LIVE BLOG: Irma recovering picking up speed in Jacksonville area

7:43 p.m. 

The Florida Department of Health in Duval County Special Needs Shelter located at the Legends Center is closed.

7:31 p.m.

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that aggressive efforts to expedite refueling in Florida’s communities have shown significant progress statewide. Since September 6th, Governor Scott and his staff have held daily calls with leaders in the Florida and national fuel industry and the Florida Ports Council to ensure fuel supply before, during and following Hurricane Irma. Actions taken at the direction of Governor Scott to expedite fuel delivery to gas stations has reduced the number of stations experiencing fuel outages by more than 60 percent, according to data made publicly available.

Governor Scott said, “Days before landfall, I began calls with the fuel industry and Florida ports to get Florida prepared and we have continued these calls every day to address fuel needs around the state.

“I want to thank the fuel industry, Florida ports, the Florida Highway Patrol and all of our federal and state partners for their commitment to continuing to help Florida as we quickly refuel. We have continued to dedicate every resource and take every action to eliminate barriers and restrictions to moving fuel around the state. But, there is still work to be done and we will not stop until we get fuel back in every station.”

At peak outage, more than 60 percent of stations reported being without fuel in impacted areas with 70 percent out of fuel in the most heavily traveled area of the state. Today, regional fuel shortages in impacted areas have decreased to less than 30 percent of stations and fuel availability is expected to return to normal levels statewide within the coming days.

Florida Petroleum Council Executive Director David Mica said, “I have worked with governors in emergency and disaster situations for over three decades and the genuine effort of Governor Scott to assist our industry to get fuels to Floridians since the threat of Harvey and Irma is unprecedented. Our industry will continue to help the affected areas and the Governor continues to work on recovery with us. We look forward to working with the Governor and his staff in debriefing and working toward continuous improvement.”

Florida Petroleum Marketers Association Executive Director Ned Bowman said, “The Florida Petroleum Marketers Association thanks Governor Scott for his leadership and direction in the face of Hurricane Irma. As families prepared for Irma and evacuated their homes, demand for fuel hit unprecedented levels. Governor Scott’s work to connect the fuel industry with ports, law enforcement and transportation partners and constant action to waive barriers and regulations helped get fuel through our state quickly and safely.”  

Florida Ports Council President and CEO Doug Wheeler said, “We are thankful for Governor Scott’s leadership during Hurricane Irma and the dedication and cooperation of partners statewide, resulting in the unprecedented speed of multiple port openings and fuel distribution. Our thoughts are with all Floridians and businesses as they recover from Hurricane Irma.”

Since September 6th, Governor Scott has taken the following actions to expedite fuel delivery to gas stations:

• Directed the Florida Highway Patrol to escort fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
• Directed law enforcement to provide escorts to fuel station employees in evacuation zones so stations could stay open as long as possible before landfall to serve Floridians;
• Waived the import taxes on fuel entering the state;
• Waived weight and driver restrictions for highways so water, food, fuel and emergency supplies could be quickly brought to Florida and moved throughout the state;
• Governor Scott and executive office staff have held daily calls with all fuel supply stakeholders, including Florida Ports;
• Vice President Pence announced that the federal government has waived the Jones Act upon Governor Scott’s request which waives additional rules and regulations to allow more fuel to get to Florida fast. This waiver ensures that all options are available to distribute fuel to Florida. The last Jones Act waiver was issued in December 2012, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy;
• Following the Governor’s request, 12 states joined Florida in waiving weight and driver restrictions to move goods more quickly into the state, including fuel; and
• Following the Governor’s request, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency fuel waiver which allows more fuel to quickly enter the state. For more information, please click HERE.

6:06 p.m.

As the water levels go down, cleanup begins and the proper disposal of sandbags becomes important. St. Johns County residents who picked up sandbags in preparation for Hurricane Irma are encouraged to keep them for the remainder of hurricane season and for future use. Sandbags may also be used as general fill or in areas such as lawns, landscape beds, or base for paving blocks. Sand or full sandbags will not be collected with regular garbage or yard debris. Emptied bags can be kept for reuse or disposed of with household garbage.

5:22 p.m.

5:20 p.m.

The American Red Cross will provide lunch and dinner at three Flagler County locations for those who are without power starting today through Monday evening.

“The meals will be served at about noon and again at about 5 p.m.,” said County Administrator Craig Coffey. “These times are not exact, so please be patient.”

The locations of distribution are:

• Hidden Trails Community Center, 500 meals – 6108 Mahogany Boulevard, Daytona North
• Espanola Community Center, 200 meals – 3570 County Road 205, Espanola
• Veterans Park, 500 meals – 105 S. Second Street, Flagler Beach          

5:18 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Florida Ys are doing what they can to open their doors and hearts to area friends and neighbors impacted by Hurricane Irma. Our Ys are opening to all, free of charge to those in need. If you need a place to charge your phone, grab a cup of coffee, take a shower, or simply relax with a workout, there is a place for you at the Y. 

Many of our Ys across the 19 associations, are open, however some remain without power. Below is a contact list of YMCAs in the state of Florida that currently have branches open to all local residents.

• Highlands County YMCA, 863-382-9622
• Sarasota YMCA, 941-951-2916
• SKY Family YMCA, 941-492-9622
• Tampa Metropolitan YMCA, 813-224-9622
• Volusia Flagler YMCA, 386-736-6000
• YMCA of Central Florida, 407-896-9220
• YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, 904-296-3220
• YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, 727-895-9622
• YMCA of Manatee County, 941-798-9622
• YMCA of North Central Florida, 351-374-9622
• YMCA of Northwest Florida, 850-438-4406
• YMCA of Palm Beaches, 561-968-9622
• YMCA of South Florida, 954-334-9622
• YMCA of South Palm Beach County, 800-798-4531
• YMCA of the Suncoast, 727-467-9622
• YMCA of West Central Florida, 863-644-3528

3:40 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

A Disaster Recovery Center to help those affected by Hurricane Irma will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday September 16 at the St. Johns County Wind Mitigation Building, 3111 Agricultural Center Drive. The center will remain open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday for the immediate future. Disaster Recovery Centers serve as one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors seeking one-on-one help. Representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and various other state agencies will be at the center to answer questions and provide assistance.

2:29 a.m.

From Flagler County School District:

We know many of our community members stocked up on non-perishable supplies prior to Hurricane Irma.  Those unused items could desperately be used right now in our food pantries, as they are running very low after supplying our community members after the storm.  The idea is to get food and supplies where it’s not needed as much and get it into the hands of those who need it most right now. All Flagler Schools campuses, as well as the Office of Student and Community Engagement inside the Government Services Building (1769 E, Moody Blvd, Bldg 2, Bunnell) will accept non perishable food donations next week. All collections will go to  local Flagler County food pantries which are trying to meet the demand following Hurricane Irma.

“While we understand hurricane season is still upon us, if there are people who can spare a portion of their emergency supplies we would be more than happy to take it and pass it along to our volunteer organizations,” says Lynette Shott, Executive Director of Student and Community Engagement for Flagler Schools. “There are many people in need of the essentials right now, and those who run our food pantries would appreciate the help.”

Any donations can be made at the front desk of our schools, or sent in with students all next week.

2:26 p.m.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will reopen to the public on Saturday, September 16. Normal hours of operation are 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Due to storm damage, no public restrooms are available at this time. 

Fort Matanzas National Monument remains closed at this time due to hazardous tree limbs, damage to park boardwalks, and damage to the park dock system. Park ferry boats also suffered significant damage. There is no expected reopening date for Fort Matanzas at this time.  

For updates, please check park websites at www.nps.gov/casa and www.nps.gov/foma.  Follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/CastilloNPS and www.facebook.com/FortMatanzasNPS or www.twitter.com/CastilloNPS and www.twitter.com/FortMatanzasNPS. 

2:15 p.m.

As many residents are still without power in Duval County, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) will continue to provide Special Needs Shelter (SpNS) for residents who need electricity or limited assistance due to medical conditions.

The Special Needs Shelter location is:

Legends Center 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville 32208

There are still many people displaced from their homes that require housing in community shelters. It is important that individuals in shelters and shelter staff take precautions to prevent the spread of sicknesses like influenza or gastrointestinal illness.

2:11 p.m.

DOH warning:

After storm events such as Hurricane Irma, pets may be displaced.  Any loose pet may be lost, frightened, or hurt – and more likely to bite. Even animals that are usually friendly may bite if they are scared or hurt.

To avoid being bitten:

• Do not approach stray pets or wildlife.
• Do not feed or attempt to pet or handle stray pets or wildlife.
• Do not disturb an animal that is sleeping, eating or caring for its young.
• If a strange animal walks toward you, stay calm and slowly move away.
• Bites from dogs are the most commonly reported animal bite. Additional tips for preventing bites from dogs include:
• Dogs are more likely to bite other dogs than people; when walking your own pet dog, avoid areas where free-roaming dogs may be present.
• If another dog attacks your dog, don't put any part of your body between the dogs; consider carrying a stick or another sturdy object that you can safely use to try to keep the aggressive dog away.
• Do not make eye-to-eye contact with a stray or aggressive acting dog.
• Do not run or scream if a stray dog approaches you – be "still like a tree.” If you fall or are knocked to the ground by a dog, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face. Try to stay still and do not scream.
• Report stray dogs to local authorities such as animal control.

If you are bitten by an animal and emergency help is needed, go to a hospital or medical treatment area or call 911.

Take care of the bite wound:

• Before treating the wound, wash your hands with soap and clean fresh water.
• Remove any item that is in the way of caring for the wound.
• Put pressure on the wound with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
• After the bleeding has stopped, pour bottled or clean running water over the wound.
• Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water.
• Pat dry and use an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth to cover the wound.
• Leave unclean wounds open.

Report the bite to your local animal control agency if they are open. Tell the animal control official everything you know about the animal and where it went.

If you are trying to find your lost dog or a temporary place to keep your dog, visit http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency

CDC resources: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/animalhazards/index.html

1:10 p.m.

Repairs were completed Friday to the Browns Creek Bridge approach on Heckscher Drive in Jacksonville and the bridge has reopened. Florida Department of Transportation said that additional work in the area is ongoing that requires lane closures, but flaggers will assist with traffic movement and keep Heckscher Drive open.

12:20 p.m.

The boil water notice issued earlier this week for an area is along a portion of San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine has been rescinded following two days of sample that passed bacterial testing. Water in the affected area is now safe for consumption which includes utility customers on Sebastian Ave., Old Mission Ave., Ocean Ave., and on San Marco Ave. between Cincinnati Ave. and Sanchez Ave.

Questions may be directed to the Public Works Department at 904-825-1040.

11:47 a.m.

Commercial power had not been restored Friday morning to 50 nursing homes after getting knocked out by Hurricane Irma, according to the Florida Health Care Association, an industry group. The issue of nursing homes without electricity has drawn national attention since eight residents of a Broward County facility died Wednesday. The air conditioning system at the facility, The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, went out Sunday. The Florida Health Care Association statement Friday said the state has 683 nursing homes. As of 11 a.m. Friday, power remained out for nearly 1.8 million electric customers in Florida, according to state numbers.

11:34 a.m.

All schools in the Ware County School District will resume a regular operating schedule on Monday, September 18th. Students will not be required to make up the lost days resulting from Hurricane Irma; however, all staff members will be required to make up the missed days to meet their terms of their contracts. All scheduled holidays will remain intact for staff members at this time. I look forward to seeing all students and staff members on Monday, September 18th

Latest school info

11:30 a.m.

From the DOH in Clay County:

The Florida Department of Health in Clay County (DOH-Clay) worked effortlessly to serve our special needs population during and after hurricane Irma at the Lake Asbury Jr. High School and the Thrasher Horne Center. We are pleased to announce that all our offices and programs are open for business.

“We are now in the demobilization stage of the post storm so being able to be open for business provides a sense of normality to our clients”, said DOH-Clay Administrator, Heather Huffman. “This is a lifechanging event for many of our residents which can be mentally and physically exhausting. Please take a moment to talk to your family and loved ones and seek help if you feel overwhelmed.”

If you need hurricane related help please call the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcross.org/get-help.

If you need to contact the Florida Department of Health in Clay County regarding services call 904-529-2800 or visit http://clay.floridahealth.gov.

10:32 a.m.

HUNGRY?

WHAT: EWC Community Fish Fry (Students, Faculty, Staff, & Local Community), hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police of Alabama.

WHEN: Friday, September 15, 2017

TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVE)

WHERE: In the Parking Lot Behind the Center for Health Disparities Building (EWC Campus)

WHY: Because of the Impact of Hurricane Irma to our Community

10:21 a.m.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is waiving certain driver license and motor vehicle service fees for individuals impacted by Hurricane Irma. 

“Many Floridians have felt the effect of Hurricane Irma and DHSMV understands the impacts to our customers,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “To aid in the recovery effort, DHSMV is committed to providing all possible assistance to Florida residents. We are proud to serve as a resource in this time of need.”

The following DHSMV driver license and motor vehicle fees are currently waived through October 9, 2017:

• Delinquent fee for a late renewal of a driver license or vehicle registration that resulted from severe weather or office closure during Hurricane Irma;
• Fee to replace a driver license or ID card if severe weather caused the loss of a credential;
• Fee for a duplicate title certificate or vehicle registration if severe weather caused the loss of a title or vehicle registration; and
• The $10 expedited title print-on-demand fee for total loss vehicle title related to damage from Hurricane Irma (if liens have been satisfied). This waiver has no end date. 

Individuals that qualify must visit a service center to receive the fee waiver. For a listing of all driver license and motor vehicle service centers, visit www.flhsmv.gov/locations. Individuals should also check to see if the service center they plan to visit is open by visiting the emergency office closures webpage.

10:19 a.m.

The United Way Volusia-Flagler Counties will open their doors tomorrow, Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. until noon as a coordination and mobilization point for volunteers in response to Hurricane Irma recovery efforts. 

Volunteers and groups will meet at the United Way offices located at 3747 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach to receive specific assignments and will then deploy as a group to the assigned worksite.

All projects will be in the Volusia or Flagler communities. Volunteers are asked to bring any debris or clean up equipment that they might have including yard gloves, shears, and trash bags.

More than 30 individual projects have already been reported that need assistance with debris cleanup and other Hurricane related needs. Additionally, many nonprofits were flooded or experienced damage from Hurricane Irma which has resulted in a delay in services.

UPDATE: The United Way Volusia-Flagler Counties has decided to set up a second volunteer coordination activation point at Beach Front Grille located at 2444 S. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Flagler Beach.

This activation point will be open from 8-10am. From this location, volunteers will be assigned specific recovery assignments in Flagler County. 

Further details may be found here: https://www.prlog.org/12664801-united-way-of-volusia-flagler-deploys-volunteers.html

10:16 a.m.

9:44 a.m.

9:26 a.m.

9:13 a.m.

Outage update

JEA: 50,797

CLAY ELECTRIC: 33,351

FPL: 

Alachua: 520

Baker: 1,700

Bradford: 1,740

Clay: 330

Columbia: 1,810

Duval: 0 (YAY!)

Flagler: 15,820

Nassau: 7,110

Putnam: 12,030

St Johns: 19,360

Union: 690

GEORGIA POWER:

BRANTLEY: <5

CAMDEN: 1,774

GLYNN: 8,650

CHARLTON: <5

WARE: 76

Latest outage numbers

8:05 a.m.

4:18 a.m.

Outage update:

JEA: 60,104

CLAY ELECTRIC: 34,588(increased)

FPL: 

Alachua: 520

Baker: 1,650

Bradford: 1,550

Clay: 330

Columbia: 2,180

Duval: 0 (YAY!)

Flagler: 16,120

Nassau: 7,150

Putnam: 11,980 

St Johns: 19,510 (BIG improvement!)

Union: 690

GEORGIA POWER:

BRANTLEY: <5

CAMDEN: 1,627

GLYNN: 8,859

CHARLTON: <5

WARE: 93

Latest outage numbers

11:20 p.m.

A viewer sent us this good news tip:

I've learned tonight that Cracker Barrel in Orange Park has been feeding all of the linemen today, up to $25.00, including their tip!  I'm super impressed with this and astonished. I bet others will be too!  I'll be doing more business with my local Cracker Barrel!!!

9:01 p.m.

All lanes blocked on State Road 18 North at New River Bridge in Bradford County due to flooding. 

7:12 p.m.

The Florida Department of Health said following the passage of Hurricane Irma, residents may be experiencing difficulties with your sewage system not functioning properly. If you have a septic system that operates by a dosing pump, it will not function without electricity. You should refrain from using water in your home until electricity is restored. Without the pump working, the septic tank will fill and may cause backup of sewage in your home.

General precautions:

• Do not let children play in flood waters as these waters may be contaminated by sewage.
• If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, the ground in your area may be saturated from heavy rainfalls or flooding from the hurricane.  You should use household water as little as possible to prevent backup of sewage into your home

What should I do if sewage backs up into my home?

• If a sewage backup has occurred in your home, stay out of affected areas and keep children away.  If your entire home has been saturated, evacuate the home until all affected areas, including but not limited to carpets, rugs, drywall, and baseboards, have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• If sewage has overflowed in open areas or streets, etc., avoid these areas and especially do not let children play in these areas.
• If you are having problems in areas served by public sewer systems, please contact your utility company to insure they are aware of problems in your area.

How to clean up sewage contaminated items and sewage spills inside your home:

• Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and waterproof gloves.
• Clean walls, hard-surfaced floors, and other household surfaces with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water.  Once cleanup is complete, dry out affected items to prevent the growth of mold.
• Do not mix ammonia cleansers with bleach as toxic vapors will form.
• Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean them.
• Discard Items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses, carpeting, wall coverings and upholstered furniture.

For spills outside your home:

Follow proper hygiene procedures to prevent illness:

• Keep hands and fingers away from the nose, mouth, eyes and ears.
• Wash hands with soap and water immediately after cleanup efforts as well as before eating or drinking.
• Keep fingernails short and clean.  Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and foreign materials.
• Do not store fresh work clothes with used work clothes.
• Shower as soon as possible after cleaning up sewage or sewage contaminated flood waters. 

For further information, please contact your county health department or visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/index.html or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

6:26 p.m.

Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens has issued a directive to insurance companies to exercise leniency in dealing with Georgia residents that may experience difficulty paying their premiums due to Hurricane Irma.

“I expect insurance companies to be compassionate and understanding when so many of their policyholders’ lives have been severely disrupted,” Commissioner Hudgens said.  “This includes premium payments and nonrenewal notifications.”

Accordingly, Hudgens directs insurers to provide relief to Georgia policyholders, including exercising leniency where premium payments may appear tardy due to the disruption of services as a result of the hurricane. Likewise, insurers that have or will process lawful cancellation or nonrenewal notices during the time in which Georgia is in a State of Emergency are encouraged to ensure that policyholders impacted by legal adverse underwriting decisions have sufficient time to address their insurance needs.
         
Georgians who need help with late payment issues, or who have questions or problems regarding insurance, can call Hudgens’ Consumer Services Division at 1-800-656-2298.   Phones are answered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

Directive 17-EX-7 can be found on our website at www.oci.ga.gov.

4:49 p.m.

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) was significantly affected state-wide by Hurricane Irma.  In total, over 21,000 FGUA customers located in ten counties have lost service due to power outages, water main breaks, or are now under a Precautionary Boil Water Notice Advisory after service was restored. P

Click here to view a list containing the affected systems, number of customers affected by system, county and total number of customers in the state.

4:43 p.m.

The Clay County Courthouse reopened today and the work of rescheduling court calendars and appearance dates was finalized (due to four days of courthouse closures).  Updated information about the rescheduling has been posted to the Clerk of Court website and social media pages.  

4:36 p.m.

Florida Blue, in partnership with New Directions Behavioral Health, is offering emotional support to individuals and loved ones affected by Hurricane Irma. The companies are providing community access to specially trained behavioral health counselors via a 24-hour, toll-free help line: 800-843-6514.

Licensed clinicians are available to speak to anyone in Florida free of charge. They can help people with feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma and grief due to the damaging effects of the storm. The emotional support is offered to English-speaking and Spanish-speaking individuals, and does not require insurance. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with emergency services (shelter, clothing, food, financial, etc.).

4:34 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Outage update

JEA: 60,666

CLAY ELECTRIC: 43,127

FPL: 

Alachua: 410

Baker: 1,770

Bradford: 1,370

Clay: 180

Columbia: 2,580

Duval: 0

Flagler: 22,910 (increased)

Nassau: 7,720 (increased!)

Putnam: 11,610 

St Johns: 23,190

Union: 750

GEORGIA POWER:

CAMDEN: 2,373

GLYNN: 16,516

CHARLTON: 5 (yay! almost there!)

WARE: 315

Latest outage numbers

3:11 p.m.

Free pre-cooked, pre-packaged meat is being distributed at North Jacksonville Baptist Church on Main Street, a viewer tells News4Jax. The meat was donated by Tyson and is being given out by North Jax Baptist Church and Bold City Church. 

2:42 p.m.

North Florida Land Trust has canceled a planned clean-up scheduled for Saturday on a stretch of road on Big Talbot Island due to closures along Heckscher Dr. caused by Hurricane Irma. NFLT had planned to clean-up the road along Heckscher Dr./A1A between Houston Ave. and the Nassau Sound Bridge. NFLT is now asking for volunteers to sign up for the next scheduled clean-up along this stretch and another on Sawpit Island scheduled later this year. 

Volunteers interested in helping with that clean-up or the one on Nov. 4 on Big Talbot Island can sign up by visiting http://www.northfloridalandtrust.org/calendarofevents/. 

2:14 p.m.

Flagler County’s Park Department has closed all of its parks in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Boat ramps are open.

“Right now all of our parks are closed, as we are clearing debris and we have a few with down power lines,” said General Services Director Heidi Petito. “Although our community centers didn’t suffer damages, they are without power.”

The goal is to have them reopened by the weekend.

1:31 p.m.

The Salvation Army will open food canteens to feed St Johns County residents impacted by Hurricane Irma for lunch from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on September 14, 2017 at the following locations:

• City of Hastings Town Hall, 6195 South Main St., Hastings
• Flagler Estates Road and Water Office, 9850 Light Avenue, Hastings

Canteen times and locations are subject to change daily.

12:57 p.m.

Daily Manna Serving Center, a Jacksonville, Florida food distribution center that serves North Riverside residents, has extended its reach into the surrounding communities after the wake of Hurricane Irma.

The distribution of perishable and non-perishable food items and household goods will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2017.  Please limit one distribution per household to ensure that we can maximize our efforts.

Volunteers are needed and appreciated.  Please arrive by 8 a.m. to:  2659 Edison Avenue, Jacksonville, FL  32254.  

Our regular distributions are Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 12 noon for senior citizens and Fridays 10 a.m. – 12 noon for the public at large.  For the month of September, we are serving all families on Tuesdays and Fridays (restricted to one distribution per household per week). 

*Regular distribution schedule and restrictions will resume October 2017.

Please visit us at www.dailymannaservingcenter.org to learn more about how you may contribute to our mission.

12:54 p.m.

Pastor Larry Blakeslee of Evangel  Temple Church on Ramona Boulevard -- 904-781-9393 -- says two truckloads of donated food, water and sanitary supplies (partnered with Convoy of Hope) are being given away first come, first served until supplies last. He expects to be able to service a couple hundred people.

The giveaway goes until 4 p.m. today & from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. tomorrow at two locations:

• 5755 Romona Blvd, Jacksonville
• 5040 County Road 218, Middleburg

12:44 p.m.

The Florida Department of Health reminds everyone to do their part in preventing mosquito breeding and mosquito-borne illness. All Florida residents and visitors are asked to "Drain and Cover” to help keep our families and neighbors safe; it only takes a bottle cap of water for some mosquitoes to breed and multiply.

Although there are currently no areas of active, ongoing transmission of Zika in Florida, it is important to remain vigilant to protect ourselves and neighbors from mosquito bites in and around our homes.

To protect against mosquitoes, the department urges the public to "Drain and Cover:”

DRAIN standing water:

• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER your skin with:

• CLOTHING - If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.
• REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens:

• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites:

• Clean out troughs and gutters;
• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain;
• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots;
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups;
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water;
• Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week;
• Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week; and
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

12:33 p.m.

Due to the impact of Hurricane Irma, Jury service for those summoned for Friday, September 15, 2017 in Nassau County has been canceled until further notice. If you have any questions please call our Jury Service office at 904-548-4607, during normal business hours. 

11:54 a.m.

Outage update:

JEA: 73,583

CLAY ELECTRIC: 51,314

FPL: 

Alachua: 430

Baker: 2,110

Bradford: 1,610

Clay: 190

Columbia: 2,700

Duval: 10

Flagler: 21,720

Nassau: 7,350 (increased!)

Putnam: 11,540

St Johns: 24,080

Union: 890

GEORGIA POWER:

CAMDEN: 2,825

GLYNN: 18,589

CHARLTON: 56 (yay! almost there!)

WARE: 416

Current outage numbers

11:36 a.m.

Flagler County residents who sustained damages from Hurricane Irma still need to file claims with their local insurance companies even if they intend to file for FEMA’s individual assistance. 

“People still need to go through their regular insurance companies, as FEMA provides for needs that are unmet by insurance,” said Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “Take plenty of pictures. That will help you through this process.”

Concerns about insurance representatives should be directed to one of the following numbers:

• Florida Department of Financial Services, 877-693-5336 
• Fraud Tip Hotline, 800-378-0445 
• Arson Tip Hotline, 877-662-7766 
• Public Assistance Fraud, 866-762-2237 
• Unclaimed Property, 888-258-2253 

Additionally, Flagler officials caution residents that use caution when hiring for services and contractors. Contractors must be registered with Contractor Licensing to work in Flagler County. Proof of License and Liability Insurance is required.

For information, call Flagler County’s Contractor Licensing Department at 386-313-4076. 

11:30 a.m.

All St. Johns County library branches are open and available for residents and visitors to enjoy air conditioning, outlets to charge phones and devices, and other media services.

The library also offers business services, faxing, and copying for residents and businesses filing recovery paperwork.

The Anastasia Island Branch and the Southeast Branch will both close at 6 p.m. tonight, and will resume standard business hours on Friday, September 15.

All other branches resumed standard business hours on Thursday, September 14. 

11:26 a.m.

The Solomon Calhoun Community Center and pool will remain closed through Wednesday, September 20 as it remains a post-impact shelter for residents affected by Hurricane Irma, St. Johns County officials say.

11:22 a.m.

All St. Johns County after-school programs held at the Ketterlinus Gym and the W. E. Harris Community Center will resume on Monday, September 18 to coincide with schools reopening.

11 a.m.

10:48 a.m.

Outage update

JEA: 75,161

CLAY ELECTRIC: 50,951

FPL: 

Alachua: 430

Baker: 2,110

Bradford: 1,610

Clay: 190

Columbia: 2,650

Duval: 10

Flagler: 21,600

Nassau: 7,290 (increased!)

Putnam: 11,540

St Johns: 24,020

Union: 890

GEORGIA POWER:

CAMDEN: 2,897

GLYNN: 20,336

CHARLTON: 55 (yay! almost there!)

WARE: 444

Current outage numbers

10:43 a.m.

Governor Rick Scott has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. The application period is from today through Oct. 31, 2017.

To apply, click here.

10:42 a.m.

St. Johns County is offering a limited number of free tarps for residents with homes affected by Hurricane Irma. Tarp sizes include 20’ x 30’ or 30’ x 40’ and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the St. Johns County Health and Human Services Building, 200 San Sebastian View. Please call 904-209-1250 in advance to request a tarp that can be picked up at the Health and Human Services Building during standard business hours.

10:41 a.m.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) asked the heads of the nation’s largest cable, telephone and internet providers today to provide Hurricane Irma victims rebates for service interruptions and impose a 60-day moratorium on late fees and other penalties.  

Nelson made the request in letters sent to the CEOs of AT&T, CenturyLink, Charter Communications, Comcast, Cox Enterprises, Frontier Communications, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon.   

“I’ve been heartened by the many stories of Floridians helping Floridians as I crisscross the state to survey the damage. I ask that you follow their example and do all you can to ease the burden on those suffering from the storm.  Now is the time to lend a helping hand to your fellow Americans—to help them meet their immediate needs without the added stress of excessive financial demands,” Nelson wrote.

According to data released yesterday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), at least 8.1 million cable and wireline subscribers are without service in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia due to Hurricane Irma. Additionally, the FCC reported that 18 percent of cell sites in Florida were out of service

10:35 a.m.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to not consume water that is under a boil water notice without boiling it first. If you are under a boil water notice and have no electricity and thus no way to boil water, use bottled water.

Heavy rainfall, especially if accompanied by a tidal surge or flooding, can contaminate your water supply. Consuming water that is contaminated can cause gastrointestinal illness. Individuals cannot assume that a water supply in the storm affected area is safe to drink.

Your local utilities will announce if you are under a boil water notice and when water is safe to drink. Boil water notices are also posted on DOH's website here.

If you need help locating bottled water, contact local emergency management.

WATER FOR DRINKING AND COOKING: 

Safe sources of drinking water include bottled, disinfected, or both boiled and cooled water. Here are some general rules on using water for drinking and cooking:

• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, or make ice. Use only safe drinking water.
• If you use bottled water, know where it came from. Drink only commercially-available bottled, boiled, or disinfected water until your supply is tested and deemed safe. Otherwise, water should be disinfected or both boiled and cooled before use. 
• Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill infectious organisms (germs). 
• Water can be disinfected by adding 8 drops of plain unscented household bleach (4 to 6% strength), which is about 1/8 tsp or a dime sized puddle, per gallon of water. If a higher strength bleach is used (8.25% strength), only add 7 drops of bleach. Mix the solution and let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure once. Iodine or other disinfection tablets (available at many sporting goods departments and stores) may also be used.

Containers for water should be rinsed with a bleach solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water before reusing them. Use water storage tanks and other types of containers with caution. For example, fire truck storage tanks as well as previously used cans or bottles may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. Do not rely on unverified methods for decontaminating water.

For further information, please contact your local county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

10:32 a.m.

St. Johns County is offering disaster relief assistance for qualifying income-eligible residents that have experienced damage to their homes as a result of Hurricane Irma. According to program guidelines, the assistance may help cover costs for the following eligible activities:

• Purchase of emergency supplies for weather-damaged homes.
• Tree and debris removal and interim repairs to avoid further damage in order to make a housing structure habitable.
• Construction of wells, or repairs to existing wells, where public water is not available.
• Payment of insurance deductibles for rehabilitation of homes covered under homeowners insurance policies.
• Security deposits or rental assistance for eligible recipients who have been displaced from their homes due to damage from the storm.

10:31 a.m.

On September 7, St. Johns County City Manager John Regan issued an administrative order that states:

1) No building or tree removal permit fees will be charged to homeowners for removal or demolition of storm damage material from their homes or property; and

2) No building permit fees will be charged for owner-builder building permits for repair work done to residences of damage related to Hurricane Irma; and

3) Dock permits to reconstruct existing docks as they were designed and configured before Hurricane Irma, will be expedited and issued by the Planning and Building Department; and

4) Homeowners who must apply to the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) for a Certificate of Demolition for their home because of damage associated with Hurricane Irma will not be required to pay a filing fee.

10:29 a.m.

St. Johns County has closed the water Point of Distribution (PODs) at the Parks and Recreation Administration Office. There are three remaining PODs opened for water distribution from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Water distribution will be limited to one case of water per car.

• Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine
• Flagler Estates Road and Water Office, 9850 Light Avenue, Hastings
• Al Wilke Park, 6150 Main Street, Hastings

10:23 a.m.

The Florida Department of Transportation announced that I-75 will remain open, as flood waters have been receding on the Santa Fe River. As of this morning, FDOT engineers and state meteorologists do not believe that the Santa Fe River will reach a level to make the interstate unsafe.  

On Wednesday, FDOT and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that due to unprecedented flooding of the Santa Fe River, there was a potential for I-75 to close for motorist safety.

Because of high water levels of the Santa Fe River, US 41 and US 27 remain closed. Once these highways are safe, they will be reopened to motorists. 

FDOT and the DHSMV will continue to keep Floridians and visitors updated on traffic conditions by constantly updating FL511.com. You can also follow @MyFDOT, @FLHSMV, @FL511, and @FLGovScott.

10:19 a.m.

Flagler County residents are encouraged to remove their hurricane shutters and boards from windows to prevent fire hazards. 

“All residential rooms are required to have two points of egress,” said Flagler County Fire Marshal Jerry Smith. “If there is a fire, it is important to make sure you have a way to get out of your home.”

Keeping shutters up until the end of the hurricane season can create a fire hazard that has potentially deadly consequences. 

“A fire inside a home with shuttered windows may not be visible until it is too late,” Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Don Petito. “It can delay firefighters trying to enter a home that is on fire.”

Flagler County firefighters follow a “vent, enter, search” protocol, which means they will enter room-by-room and search them to ensure everyone is out of the burning structure. Shuttered and boarded-up windows can hinder this process.

“We know folks are tired and weary, but please take the time to remove your shutters,” Flagler County Deputy Fire Chief Joe King said.

10:07 a.m.

Amelia Island experienced relatively minor damage from Hurricane Irma, with most of its hospitality infrastructure rapidly recovering. Many of the island’s accommodators are already open or will be open by Friday, Sept. 15, most roads have been completely cleared, and power has been restored on much of the island. 

10:04 a.m.

The Sing Out Loud festival scheduled for September 15 through 17 will continue as planned this weekend with minimal stage relocations or show cancellations. Please see the updated schedule below for concert venue details. For more information regarding the Sing Out Loud festival, visit www.singoutloudfestival.com.

Friday, September 15

• Stage: Mardis Gras – Canceled.
• Stage: Lincolnville St. Paul Park – Moved to Lincolnville Museum, 102 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30 p.m.
• Stage: St. Augustine Distillery – No change.
• Stage: Colonial Oak Music Park – No change.
• Stage: Nobby’s – To be determined.

Saturday, September 16

• Stage: Lincolnville St. Paul Park – Moved to Colonial Oak Music Park, 33 St. George Street. No change in set times. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the show begins at 11:30 a.m.
• Stage: St. Augustine Distillery – No change.
• Stage: Nobby’s – To be determined.
• Stage: Aviles – To be determined.

Sunday, September 17

• Stage: Colonial Oak Music Park – No change.
• Stage: Café 11 – No change.
• Stage: Aviles – To be determined.

10 a.m.

9:55 a.m.

UPDATE ON BRIDGES:

Duval County: All open EXCEPT BROWNS CREEK BRIDGE on Heckscher Drive

St. Johns County: All bridges open

Nassau County: Shave Bridge over Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound Bridge are OPEN

Clay County:

  -OPEN: Doctor's Inlet (US 71), Shands Bridge

  -CLOSED: Black Creek Bridge on County Road 218 remains closed

(All of Blanding Blvd is back open as well)

Flagler County: Intracoastal Waterway bridges are CLOSED

Glynn County:

  -OPEN: State Road 303 Bridge

  -CLOSED: Sydney Lanier Bridge

Columbia County: US 41 Bridge CLOSED, US 27 bridge CLOSED, C.R. 18 Bridge (at Union County line) CLOSED

9 a.m.

8:40 a.m. Thursday

The Clay County school district released its updated football schedule with changes to games affected by Hurricane Irma.

9 p.m.

7:21 p.m.

7:02 p.m.

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved a $25 million Emergency Relief (ER) Quick Release Grant to support response and recovery efforts for Florida’s roadways and transportation system. This federal funding will be used to conduct emergency repairs on impacted roads, embankments, bridges or other infrastructure and help restore traffic on major roadways to ensure Florida residents and visitors can travel safely.

Governor Scott said, “I want to thank President Trump, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and the entire Administration for their commitment to helping Floridians impacted by Irma. The Florida Department of Transportation is already responding in full-force to quickly repair Florida’s roads and transportation infrastructure damaged in the storm and this critical funding will enhance our efforts to ensure the safety of families as they travel through our state.” 

FDOT is continuing to work with federal, state and local partners to fully assess storm damages across Florida’s transportation infrastructure. FHWA is prepared to review and approve detailed damage inspection reports so that FDOT and local transportation agencies can begin repairs immediately. The Emergency Relief program provides grants for the repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads on Federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of disasters such as hurricanes.

6:53 p.m.

6:48 p.m.

A limited number of precautionary boil water notices have been issued in St. Johns County, affecting less than 1,500 customers. A water main break in the City of St. Augustine will affect an as-yet-undetermined number of city utility customers in the coming days.

• St. Johns County Utility Department has issued precautionary boil water notices for 101–132 Old Ponte Vedra Drive in Ponte Vedra Beach, and 1900–1945 Abercrombie Lane in the Walden Chase neighborhood. These advisories affect less than 50 customers. An updated map of boil water notices for Utility Department customers is available at www.co.st-johns.fl.us/Calendars+/utility.aspx.
• JEA has active boil water advisories in the following areas of South Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano Beach. These notices affect approximately 1,300 customers: 2300 South Ponte Vedra Boulevard to 4400 Coastal Highway (SR A1A), Beachside subdivision, Yellow Bill subdivision, Tides Edge subdivision, Turtle Shores subdivision, Ocean Grande/Serenata Beach condominiums, Beachwalk/Kingston Dunes subdivision, and South Beach subdivision. Visit www.jea.com/Outage_Center/Water_Notices/ for the latest advisories from the JEA coverage area.
• Crews from the City of St. Augustine Public Works Department have successfully isolated a water main break on San Marco Avenue to utility customers in the area bordered by Old Mission Avenue, U.S. 1, Sanchez Avenue and the Matanzas River. When water service is restored, customers in the affected area will be under a boil water notice until further notice. For status updates, visit the city’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityStAug.

Residents who receive a notice should boil (for one minute) all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes. The advisory will remain in effect until lab tests show that the water is safe to drink and an official retraction notice is posted, typically a minimum of two days. For more information, please call the St. Johns County Emergency Management hotline at 904.824.5550 or visit www.sjcfl.us/hurricane.

5:42 p.m.

5:41 p.m.

5:38 p.m.

With recent school closures, four Clubs within the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida will open their doors tomorrow, September 14 and Friday, September 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To see a list of Clubs that will be open, visit www.bgcnf.org.

5:36 p.m.

Jacksonville University took a significant hit but staff with volunteer help from students are working hard to get campus fully operational and completely safe to traverse at the soonest time possible. The University will officially remain closed and will not reopen until Monday. Classes are canceled. For updates on activities and other information, please check http://www.ju.edu/weather. 

5:30 p.m.

Palm Coast city debris removal update:

Storm debris removal will begin in the next few days as arrangements are being made with haulers. To expedite debris removal from residences, the City asks residents to help by separating everything at the curb into the following categories:

• Vegetative Debris – leaves, logs, plants, tree branches, etc.
• Construction & Demolition Debris – building materials, asphalt shingles, drywall, lumber, metal, plastics, etc.
• Normal Household Trash – Normal household trash and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up with debris as part of this program. You should continue to follow your normal garbage and yard trash schedule for normal garbage and bagged storm debris. 

Debris should be placed on your property near the curb – NOT on the street. Don’t pile vegetative debris on your water meter box or your sewer cleanout cap or your PEP tank lid. The City may need access to these systems during storm recovery.

Please be patient. It will take several passes through Palm Coast before all the debris (whether bagged or loose) is picked up. Simply leave the debris at curbside until it is picked up. This process is expected to take several weeks.

Commercial businesses and apartments, townhomes, and condominiums are responsible for their own debris cleanup and hauling. Hurricane debris will not be picked up by Waste Pro or the City’s debris collection contractor. Businesses and multi-family residential developments should not place debris at the curb.

5:26 p.m.

5:25 p.m.

Outage update:

JEA: 87,469

CLAY ELECTRIC: 69,504

FPL: 

St Johns: 36,000

Flagler: 27,640

Clay: 190

Nassau: 8,460

Putnam: 13,180

Baker: 2,350

Bradford: 1,920

Union: 880

Columbia: 3,560

Alachua: 760

Duval: 10

GEORGIA POWER:

CAMDEN: 5,813

GLYNN: 26,695

Latest outage numbers

5:20 p.m.

Nassau County update:

Rainfall from Hurricane Irma and the nor’easter beforehand is still working its way down the watershed. Additionally, Hurricane Jose is in the Atlantic pushing water back onshore. This combination could extend flooding concerns for another 10-14 days in Nassau County. Previously flooded areas may see additional flooding and there could be new flooding in areas that have not yet been flooded.  Residents along the St Mary’s River, Thomas Creek, and Lofton Creek should be extremely vigilant in watching for water level rise and evacuate before becoming stranded. 

The Journey Church, located at 95707 Amelia Concourse in Yulee, is the official shelter for Nassau County. The facility has Special Needs capabilities and is pet friendly

The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County will reopen for routine public services on Thursday, September 14.  Go to http://nassau.floridahealth.gov/ for more information. 

A current list of road closures can be found on the Nassau County website here: http://www.nassaucountyfl.com/index.aspx?nid=370

For complete info from Nassau County emergency management, click here.

5:19 p.m.

Due to the continued closure of public schools, flooding concerns, and the lack of electricity in parts of Duval County, Chief Judge Mark Mahon has ordered that the Duval County Courthouse remain closed the rest of the week. As a result, all offices of the Duval County Clerk’s Office will also remain closed on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15. This includes both the Duval County Courthouse and the Clerk’s beaches branch at 1543 Atlantic Blvd.

The Clerk’s Office plans to reopen for business on Monday Morning, September 18 during regular office hours.

5:18 p.m.

Clay County debris pick-up update:

Clay County is preparing to execute debris pick-up related to Hurricane Irma. Recycling and curbside service (normal household garbage) will resume Thursday, Sept. 14 and continue on the normal schedule. No yard trash will be picked up with normal curbside service. 

Beginning Saturday, Sept. 16, we will pick up yard waste that meets Advanced Disposal’s service standards.  Service standards describe this service as leaves, grass clippings and small yard debris bagged in a 40-gallon or smaller can or heavy-duty plastic trash bag for collection not exceeding 50 pounds. All stumps, trees and limbs may not exceed 4 feet in length or 50 pounds in weight for a total of no more than 5 cubic yards. Please see additional service standard information below.

Soon, we will be announcing a schedule for pick-up of Hurricane Irma-related, large, vegetative debris and construction debris.  

Clay County Officials would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during these disaster clean-up efforts. Please direct any questions regarding debris pick-up to 904-284-7703.

5:09 p.m.

5:08 p.m.

5:04 p.m.

From Clay County Fair:

Friends and Neighbors, we understand many of you are still without power. We want you to know that our door is open for you and you're welcome here at the fair office this week from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Our office has AC, lots of electric outlets, a full kitchen, and a lot of chairs. Well behaved pets are welcome too, oh and we'll have coffee for you too! Our RV Park is now open and we have hot showers in our bath houses (2 bath houses with 2 shower stalls in each the men's and women's), you're more than welcome to swing on by and use them. We have 60+ RV sites with full hookups ready for you to use if needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this time. 

We are working on getting food trucks! Keep checking our Facebook page for updates!

4:51 p.m.

Not sure what to do with all that yard debris after the storm? Here's what the city of Jacksonville says:

STORM DEBRIS PICKUP

VEGETATIVE DEBRIS

Citizens have two options for pickup of VEGETATIVE DEBRIS (branches, yard waste, etc.):

(1) Prepare vegetative debris for collection along with your normal weekly yard waste collection. Bag or containerize up to five (5) cubic yards for weekly yard waste collection (Five cubic yards roughly equals 30 garbage bags OR a standard pickup truck bed filled to the top).

OR

(2) Pile vegetative storm debris in a large pile at the curb at least three feet away from utility boxes, poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants and other obstacles. Haulers will begin collecting these debris piles beginning MONDAY, SEPT. 25, 2017. Crews use vehicles with large mechanical arms that grab and scoop debris, so please DO NOT PLACE MATERIALS UNDER TREES or near any obstacles. Crews will be working seven days a week from sunrise to sunset but there won't be a schedule for your particular street. Crews will make multiple passes over the entire city. Please avoid parking on the street if a first pass for pickup has not been completed.

With both options it is CRITICAL that yard waste and wood debris (branches, limbs, etc.) remain SEPARATE from construction debris and household waste. FAILURE TO KEEP DEBRIS SEPARATED MAY CAUSE IT TO BE LEFT BEHIND.

Debris removal for state roads will be handled by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

"WHITE GOODS WASTE" - "White Goods" describes large appliances (refrigerators, deep freezers, etc.) Citizens can schedule pickup of these large items by calling 630-CITY.

For more Frequently Asked Questions on storms, click here

4:48 p.m.

4:40 p.m.

FDOT and DHSMV have now closed US 27 near the area of the Santa Fe River due to unprecedented flooding. Please see the map below for detour routes:

4:32 p.m.

Clay County has demobilized the swift water rescue efforts and consolidated the emergency operations center. There are still significant numbers of personnel working to get life back to normal for Clay County’s citizens. The majority of the county is still without power.

The Clay County Call Center, 904-284-7703, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for citizens who have questions pertaining to the storm. 

For the latest info on the county's recovery efforts, click here

4:31 p.m.

4:29 p.m.

4:25 p.m.

Need a diversion for the kids while they're still out of school from the hurricane? The Jacksonville Zoo is reopening tomorrow with a $5/child and $10/adult discount for Thursday and Friday. 

4:24 p.m.

President Donald Trump’s Administration expanded his Major Disaster Declaration for Florida to include individual assistance for Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River,  Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia counties. Sunday, just hours after Governor Scott’s request, President Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida authorizing federal funding to flow directly to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Irma and reimburse local communities and the state government to aid in response and recovery. 

4:21 p.m.

A St. Augustine man decided not to leave town, instead riding out Hurricane Irma at home on his boat. Both his 45- and 50-foot boats broke loose during the storm, making for a scary few days on the water. He captured parts of his experience on camera.

For the full story, click here

4:14 p.m.

4:13 p.m.

The Port of Jacksonville has reopened, per JaxPort. A fuel tanker is already coming in to dock.

4:12 p.m.

SMG Jacksonville is pleased to announce that the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill: Soul 2 Soul concert tour stop in Jacksonville, FL will take place as planned at the Veterans Memorial Arena this Saturday night, September 16th. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information on parking, prohibited items and updates on other events taking place at SMG Jacksonville managed venues, visit www.jaxevents.com.

4:10 p.m.

Columbia County public schools will be closed Thursday and Friday and will reopen Monday.

Complete schools info

4:01 p.m.

In an effort to best support the communities it serves, Sam’s Club has reopened all club locations in the Jacksonville area and is temporarily waiving its membership requirements for the communities affected by Hurricane Irma, store officials announced Wednesday.

During a time of emergency the priority at Sam’s Club is to identify the best ways to serve the communities it calls home. That’s why the club locations in the Jacksonville area welcome everyone in the community to shop and get recovery supplies, officials said.

Sam’s Club locations listed below:

• Jacksonville, 300 Busch Dr.
• Jacksonville, 10690 Beach Blvd.
• Jacksonville, 6373 Youngerman Cir.
• Brunswick, GA, 10100 Canal Crossing

3:57 p.m.

Jekyll Island will reopen to public access at 8 a.m. tomorrow. The island is still without clean water and full power.

From Jekyll Island officials:

We strongly urge you to allow Jekyll Island residents, homeowners, and businesses to return to the island first, before visitors. It is crucial that these groups, along with our recovery crews, are given the space and time needed to complete recovery before visitors arrive. 

It is imperative that clean up and power crews be allowed to work and should not be interrupted. Recovery will go much faster if everyone will remain at their homes and let the crews complete their work. 

If you have travel planned to Jekyll Island, please contact your hotel or rental property directly for an update on property conditions.

Click here for what to expect when you return

3:51 p.m.

The Cummer Gardens were severely impacted by Hurricane Irma and will be closed to the public, museum officials said. 

While the staff, collection, and building of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens were not substantially affected, the historic Cummer Gardens sustained extensive damage. The lower tier of all three formal garden spaces, which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, remained submerged for more than 24 hours, resulting in the uprooting of plants, detached railing along the river, broken lighting, pervasive salinization of the soil, large amounts of debris, and significant impact to much of the physical infrastructure, including drainage, electric, fencing, and the well that services the landscape. 

More info

3:48 p.m.

3:41 p.m.

The St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) will resume normal paratransit tomorrow, September 14, as well as continuing to support Hurricane Irma transportation generated by the Emergency Operations Center. COA clients can book their trips using the normal call-in procedure at 904-209-3710.

3:40 p.m.

Outage update:

JEA: 96,618

CLAY ELECTRIC: 69,110

FPL:
St Johns: 36,900
Flagler: 26,840
Clay: 190
Nassau: 8,440
Putnam: 13,250
Baker: 2,350
Bradford: 1,920
Union: 870
Columbia: 3,550
Alachua: 740
Duval: 10

GEORGIA POWER:
CAMDEN: 8,098
GLYNN: 25,604

Latest outage numbers

3:39 p.m.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Jacksonville office located at 4121 Southpoint Boulevard will re-open on Monday, September 18.  Those with appointments from the week of September 10 will receive notification of a new appointment date. Naturalization ceremonies scheduled for the week of September 10 were canceled and will be rescheduled. For more information, visit our website at www.uscis.gov.  The USCIS Jacksonville office provides immigration services and benefits

3:38 p.m.

3:36 p.m.

3:35 p.m.

3:28 p.m.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering St. Johns County residents and businesses disaster assistance in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes.

For more info, CLICK HERE

3:25 p.m.

A viewer asked us to spread the word:

When out on boats PLEASE keep in mind that residents on the St Johns River & Dunns Creek have flooded homes and docks. Please keep in mind when you pass these areas with homes -- NO WAKE PLEASE! 

3:18 p.m.

The Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick and Camden campus hospitals and Emergency Care Centers have remained open and operational through and in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

A few exceptions: 

• Cooperative Healthcare Services, Inc./Southeast Georgia Physician Associates physician practices, including our Immediate Care Centers, are closed today/Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017.  The circumstances will be closely monitored to allow us to reopen these practices as soon as possible.  
• Elective surgeries, endoscopy procedures and elective cardiac catheterization services originally scheduled for today/Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 will be rescheduled; we expect to provide these elective services starting Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.  
• Outpatient laboratory and radiology are being offered on a limited basis today/Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017; we expect to provide full services beginning Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.  
• Cancer Care Center services including Infusion are being provided to scheduled patients today/Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017.
• FREE Prostate Screenings scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 and Thursday, Sept. 13, 2017 have been canceled and will be rescheduled for a future date.

In advance of the storm, and in the interest of safety of their vulnerable residents, our Senior Care Centers in Brunswick and St. Marys arranged to transfer their residents to other facilities away from the coast. Those relocated residents will return when authorized by local emergency management officials.

3:16 p.m.

The historic Riverside neighborhood was among the areas hardest hit in northeast Florida by Hurricane Irma. The highest storm surge in history left dozens of people out of their homes.

Read Vic Micolucci's full report.

3:13 p.m.

Gov. Rick Scott promised Black Creek residents after touring the Hurricane Irma flooding that has devastated their homes that he would make sure they get the federal assistance they need.

3:11 p.m.

Insurance commissioner Ralph Hudgens toured Georgia coastal counties Wednesday to talk storm damage with residents and how to file insurance claims. 

3:05 p.m.

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care’s San Marco location remains closed through Thursday, following Hurricane Irma. A date for reopening has not been determined but is being looked at on a day-by-day basis. The Fleming Island and Jacksonville South locations are now open. 

Patients scheduled at the San Marco location will be contacted directly to reschedule their appointment, which may or may not be at one of our satellite locations in south Jacksonville or Fleming Island. 

Nemours associates should be prepared to be available for work beginning Wednesday and prepared to serve at any location and in any capacity you may be needed to prevent further disruption to our patients' care needs.

Nemours asks that that associates call the weather hotline at 904-697-3566 to learn of additional updates.

2:57 p.m.

All lakes and boat ramps in Bradford County are closed as of 2:30 p.m. today. Due to the amount of debris in the lakes it is unsafe to operate boats or any other floating apparatus. This combined with the issue that the wakes from the boats are going into homes has forced the lakes to be closed, emergency management officials say.

2:44 p.m.

Help from HUD:

U.S. Housing and Urban Development today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of Florida and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to Hurricane Irma.

This week, President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Duval, Flagler, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota and St. Johns counties. The President’s declaration allows HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to certain families living in this county.

HUD is:

• Granting immediate foreclosure relief – HUD granted a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured home mortgages. There are approximately 280,000 FHA-insured Florida homeowners living in these impacted counties.
• Making mortgage insurance available – HUD's Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims who have lost their homes and are facing the daunting task of rebuilding or buying another home. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs;
• Making insurance available for both mortgages and home rehabilitation – HUD's Section 203(k) loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home; 
• Information on housing providers and HUD programs – The Department will share information with FEMA and the State on housing providers that may have available units in the impacted counties. This includes Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners. The Department will also connect FEMA and the State to subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.
• Assisting the State of Florida and local governments in re-allocating existing federal resources toward disaster relief – HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs give the State and communities the flexibility to redirect millions of dollars in annual formula funding to address critical needs, including housing and services for disaster victims. HUD is currently contacting State and local officials to explore streamlining the Department's CDBG and HOME programs in order to expedite the repair and replacement of damaged housing; and,
• Offering Section 108 loan guarantee assistance – HUD will offer state and local governments federally guaranteed loans for housing rehabilitation, economic development and repair of public infrastructure.  

2:41 p.m.

Duval County Public Schools to remain closed through Friday. The Bolles School will reopen tomorrow.

Official update:

Due to the extensive recovery efforts from Hurricane Irma, Duval County Public Schools and district offices will remain closed through Friday, September 15. At this time, we are diligently working with our community partners to ensure that schools, facilities, staffing, and transportation are prepared to receive students. Our goal is to safely reopen schools on Monday, September 18 and we will provide confirmation of the return date via www.duvalschools.org, automated calls to our parents and guardians, our social media sites and updates to our local media outlets.

2:32 p.m.

We've gotten lots of calls today from evacuated Glynn County residents wondering when they'll be allowed to return to their homes.

We just got the answer from the county: 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Official release from the county:

Beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, September 14, Glynn County, the City of Brunswick, and Jekyll Island will be implementing Phase 3 of its reentry plan. Phase 3 allows residents to return. Please be advised that critical infrastructure is still fragile and there are limitations to JWSC, Georgia Power, and other utilities when residents return. Due to the limitations of sanitary sewer, traffic control, and power there are hazards to public health that remain. Glynn County will be rebuilding from this disaster for months to come.

2:29 p.m.

We are hearing from a lot of people who did not have renter’s insurance or car insurance and they were flooded or a tree fell on their car and they have no money to pay for the repairs.  Anyone who has damage to their home, car, property or experiences serious losses can call and register to receive assistance, FEMA says. They should call: 800-621-3362 and register to receive assistance from the government.  FEMA’s roll is to fill the gap when someone does not have insurance.  

In the meantime, hurricane victims should be:

• Documenting with photos damage to their property and personal items (anything in your home)
• Save receipts of money spent to evacuate and make repairs
• Save all contractor estimates

Click here for more FEMA assistance info

2:28 p.m.

2:27 p.m.

2:23 p.m.

OneBlood, the local not-for-profit blood center serving Florida and the majority of the Southeast has resumed blood donations in much of its service area and says there is an urgent need for platelet donations and O negative blood.

Hurricane Irma forced the blood center to suspend donations for several days and now there is a critical need to replenish the state’s blood supply. Donors should visit www.oneblood.org to find donor centers and mobile drives that are open.

In addition to local donations, blood centers around the country have stepped in to help augment OneBlood’s supply and are sending shipments of blood to Florida to help.  OneBlood is grateful for the Florida Highway Patrol, the Emergency Operations Center as well as Air Methods, a medical transport company, for helping ensure timely delivery of the incoming blood shipments and thanks all the donors both locally and nationally for making blood donation a priority.

2:20 p.m.

Due to widespread power outages, poor road conditions, staff availability, families impacted by Hurricane Irma, and concern for student safety, ALL St. Johns County School District schools will remain closed Thursday and Friday. SJCSD schools will reopen on Monday.

2:16 p.m.

Message from First Coast YMCA:

As the First Coast begins to recover from Hurricane Irma, all of the First Coast YMCA branches are back open except for the St. Augustine YMCA, which is still without power. We understand that many people in our community don’t have electricity and have severe storm damage or flooding. It is within the Y’s DNA to help strengthen the foundations of community during all times and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors in the areas it serves. That’s why the First Coast YMCA is now inviting the entire community into our branches to get some much-needed relief. Anyone, members and non-members, can take a shower, charge their phones, let their children play in KidZone and of course, get a workout. 

Since schools have not reopened, the Y’s Before and Afterschool programs have been canceled. However, we were able to offer all day child care today in Clay County and nearly 60 children are in attendance. We are preparing other sites now in Duval, Nassau and St. Johns so that if school is closed again tomorrow, we will be able to offer child care for families in those counties.

Please contact me at 904-398-5222 if you have questions or would like to conduct interviews. Thanks so much! 

2:13 p.m.

Info courtesy of FlightAware.com

Total flights canceled today within/in/out of the US: 1,010

JAX Cancellations:

21 departing flights

17 arriving flights

For perspective, cancellations at Florida’s other big airports:

Miami: 215 departing, 184 arriving

Tampa: 96 departing, 70 arriving

Orlando: 72 departing, 44 arriving

Ft. Lauderdale: 59 departing, 49 arriving

Most of today’s Jacksonville cancellations are on American Airlines.

American has also already canceled more than a dozen flights out of JAX tomorrow, and nearly a dozen for Friday.

2:08 p.m.

Nassau County schools will open Friday, according to Nassau County Emergency Management.

Latest schools info

2:07 p.m.

1:59 p.m.

FEMA warns to avoid false rumors, scams, identity theft, and fraud after Irma. Although many Americans are working hard to help their neighbors now, during chaotic times, some will always try to take advantage of the most vulnerable.

To dispel some of the false rumors circulating on the internet and social media, FEMA has a dedicated website to address some of the most common themes. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Visit https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-irma-rumor-control to get the most accurate information from trusted sources.

Here are a few guidelines to protect yourself, or someone you care about, from disaster fraud:

• Federal and state workers do not ask for, or accept, money. FEMA staff will never charge applicants for disaster assistance, home inspections, or help filling out applications. Stay alert for false promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance, or building permit process.
•  In person, always ask to see any FEMA employee ID badges. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams may be in impacted communities providing information and assisting survivors with the registration process or their applicant files.
•  A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. All FEMA representatives, including our contracted inspectors, will have a laminated photo ID. All National Flood Insurance Program adjusters will have a NFIP Authorized Adjuster Card with their name and the types of claims they may adjust.
• If you are unsure or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter claiming to be an emergency management official, do not give out personal information, and contact local law enforcement.
•  If you suspect fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s hotline at 1-866-720-5721, or email the organization at disaster@leo.gov. You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.  Learn more about the National Center for Disaster Fraud at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud. 
•  In Florida, disaster-related fraud information is available on the State Attorney General’s Office website at www.MyFloridaLegal.com, or by calling the office at 1-866-966-7226.

1:53 p.m.

City of Jacksonville update:

Hurricane Irma has impacted Jacksonville residents in a variety of different ways. While the Legends Center and Southside Baptist Church continue to offer shelter to those without access to their homes, Mayor Lenny Curry is seeking to support citizens affected by widespread power outages. Through Sunday, the Prime Osborn Convention Center (1000 Water St. – 32204) is opening its doors to help people seeking to “cool off” a bit with air-conditioning and access to electricity and Internet. Persons will need to bring their own equipment (electronics, and charging cords). 

“Hurricane Irma left many in our community without the everyday comforts we’re so used to,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “People are hot, tired and frustrated. My greatest priority right now is to help our citizens begin the process of rebuilding their lives and properties. This offering is an opportunity to help them recharge physically and mentally after dealing with the challenges of the past several days. I am grateful to SMG for their support.” 

In addition, JEA will have representatives on-site to answer citizens’ questions about power restoration. The Prime Osborn will be open today from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday – Sunday (Sept. 14- 17) from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Additional opportunities to support citizens most impacted by the storm include the following:

Pods, with water and meal replacement items for citizens, are located at:

• Hobby Lobby (14286 Beach Blvd., 32250)
• McDonalds (5751 Beach Blvd., 32207)
• Edward Waters College (1853 Kings Rd., 32209)
• Supervisor of Elections (1 Imeson Park Blvd., 32218)

They will be open until 7 p.m. tonight.

Remaining shelter locations (operated by Red Cross):

• The Legends Center (5054 Soutel Dr. – 32208) - dual special needs and general population
• Southside Baptist Church, operated by the American Red Cross (1936 Hendricks Ave. – 32207) - general population shelter 

1:50 p.m.

Troopers want to remind drivers, that if they approach an intersection, where the traffic lights are not working, they must treat it, as a four way stop.  Each vehicle must stop, prior to entering the intersection.

“First to stop, First to go”.  There have been two traffic fatalities in Marion County, since Hurricane Irma came through. Both crashes were at intersections, were the traffic signals were inoperative. Drivers need to realize the dangers of not stopping.  Not following these instructions can cost you, a family member or someone else their life.

Please follow this rule. Be safe!

1:48 p.m.

To assist in relief efforts, UNF’s Department of Recreation and Wellness is hosting a OneBlood blood drive 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 14, in Osprey Plaza, outside the Student Union. OneBlood is in urgent need to replenish the local blood supply due to devastation from Hurricane Irma. All blood types are needed, however there is a specific need for platelet donors and people with O-negative blood at this time.

1:45 p.m.

Flagler schools update:

Flagler Schools Superintendent James Tager announces classes will resume Monday. All extracurricular activities, athletic practices and competitions are canceled until Monday.

This follows damage assessments at our schools and within our community, and the needed additional cleanup time following Hurricane Irma.

Superintendent Tager says, “We want everyone to return to clean, safe schools.”

Many of our families are still dealing with power outages and other post-storm issues. We also have concerns about getting our buses and children to their bus stops safely.

We have lost a total of six days due to the closure before and after Hurricane Irma. Our school calendar for the 2017-18 school year includes three makeup days, November 20, 21, and 22rd. While we do have time built into the schedule to account for lost days, we are still working with the Florida Department of Education and Governor Scott to determine if makeup days will be needed. 

Latest on area schools

1:43 p.m.

A Hollywood nursing home where six residents died Wednesday after Hurricane Irma is rated “below average” in a federal scorecard that includes information about issues such as inspections, staffing and quality of care, according to a News Service of Florida report.

The nursing home had been without air conditioning after Hurricane Irma knocked out electricity in the area. The Florida Health Care Association, a nursing-home industry group, said Wednesday morning that about 150 of nearly 700 nursing facilities in the state do not have electricity fully restored.

The federal government's Medicare.gov website rates and provides basic information about nursing homes across the country. It gave The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, a for-profit facility with 152 beds, an overall rating of “below average.”

"Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable," Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. "Every facility that is charged with caring for patients must take every action and precaution to keep their patients safe – especially patients that are in poor health. I have directed the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Children and Families to immediately work with local law enforcement to conduct an investigation, and if they find that anyone wasn’t acting in the best interests of their patients, we will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I am also asking available first responders to immediately check in with the healthcare facilities in their area to make sure nursing homes and assisted living facilities are able to keep their residents safe.

1:40 p.m.

1:39 p.m.

1:31 p.m.

WJXT anchor Melanie Lawson was spotted comforting a child at a West Augustine water pickup spot while the baby's parents grabbed a quick bite to eat at a BBQ wagon truck.

1:07 p.m.

St. Johns County update:

• A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect in St. Johns County until noon tomorrow.
• JEA has active boil water advisories in the following areas of South Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano Beach. These notices affect approximately 1,300 customers: 2300 South Ponte Vedra Boulevard to 4400 Coastal Highway (SR A1A), Beachside subdivision, Yellow Bill subdivision, Tides Edge subdivision, Turtle Shores subdivision, Ocean Grande/Serenata Beach condominiums, Beachwalk/Kingston Dunes subdivision, and South Beach subdivision. Visit www.jea.com/Outage_Center/Water_Notices/  for the latest advisories from the JEA coverage area.
• A precautionary boil water advisory is in effect for 101-132 Old Ponte Vedra Dr. in Ponte Vedra Beach, and 1900-1945 Abercrombie Ln. in the Walden Chase neighborhood.  These advisories affect less than 50 customers. A map of the of boil water advisory is located at www.co.st-johns.fl.us/Calendars+/utility.aspx
• City of St. Augustine Public Works Department have isolated a water main break on San Marco Avenue to utility customers in the area bordered by Old Mission Avenue, U.S. 1, Sanchez Avenue and the Matanzas River. When water service is restored, customers in the affected area will be under a boil water notice until further notice. For status updates, visit the city’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityStAug
• Click here for the latest closures and cancellation info in the county. 
• For the latest situation report from the county, click here.

1:03 p.m.

12:58 p.m.

Due to recovery efforts, all St. Johns River State College campuses (Orange Park, St. Augustine & Palatka) will reopen and classes will resume on Monday, Sept. 18.

12:48 p.m.

Information from the Health Department on post-Irma clean-up:

Post Flood Clean-up

• Clean up debris carefully to avoid injury and contamination.
• Chainsaws should only be operated in safe conditions (not in water soaked areas) and by people who are experienced in proper use.
• Lift heavy debris by bending knees and using legs to help lift.
• Wear shoes to avoid injury to the feet from glass, nails or other sharp objects.
• Avoid contact with downed power lines.
• Be alert to wildlife (snakes, alligators, etc.) that may have been displaced as a result of the flood or storm. If you see a snake or other wildlife, back away from it slowly and do not touch it. If the snake is in your home, immediately call the animal control agency in your county.

MORE HEALTH INFO

Sewage clean up

Home clean up safety tips

Mold water damage tips

12:43 p.m.

12:37 p.m.

The Jaguars are playing Sunday at EverBank Field. Team owner Shad Khan donated $1 million to help kick start the First Coast Relief Fund and in another effort to help the community and admittedly to help deliver a home-field advantage on Sunday, Khan and the Jaguars will donate 5,000 tickets to the community.

12:33 p.m.

12:28 p.m.

The Florida National Guard has been assisting with water rescues. The soldiers went door to door in Jacksonville area -- by boat.

12:26 p.m.

We have gotten many, many complaints about this and it is so important to know:

When a traffic light is out, treat it as a FOUR-WAY STOP.

12:23 p.m.

Dozens of families have been exposed to carbon monoxide across Florida in the wake of Hurricane Irma. As of today, Florida’s Poison Control Centers have been contacted for treatment advice on 88 patients, and officials are urging residents to take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning related to generator use.

“If you are using a portable generator, it is imperative to follow safety instructions to avoid an emergency,” said Jay L. Schauben, Pharm D, DABAT, FAACT, Director of the Florida/USVI Poison Information Center – Jacksonville. “Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable but it is the most common poison-related cause of hospitalization and death following a hurricane.”

Click here to scroll down to carbon monoxide tips

12:21 p.m.

Flagler County residents who sustained losses from Hurricane Irma can begin applying for assistance with FEMA online.

“If you have damages, it is a good idea to get this process started,” said Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “Those who are without power can go to the Flagler County Library in Palm Coast.”

To register online, go to www.disasterassistance.gov. Residents can also download the FEMA App by clicking on Disaster Resources.

Those who prefer can register by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free numbers are operational between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. 

“Make a phone call, don’t take a phone call,” said County Administrator Craig Coffey. “FEMA representatives will not call you out of the blue. Do not give out your personal information to anyone who you have not called.”

12:20 p.m.

12:17 p.m.

Clay County public schools will be closed through Friday. School updates

The following employees will need to report to assist with preparing schools for next week:

• All School Administrators will report to their schools to assess the damage on Thursday, Sept. 14th
• Transportation Mechanics will report to the Middleburg compound on Thursday, Sept. 14th
• All Maintenance Staff will report to Operations on Thursday, Sept. 14th
• Cafeteria Managers will report to their schools on Friday, Sept. 15th

12:16 p.m.

With power still out for hundreds of thousands of Northeast Florida residents, many are likely starting to wonder if they can still eat what was left in their refrigerator or freezer when the electricity cut off. The short answer is probably not.

Read this story on food safety

12:14 p.m.

Jacksonville Public Library update:

Library branches will be open today! We expect all locations to open today, except for Maxville because they are without running water.

12:13 p.m.

12:10 p.m.

Donors to the First Coast Relief Fund include the Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida Blue, United Way Northeast Florida, and the Jesse Ball duPont Fund Trustees.

Mayor Lenny Curry said that in the last two days, more than $2 million has been pledged, and he says 100 percent of that money will go toward helping people with things like food, medical supplies, repairs and housing.

CLICK HERE to donate.

12:06 p.m.

Nassau County Board of County Commissioners today extended the state of local emergency for Nassau County through Sept. 19.

12:04 p.m.

The Sears at the Avenues just got a shipment of 90 generators in. They suggest calling before coming out: 904-363-9200.

12:03 p.m.

Representatives from the Florida Manufactured Housing Association (FMHA) have published a media kit for safety standards in response to Hurricane Irma. This kit, available online at FMHA.org/media, contains information regarding manufactured housing safety standards, historical data and infographics designed to help eliminate confusion regarding manufactured and modular homes.

12:02 p.m.

From Gov. Rick Scott:

If your business has been impacted by #Irma call the Private Sector Hotline at 850-410-1403 or visit http://flvbeoc.org.

12:01 p.m.

11:58 a.m.

A small group of Marines and paramedics left their families two days ago to come lend their help in the Jacksonville area and are living out of a trailer they are pulling and going through the streets taking down trees and large debris at no charge. They said they wanted people to see the good that there is in people, a viewer told us. They are currently on Sedgwick Place.

11:53 a.m.

City of Flagler Beach staff have conducted an inspection of all city beach access/dune crossover locations. Effective at 11 a.m. Wednesday many beach access point locations are open for public use. Click here for full list.

11:52 a.m.

Red Cross shelter update:

The following shelters are open throughout our area for people who cannot stay in their homes. Updates will follow.

DUVAL COUNTY:

Southside Baptist Church 

1936 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Legends Center 

5054 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208

NASSAU COUNTY:

The Journey Church

95707 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

ST JOHNS COUNTY:

Solomon Calhoun Community Center

1300 Duval St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

As the Red Cross continues to provide safe shelter for those affected by Hurricane Irma, we are also now able to go directly to affected neighborhoods with supplies to help residents while cleaning their homes. Teams of Red Cross volunteers will be out in the area with Emergency Response Vehicles, distributing water and snacks as residents have their utilities restored.

11:47 a.m.

Video captures path, wrath of Hurricane Irma:

11:41 a.m.

11:39 a.m.

Beaches Energy Service is aware of individuals going door-to-door threatening to cut off customers if they don’t pay what they owe. Due to Hurricane Irma, Beaches Energy is NOT disconnecting utilities for non-payment this week.

11:37 a.m.

UPDATE FROM FDOT ON I-75:

The Santa Fe River under I-75 has rapidly risen 15 feet within the past 36 hours due to the heavy rainfall over North Florida from Hurricane Irma. In the event that I-75 closes, please see the detour map HERE.

Additional bridges that may be impacted include: U.S. 27, U.S. 41, S.R. 47 and possibly U.S. 121. Additional maps and detour information will be forthcoming.

FDOT and DHSMV have staff monitoring the bridges that may be impacted by the flooding 24/7.

If the river rises to an unsafe level, the bridge will be impassable both northbound and southbound, and would be closed immediately. Floridians that are traveling should avoid the area if possible. 

If required to be in the area, the Florida Department of Transportation is actively working with WAZE, Google Maps, the Georgia Department of Transportation and other transportation industry partners to communicate the potential reroutes to the public. Floridians should consult www.FL511.com for up-to-date information on road closures and travel routes. 

11:32 a.m.

Given the extensive damages caused by Hurricane Irma, One Spark is again extending the Creator application deadline until Saturday night.  

Innovators and entrepreneurs who wish to apply for the 2017 Innovation Festival can still submit their applications by midnight, September 16, for consideration.

11:10 a.m.

Blaze Pizza is open and is also offering free pizzas and drinks to utility workers and first responders assisting with Irma relief efforts now through Sunday. 

11 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

10:40 a.m.

Outage update:

JEA 116,482

Clay 86,905

FPL

Alachua: 730

Baker: 2,080

Bradford: 1,920

Columbia 4,880

Clay: 190

Duval: 10

Flagler 24,950

Nassau 9,570

Putnam 13,710

St. Johns 37,060

Union: 870

Georgia

Ware 1,186

Charlton  302

Camden 6,699

Glynn 28,361

Click here to scroll down to latest power outage numbers

10:37 a.m.

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton began conducting Hurricane Irma relief efforts Tuesday on the east coast of Florida.

The Hamilton crew arrived off the coast of Jacksonville early Tuesday morning, after battling through the narrow band of more than 15-foot seas between Hurricane Irma and Jose throughout the weekend. Upon arrival, the crew began conducting a preliminary assessment of the entrance to the St. Johns River in Jacksonville.

10:36 a.m.

Jekyll Island update:

Nine different departments from throughout JIA are on-island working diligently to repair the damage from Hurricane Irma. They are working side-by-side with teams from DNR Chainsaw Strike Force, Georgia National Guard, Ft. Wayne (Alabama) Water, and Brunswick Glynn County Joint Water Sewer, with support from Georgia State Patrol and Military Police.

It is important to reiterate there are a massive number of downed trees and power lines, and there is much work yet to be done. Georgia Power crews are on-island, but their resources are spread incredibly thin because of the widespread storm damage throughout the southeast.

It is critical to conserve all water and not use the sewer system. This means do not flush toilets, run dishwashers or clothes washers, use the shower or fill your bathtub, or use any outdoor water including irrigation systems. Any additional pressure or stress on our systems could be catastrophic to the infrastructure and personal property.

Jekyll Island will remain in Phase 1 of the Re-entry Plan until further notice. Georgia State Patrol will not allow people on Jekyll until roads are clear, water is safe, and emergency services are up and running. Law enforcement personnel are stationed at checkpoints throughout Glynn County and are restricting access to those who do not meet the requirements for re-entry to the entire county.

10:34 a.m.

ALL businesses are back open at The Jacksonville Landing. Despite all the flooding that we saw, none of the water got into stores and Landing spokeswoman Samantha Ashcraft says they don't have any structural damage. The FREE country concert tomorrow at 7:30 is still scheduled (press release here).

10:30 a.m.

If you are without power and need a recharge, swing over to Christ's Church on Greenland Rd. Large atrium open with AC, wifi, free coffee, power to recharge devices, etc. Click here for info.

10:29 a.m.

10:27 a.m.

Blanding Blvd. north of County Road 218 in Clay County and Brown’s Creek bridge on the Northside in Duval County are still closed.

10:24 a.m.

Note from Walmart employee:

A lot of people are returning cases of water, canned food, and other non-perishables that they bought before the storm. Even though there isn't an expiration date on these items, Walmart and other grocery stores are required to throw them away once they're returned. It's a waste! Instead, consider donating these items to neighbors or others in need who may have trouble accessing supplies.

10:20 a.m.

10:16 a.m.

Baptist Medical Center Beaches and Baptist Medical Center Nassau returned to normal operations effective at noon Tuesday. "We are currently contacting all patients regarding missed appointments, procedures or tests," hospital officials said.  If patients have not heard from Baptist Health, please contact your physician’s office or central scheduling at 904-202-2222 to reschedule.  Please visit Baptistjax.com for other related information.

10:10 a.m.

FDOT update on condition of I-71 and possible closure:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that it is actively monitoring a small bridge on I-75 at mile marker 408 crossing the Santa Fe River on the northern border of Alachua County. The river is expected to crest at historic and unprecedented levels presenting a potential threat to the safety of travel on this bridge. The Santa Fe River under I-75 has rapidly risen 15 feet within the past 36 hours due to the heavy rainfall over North Florida from Hurricane Irma. An additional rise is expected within the coming days as water levels from upstream move southward down the river. The river level is currently safe at 55 feet. However, if the river were to rise to an unsafe level, the bridge would become impassable both northbound and southbound, and would be closed immediately.

At this time, I-75 remains safe and passable. Floridians that are traveling home should monitor this situation very closely and remain alert to local travel conditions. The Florida Department of Transportation is actively working with WAZE, Google Maps, the Georgia Department of Transportation and other transportation industry partners to communicate the potential reroutes to the public. Floridians should consult www.FL511.com for up-to-date information on road closures and travel routes

10:04 a.m.

Trinity Baptist College to resume classes Thursday:

We are thankful that there have been no reported injuries and no damage to our residence halls and classrooms.  Power and food service have been restored and classes will resume on Thursday, September 14, 2017.  Residence halls are open and students are encouraged to return to campus as soon as safe travel permits.  Check the website and social media for updates. 

10:02 a.m.

Residents served by Normandy Village Utility should take the standard "precautionary boil water" measures after water service unit went down Wednesday morning.

9:52 a.m.

Mayor: 5 dead in Miami from Florida nursing home that lost power after Hurricane Irma went through the state, AP reports.

9:51 a.m.

A Red Cross volunteer tells News4Jax that the Legends Center shelter is in great need of:

• Cribs
• Baby Clothes
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Kids and adult clothes

9:45 a.m.

After an assessment by the National Weather service Jacksonville, St Johns County confirms that during Hurricane Irma three tornadoes touched down in the county. An EF-1 made contact near Vilano Beach to south of the airport, an EF-1 affected Huguenot Cemetery in St. Augustine, and an EF-2 impacted Crescent Beach. 

The photo is of a NOAA/NWS staff member standing next to a 2x12 beam that was impaled into the ground due to the tornado which at this point has not been able to be removed from the ground. This was from the EF-2 near Crescent Beach.

9:40 a.m.

Coast Guard reopens ports of Jacksonville, Fernandina with restrictions.

9:31 a.m.

St. Johns County has opened four Points of Distribution (PODs) for those affected by Hurricane Irma. The PODs will be available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Friday, September 15. Water distribution will be limited to one case of water per car.

• SJC Parks and Recreation Administration, 2175 Mizell Road, St. Augustine Beach
• Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine
• Flagler Estates Road and Water Office, 9850 Light Avenue, Hastings
• Al Wilke Park, 6150 South Main Street, Hastings

9:23 a.m.

Outage update

JEA 120,310

Clay 92,762

FPL

Alachua: 730

Baker: 2,080

Bradford: 1,910

Columbia 4,850

Clay: 190

Duval: 10

Flagler 24,930

Nassau 9,490

Putnam 13,630

St. Johns 38,280

Union: 870

Georgia

Ware 1,226

Charlton  496

Camden 6,825

Glynn 28,494

9:23 a.m.

From City of Palm Coast:

Fees will be waived through Nov. 30, 2017, for the following permit types for damage incurred as a result of Hurricane Irma. Below is information on the permits required, when necessary, and timing for acquiring those permits. The permit fees for these permit types will be waived until Nov. 30, 2017:

Fences  

• Replacement fences using same material and installing in the same location may be replaced without first obtaining a permit; however, a permit will need to be obtained within 60 days.
• For relocated or installation of alternative material or height than originally approved, a permit will be required prior to installation. 
• No permit required for limited repairs/panel replacements, such as for like height and material.

Sheds

• Shed replacement will require a permit prior to installation.  
• Shed repairs will not require a permit; sheds must remain in originally approved location. 

Soffit/fascia/siding repairs 

• A permit will not be required.

A/C equipment change-outs 

• A permit will be required prior to work. 

Electrical repairs (mast, weather-head, panel, lights) 

• A permit will be required. 

Roofing

• Re-roof will require a permit prior to work.
• Replacement of up to 3 bundles of shingles (100 square feet) will not require a permit. 

Screen enclosure (aluminum cage) 

• Screen enclosure replacements will require a permit prior to work.
• Certified drawings are required unless the enclosure was built under the Florida Building Code 5th Edition (applied for after June 30, 2015).
• Screen repairs do not require a permit. 
• Swimming pools must meet barrier requirement. 

Docks 

• Docks will require a permit prior to work. 

All contractors must be licensed, insured and registered with the City of Palm Coast Building Division.  

It is the City’s intent to expedite all hurricane-related permits. Many minor repairs will not need a permit whatsoever. For any clarity, please call the Building Division at 386-986-3780.

9:20 a.m.

Due to damage sustained from Hurricane Irma, all St. Johns County athletic fields are closed until debris can be cleared and necessary repairs completed. In addition, residents and visitors are encouraged to exercise extreme caution if visiting St. Johns County parks due to fallen trees, damaged equipment, and standing water.

9:02 a.m.

Tools 4 a Time at 11291 Old St. Augustine Road says it has a bunch of chainsaws for rent as residents dig out from Hurricane Irma.

9 a.m.

Union County schools are closed tomorrow and Friday for students and staff. School resumes Monday. For students who participate in extracurricular activities  -- they resume Friday The Varsity Football game vs Dixie County will be @ 7:30, September 15th in the Jungle.

8:58 a.m.

Gov. Rick Scott takes a boat tour of flooding damage in the Black Creek area of Clay County.

8:37 a.m.

Flagler County officials have lifted the curfew throughout the county, and the beachside is now open to all – no check points.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation,” Flagler County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “We know this has been inconvenient, but we appreciate the understanding everyone has shown. We needed to keep everyone safe.”

8 a.m.

Outage update

JEA 109,211

Clay 92,971

FPL

Alachua: 730

Baker: 2, 150

Bradford: 1,910

Columbia 4,850

Clay: 190

Duval: 10

Flagler 24,920

Nassau 10,010

Putnam 13,630

St. Johns 39,220

Union: 860

Georgia

Ware 1,257

Charlton  491

Camden 7,415

Glynn 28,491

7:57 a.m.

Henley Road at Black Creek Bridge reopens in Clay County.

7:56 a.m.

Warnings from Better Business Bureau on avoiding scams after Hurricane Irma

7:25 a.m.

A woman was killed and three others were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning in Daytona Beach after a generator was used inside their house in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, .

Full WKMG report from Orlando

Tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, from the Florida Department of Health:

The department recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.
• NEVER use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home. 
• ALWAYS locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to come indoors. Follow the instructions that come with your generator.
• Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer's installation instructions. The CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for CO alarms (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01).
• Test your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries.
• REMEMBER that you cannot see or smell CO and portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. 
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.
• If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.

For further information, please contact your local county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

7:25 a.m.

Black Creek info from Clay County officials:

• Recreational boaters are asked by the Sheriff Darryl Daniels to stay off Black Creek and the St Johns River because of treacherous waters and submerged hazards. 
• Many boat ramps will be closed throughout the week and Sheriff Daniels is asking sight-seers to stay away while recovery efforts continue. 
• If people want to help with the recovery, they can use the volunteers. If you're interested head to claycountygov.com. 

6:42 a.m.

Update from JTA:

• All JTA Bus Routes are back in service except the 4A, 5A, 82 and Express Routes.
• Bus service may experience delays and some bus stops may be missed due to road closures associated with fallen trees, downed power lines, debris and flooding.
• JTA fixed route bus and paratransit services will resume on Wednesday, September 13.
• Skyway service will resume on Wednesday, September 13.
• The St. Johns River Ferry will resume service on Thursday, September 14.
• Customer Service representatives are available to assist customers from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Please call at 904.630.3100 or TTY 904.630.3191.

6:30 a.m.

6 a.m.

Outage update:

JEA 104,719

Clay 93,045

FPL

Alachua: 730

Baker: 2, 150

Bradford: 1,910

Columbia 4,850

Clay: 190

Duval: 10

Flagler 24,820

Nassau 10,010

Putnam 13,630

St. Johns 37,910

Union: 860

Georgia

Ware 1,375

Charlton  491

Camden 7,310

Glynn 28,491

10 p.m. Tuesday

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