Update for Friday, September 15, 2017 – Hurricane Irma Recovery
City Services:
Sanitation schedules are back to normal with garbage, recycling, bulk and vegetation. City employees and contractors are working to remove debris in neighborhoods across the City until completed. Please remember to separate vegetative debris from bulk items, like wood fencing or building materials.
City water is safe to drink. Localized issues were reported for some areas where tree damage and other issues occurred, but there was never a city-wide boil water order. Any water issues should be reported to the utilities department 338-7339.
City Sewer: Sewer lift stations were operational during and after the storm because of generator power. Some stations are still on generator power as we wait for power restoration in those areas.
138 traffic signals in the City of Boca Raton are managed by the City of Boca Raton’s Traffic Division. 52% of the signals were damaged and repairs began as soon as it was safe to send crews out. Generators were set up to operate busy intersections, stop signs were placed at others and the Boca Raton Police Department Community Service Officers assisted as well.
The City didn’t see an increase in traffic accidents, thankfully, as drivers were following the four way stop rule and being courteous to one another.
City Facilities:
City Hall and the Building Administration building were re-opened for business on Thursday, September 14. Additional facilities and parks continue to reopen as debris is cleared and power is restored.
The following parks and facilities are open as of September 15, 2017.
Libraries • Community Center (Downtown) • Sugar Sand Park Playground & Community Center, Carousel & Athletic Fields • Racquet & Swim Center • Patch Reef Community Center- Tennis & Playground & Athletic Fields • South Beach Pavilion • South Beach Park • Boca Raton Tennis Center • Silver Palm Park Boat Ramp • Hillsboro El Rio Park • Countess de Hoernle Park • Sand Pine Park • Memorial Park • Tim Huxhold Skate Park Red Reef Park East • Woodlands Park • Sugar Sand Athletic Fields • Meadows Park( no pool) • Train Depot • Dog Park ( South or main parking lot open)
City Meetings:
Please view scheduled meetings on the City Calendar
September 25 at 1:30 PM - Community Redevelopment Agency
Downtown Special Assessment Immediately following CRA
City Council Workshop following Special Assessment
Tentative Budget Hearing 6:00 PM
September 26, 2017
3:00-5:00 pm Joint Meeting at 6500 Congress Avenue with Greater Boca Raton Beach and Parks District and The Boca Raton City Council to discuss the Ocean Breeze Golf Course.
6:00 pm City Council Meeting at City Hall
Community Information:
Curfew: The City has lifted the mandatory curfew. There is no curfew for the City or for Palm Beach County.
Power: FPL is working to restore power across the State and County. They have reported that Palm Beach County should be restored by the end of the weekend. As of Friday afternoon, 86 % of Boca residents had been restored, and 7,930 were still without power. The City Manager, the Mayor and other City Council members are in contact with FPL regarding getting power restored to all of our City. Check FPL’s map tracker www.fplmaps.com to report outages or call 1-800-468-8243.
Transportation:
For those who rely on Tri Rail and bus transit:
- Tri-Rail is currently suspended until further notice
- TPABS Service is currently suspended until further notice
- BR-1 Service is currently suspended until further notice
- Route 94 is currently suspended until further notice
- TREX is operational
- Palm Tran is fully operational with the exception of Route 94.
FEMA Assistance
Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
You may also register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.
Price Gouging:
According to the State Attorney General, the state of emergency remains in effect statewide and that means Florida’s price gouging law still applies to anyone selling essential commodities or services. Anyone who suspects price gouging or any scam should call my office at (866) 9NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at www.MyFloridaLegal.com.
Volunteering & Donations
Beginning Sunday, 9/17 through Thursday 9/21, volunteers will be managing collections for the Florida Keys. Drop off items 9-5 daily at Fire Station Number 1 located, at 1151 N Federal Hwy.
Items needed in the Keys are:
- Hand sanitizer
- Bleach
- Bottled water
- Nonperishable food items
- Camping equipment, including: Tents, Tarps, Canopies, Coolers
- Batteries
- Fans
- Lanterns
- Flashlights
- Cots
- Air mattresses
Programs:
Zumba on the beach will resume Saturday.
Yoga and Tai Chi have been cancelled for Saturday.
Life Safety Issues:
The Fire Department wants to remind residents using generators - DO NOT use inside your home, garage or near a window. Your generator fumes could poison your neighbors if their windows are open, and we have already had some incidents. Also, be sure to keep gasoline away from sparks, flames and heat. Let your generator cool before you refill it.
As power is restored, remember to turn off all appliances or breaker to avoid a surge or a fire.
Schools:
Palm Beach County Schools are scheduled to reopen Monday, September 18, 2017.
Communication:
City and Police Twitter and Facebook accounts are providing updated information, as is the city website.
Check the City calendar for updates on events and meetings to be rescheduled.
Report concerns on the City’s website & sign up for alerts
