Oct. 12. On the Flagler Schools Twitter account, it was previously announced that Tuesday was a possible day to resume, but that has been revised. Wednesday is the day.
Also, Jason Wheeler, of Flagler Schools, stated that as of 5:08 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, the schools are still planning to keep this Friday as a teacher planning day, meaning students will have no school on Friday — only Wednesday and Thursday this week.
A recent communication from Gov. Rick Scott's office states the following: "We have to do all we can to get every school to reopen because we have to keep our students learning. Schools are also sometimes the only place a child gets a meal. I have offered the full resources of the state to these school districts to make sure all schools open immediately. We will provide whatever is necessary so they can open their doors. I have also authorized the Florida National Guard to assist with cleanup efforts at any schools that served as shelters if school districts request it."
Here are 8 other things you need to know about Hurricane Matthew. If you have questions that you'd like the Observer to try to answer for you, please email [email protected], and we will do our best.
According to the latest release from the governor's office, 36,507 households are still without power in Flagler County, or 62%. That percentage is the highest in the state, by far. Volusia County is second-hardest hit, with about 112,000, or 39%, households still without power. Statewide, 4% have no power. Florida Power and Light sent 275 linemen to work on power outages in Flagler County.
A Flagler County press release provides this reminder: "As always, consider downed power lines as live. Be careful when engaging in debris removal and associated activities."
There are several spots throughout Flagler County where residents can get a meal on Sunday, and the American Red Cross as six roving vehicles distributing meals:
· Veterans Park, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, from the hours of noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
· The Adult Education Center parking lot, 5633 N. Highway A1A, Hammock, from 4:30 p.m. until about 6 p.m.*
· Flagler County Main Branch Library parking lot, 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast from 4:30 p.m. until about 6 p.m.
· Town Center in Palm Coast (where the food trucks stage), 975 Central Avenue, from 4:30 p.m. until about 6 p.m.
· Near the Bunnell Housing Authority, 414 Bacher Street, Bunnell, noon until about 6 p.m.
· Hidden Trails Community Center parking lot, 6108 Mahogany Blvd., 4:30 p.m. until about 6 p.m. Two of the roving vehicles will be in this area to provide for those who have no way to get to the Community Center.
· Four additional roving vehicles are circulating throughout Flagler County.
Meals will be distributed on Monday at noon and 4:30 p.m. in the same locations.
*As supplies last
The following press release was sent out by the Flagler County communications office:
While it appears that Hurricane Matthew will not rear its head again as once feared, it does appear that Flagler County will experience breezy conditions beginning Monday.
“Northeast winds are forecast to be between 15 and 20 mph with some higher gusts,” said Steve Garten, Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager. “There is also a chance of some scattered showers.”
Conditions are predicted to be worse along the coast than inland.
“Please secure tarps so they don’t blow away,” Garten said. “Also, if your home has any exposed areas, it’s a good idea to cover them to prevent additional water damage.”
There have been a number of manholes that have overflowed in the city of Palm Coast due to loss of power during Hurricane Matthew.
The following is a press release from the city of Palm Coast to explain the situation:
"When power was lost, a pump station was not able to pump the wastewater to the wastewater treatment plant, resulting in an overflow that was confined to the installation site. When city crews discovered the overflows, they were immediately cleaned up using a vacuum tanker truck. The city disinfected and placed signage at the areas as needed once the spills were remedied.
"Overflows of sanitary sewer can pose hazards similar to backups from facilities in public restrooms or your own home, so please make sure that you, your family, and your pets avoid contact with the overflow. If you, your family or pets come in contact with a wastewater overflow, please wash your hands or affected areas thoroughly with soap and water.
"The overflows to the ground occurred throughout the day on Saturday, Oct. 8. They were cleaned up upon discovery, the affected lift station and manholes are located at:
Pump station 23-1 at 91 Whippoorwill Drive – less than 200 gallons contained inside the facility property.
Manhole at the intersection of Patchogue and Patrick-less than 100 gallons
Manhole in front of 11 Patrick Place – less than 100 gallons
Manhole at the intersection of Parkview Drive and Patrick Place– less than 100 gallons
Manhole at the intersection of Parkview Drive and Palmwood Drive– less than 100 gallons
Manholes located on Universal Trail surcharged due to prolonged power outage – less than 100 gallons
Manholes located on Fanwood Dr. surcharged due to prolonged power outage – less than 100 gallons
"The Emergency Rule for Public Notice of Pollution was enacted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Sept. 26. The Emergency Rule imposes new requirements for providing public notice of pollution in certain circumstances. Previously, such notifications went only to State officials unless they posed an ongoing or significant pollution problem for the public. The new rule adds a public notification requirement. ... The city contact for this report is Palm Coast Customer Service at 386-986-2360 or Brian Matthews [email protected]."
Flagler County recently sent out these tips on how to be safe around standing water after Hurricane Matthew:
· Clean and dry everything that got wet, as flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads and commercial buildings.
· Throw out spoiled and cosmetics and medications that have gotten wet. They are a health hazard. Contact the Health Department at 386-437-7358 to dispose of medications.
· Do not let children play in or around high water, storm drains or ditches. Besides drowning risks, the water could be contaminated. Additionally, debris and other hazards may not be visible beneath the surface.
· Look before you step. Floors and stairs may be covered with slippery mud, or other hazardous materials.
· Remember there are animal hazards such as snakes, rodents (and other small animals), fire ants and scorpions. Any or all of these creatures could have entered homes and buildings looking for shelter.
A semi-truck of bagged ice is sitting at the Winn Dixie located on Palm Coast Parkway, offering free ice to residents. A recent call to Winn Dixie confirmed that as of 5:23 p.m., the truck was still in the parking lot, but it's first-come, first-served.
“It is wonderful how the whole community is coming together to help out,” Flagler County Administrator Craig Coffey said in a county press release.
Water can be dropped off between 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday in front of the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., and again on Monday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“We know people are anxious to do something to help, and we appreciate that,” Flagler County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “We will have someone there during those hours to receive donations.”
The daily curfew remains in effect on the barrier island only, until further notice.
