Update for Wednesday, September 20, 2017 – Hurricane Irma Recovery
City Services:
Sanitation schedules are back to normal with garbage, recycling, bulk and vegetation pick up for City of Boca Raton customers. City employees and contractors are working 7 days a week 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. Trucks will continue to cycle through neighborhoods until debris is removed. Commercial debris is handled by contracted private haulers.
Expedited Permits through September 29: The Building Department is expediting any hurricane related repair permits like roof repairs, window repairs etc. Permits will be issued over the counter and repair work can start with deferred submittals necessary to complete the permit application. No permits are necessary to repair or replace existing fences through October 31.
City Facilities:
Most City facilities, parks, beaches and recreational facilities have reopened to the public with the exception of: Spanish River Park, The Municipal Golf Course and Sanborn Square. Please contact specific facilities for modified hours or programming.
City Meetings:
Please view scheduled meetings on the City Calendar
September 25, 2017
September 26, 2017
October 2, 2017
- 5:30 CRA Final Budget Hearing
- 6:00 City Final Budget Hearing
Community Information:
Power: FPL is working to restore power across the State and County. As of 9/20/17 FPL is reporting 100% of Boca Raton Customers (56,500) have had power restored.
Transportation:
For those who rely on Tri-Rail and bus transit:
- Tri-Rail has resumed normal operation
- TREX is operational
- Palm Tran is operational
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.
Homeowners and renters may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Irma.
Individuals and Households Program
- Housing Assistance provides financial and/or direct assistance to eligible disaster survivors who have necessary expenses and serious needs unmet through other resources, such as insurance.
- Other Needs Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals and households who have other disaster-related necessary expenses such as medical, childcare, funeral, personal property, and transportation costs. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Assistance Program provides low-interest, long-term loans to those impacted by a declared disaster.
- Crisis Counseling Assistance & Training Program assists in recovery from the effects of a disaster through community based outreach and psycho-educational services.
- Disaster Case Management involves creating a Disaster Recovery Plan together with a disaster case manager to reach disaster recovery by meeting unmet needs through available resources.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides unemployment benefits and re-employment services to individuals who have become unemployed because of the disaster and who are not eligible for regular State unemployment insurance.
- Disaster Legal Services provides legal assistance to low-income individuals who are unable to secure legal services adequate to meet their disaster related needs.
How to Apply
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been activated as a result of Hurricane Irma in all of Florida’s 67 counties. Applications will be accepted by qualified Florida small businesses under this program through Oct. 31, 2017, contingent on the availability of funds. For more information, click here.
- FEMA’s Operation Blue Roof Program is now available to eligible homeowners impacted by Hurricane Irma. Operation Blue Roof provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. For more information, click here.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency officials (FEMA) announced qualified residents of specific Florida counties can receive individual assistance from the federal government. Residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. More details below. (see section below for additional details)
- Residents impacted by Hurricane Irma in counties that are currently not eligible for FEMA assistance are still encouraged to apply in the event these counties are approved at a later date.
- The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters. Applicants are encouraged to apply online for a disaster loan. You can also call 800‐659‐2955, if you do not have access to a computer.
Disaster Loan Use
You can use disaster loans for a number of purposes if your insurance company and funding from FEMA doesn’t fully cover the disaster assistance you need.
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Economic injury
- Machinery and equipment
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 her 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
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
