News Flash

Essential Information

• The Bay County Medical Examiner is reporting 21 casualties.
• The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls. For    out-of-state callers, please dial (850) 248-6099.
• For up-to-date information, go to        www.recoverbaycounty.com     
• Visit www.safeandwell.org to    connect with friends and family and let them know you are safe. The    website can also be used to search for loved ones 
• A curfew is still in effect for Bay County from midnight to 5 a.m. with a    restriction on alcohol sales in place during curfew hours.
• On Saturday, Oct. 27 the National Weather Service is calling for sunny    skies with a high near 72. West northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Saturday    evening will be clear with a low of 57 and northwest winds of 5-10 mph.

Recovery by the Numbers

• Crisis Cleanup has logged more than 600 volunteer hours to help those in    need.
• Salvation Army Feeding Sites: 18    
  • Meals served as of Oct. 26: 213,002  
  • Rovers: 4
• World Kitchen Feeding Sites: 2.    
  • Meals served as of Oct. 25: 122,040
• Red Cross    
  • Meals served as of Oct. 26: 200,000
  • 36 Emergency Response Vehicles providing mobile feeding.
• Pre-packed Food Distribution Locations: 8
• Current FEMA Point of Distribution: 2    
  • 141,367 people served (amount of supplies taken per person vary)
•     Comfort Stations: 9 
• Bay County roads cleared (1,508 miles): 100 percent
• Yard trash disposal facilities established: 8
• Construction/demolition debris disposal sites established: 6

Power Outages

•     Gulf Power’s initial power restoration to the lines is now complete.    They will continue to upgrade and restore the power grid, including    power from the lines to properties.    
•     Gulf Coast Electric is reporting approximately 6 percent of Bay County    is without power.    
  •         You can track outages on the Gulf Power outage map from your        smartphone or report power outages at        https://outagemap.gulfpower.com/external/default.html 
  •         Gulf Coast Electric Coop will not charge any late fees as the        system and offices are repaired.        
  •         Gulf Coast Electric Coop customers can call 1-800-568-3667 to        report an outage or view power outages on the outage map at            http://outagemap.gcec.com.        

VOLUNTEERS

Bay County Emergency Operations Center , is opening a Volunteer Reception Center  at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at the Southport Community Center, located at 7734 Franklin Ave., Southport. The VRC will provide a central location for the public to learn about, sign up for, and volunteer for the Hurricane Michael relief efforts throughout the Bay County area.

Prospective volunteers should be aware of the following:

• Volunteers wishing to help will go through a background check through    publicly available websites atwww.VolunteerFlorida.org or    www.crisiscleanup.org. Log your    volunteer hours. Whether you are affiliated with an organization/group or    you are an individual helping with recovery, turning in your hours helps    the county by reducing their cost needed to make “Bay County Strong.”
• Volunteers must complete an application and be prepared to show    professional licensure, if applicable.
• Volunteers that do NOT wish to be connected with a volunteer disaster    team should not register at the VRC.
• All volunteers must be willing to sign a release of liability; if under    the age of 18, parents must sign the release form.
• Volunteers will be given specific job site assignments only after they    are connected with a trained and experienced disaster relief team 
• The assignment of volunteers to teams will be dependent upon the needs of    survivors that have been identified through a responding agency or    organizations; assignments may not be immediate.
• Volunteers must be willing to turn in a time sheet at the end of each    assignment.
• Not all jobs are manual labor. Anyone can volunteer; no experience is necessary.

Volunteers are integral in every disaster and are core to a community’s recovery. Dedicated volunteers working together will speed up recovery efforts in the Bay County area. Volunteer management and training is fundamental to community rebuilding efforts and resilience. The VRC will coordinate, train and deploy volunteers into teams that meet critical community needs. Ongoing hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Come join us and make Bay County Strong.

Please do not travel to the impacted area to volunteer without being assigned through an established disaster response group. We are seeing large numbers of untrained volunteers come forward wanting to help in areas that are still EXTREMELY UNSAFE. Volunteers not involved in a coordinated effort, though well-meaning, are a HINDRANCE when not PART OF AN ORGANIZED PROCESS.

BULK DONATION COORDINATION

For bulk donation coordination, call 469-349-9532 or email    donatebayco@gmail.com.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Mass Care is actively working with county, municipal and state officials, and community partners to find a suitable location to host all sheltered persons, preferably a single location, to allow the schools to transition back to learning. Multiple sites are being considered and site evaluations are ongoing.

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) 

• The Disaster Recovery Center opens Saturday, Oct. 27
• Location: Bay County Public Library, 898 W 11^th Street, Panama    City
• Hours: Every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The FEMA DRC provides information about:

• Housing and rental resource information
• Referral to other support agencies
• Status of applications received from FEMA  
• Crisis counseling
• Disaster legal services
• Disaster unemployment
• Small Business Administration 

 Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) 

The Department of Children and Family, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has initiated the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 12 counties to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Michael. DCF anticipates serving approximately 130,000 families through the federal D-SNAP program as result of Hurricane Michael. DCF served more than 1.2 million households for Hurricane Irma disaster food assistance last year.

Following DCF’s request, the federal government has granted permission to conduct phone applications for those individuals in all 12 counties who may not be able to attend the in-person events. Families in these counties, and those who are displaced as a result of the storm, are strongly encouraged to pre-register and take advantage of the phone application option.

DCF will host D-SNAP events in three phases, based on the order in which they were declared eligible for Individual Assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

DSNAP Locations

Sites are being finalized and information regarding locations, dates and times can be found for each site at  www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/dsnap/register.shtml  .

• Bay County    
  • Pre-registration Window: Oct. 26 – Nov. 4
  • Phone application Window: Oct. 27 – Oct. 3       
  • In-Person Application Window: Oct. 31 – Nov. 4

To quality for D-SNAP, applicants must have lived or worked in one of the counties declared for FEMA Individual Assistance on Oct. 10, and not be receiving food assistance through the regular SNAP program. Additionally, eligible individuals and families must have suffered a disaster-related loss, such as damage to their homes or self-employment property, loss of food, reduction or loss of income, or have incurred other disaster-related expenses. Applicants must also be financially eligible. DCF will provide or mail Electronic Benefits Transfer cards to eligible individuals and families to use at authorized USDA food retailers.

Individuals and authorized representatives are strongly encouraged to pre-register online. Pre-registration is a brief application process that adds your information to the system in advance of your local site visit. D-SNAP pre-registration will be available on the D-SNAP website and open for people in need of food assistance in eligible counties prior to the phone and on-site events. D-SNAP sites in Gulf, Bay, Franklin, Taylor, and Wakulla counties will open next week. Individuals who lived or worked in these counties on Oct. 10 can pre-register beginning Oct. 26. Pre-registration for other eligible counties will be available prior to the opening of the local site. Individuals, families and authorized representatives that pre-register must still call or visit a D-SNAP site to be interviewed. Individuals may also apply at D-SNAP site locations without pre-registration.

Applicants who opt to visit an on-site event to complete the application process should attend in their county of residence and only one person per household needs to visit the on-site event. Additional individuals attending may contribute to longer lines and extended service times. Each site will have designated areas for people with special needs.

Current food assistance participants should not pre-register, apply over the phone or visit the local D-SNAP site; additional October benefits will be added to current client EBT cards in the 12 impacted counties. DCF ordered an early release of food assistance benefits for those Florida residents in the 35 counties included in Governor Scott’s pre-landfall emergency order who would have receive normal SNAP benefits in October. DCF also waived restrictions on purchasing hot prepared food with SNAP benefits through October 31 statewide to assist customers who evacuated to another area or suffered storm damage to their home.

Visit the D-SNAP  website  for more information on pre-registration, site locations, and hours of operation.

FEEDING SITES

Salvation Army Feeding Sites 

Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner daily from 5-6 p.m.

•     Bayou George First Baptist Church    , 6227 Hwy. 2301, Panama City    
•     Northstar Church - St Andrews     2379 St Andrews Blvd., Panama City    
•     Youngstown/Fountain Dollar General    -12610 U.S. 231, Youngstown    
•     Cedar Grove Elementary School –     2825 15th St., Panama City    
•     Winn Dixie Lynn Haven –     1812 Lynn Haven Pkwy Lynn Haven FL    
•     MLK Rec Center-    705 14th St., Panama City    
•     Old Kmart Parking Lot-    7040 U.S. 98, Panama City    
•     Jinks Middle School-    600 W 11th St., Panama City    
•     Parker Fire Department-    4534 E Business Hwy 98    
•     Walmart Panama City-    513 W 23rd St., Panama City    
•     Walmart Lynn Haven-    2101 S Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven    
•     Walmart Calloway -    725 N. Tyndall Parkway, Panama City    
•     Springfield Elementary-    520 School Ave., Panama City    
•     Cove Shopping Center-    929 Cherry St., Panama City    
•     Lucille Moore Elementary     – 1900 Michigan Ave., Panama City    
•     Boys & Girls Club     – 3404 W. 19^th St., Panama City    
•     Deer Point Elementary School – 4    800 C.R. 2321    
•     Panama City Seventh-Day Adventist    Church and School - 2700 Lisenby Ave.    

World Central Kitchen

•     Hiland Park Elementary –     2507 E. Baldwin Road    
•     Springfield Community Church –     615 Transmitter Road, Panama City    

Feeding Gulf Coast Pre-Packaged Food Pantries 

•     Woodlawn United Methodist Church    – We Care – 219 N Alf Coleman Rd, Panama City Beach, 850-867-7342, 10    a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.    
•     Food 4 Kidz, Inc    – 16610 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 850-249-5439, 10 a.m. – 3    p.m., Monday-Friday.    
•     St. Andrew Christian Care Center    – 3101 A West US Hwy 98, Panama City, 850-763-2345, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.    daily.    
•     Springfield United Methodist Church     – 701 School Ave, Panama City    
•     Springfield United Methodist Mission House    , in conjunction with Springfield Community Church (7^th    & Transmitter) – 615 Transmitter Rd, Panama City, 850-769-0374, 11    a.m. –     5 p.m. daily.    
•     Truth Baptist Church    – 4015 Maynard Drive, Panama City, 850-774-0300, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every    other day beginning Sunday, October 21, as food comes.    
•     Woodstock Church    – 17495 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, 850-234-0488, 9    a.m. to 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. daily.    
•     First Baptist Church of Panama City    , 601 Grace Avenue, Panama City, 850-960-9929, only when able to accept    food. Pantry damaged, but has access to parking lots.    
•     Grace Presbyterian Church –     1415 Airport Road, Panama City    

There are various feeding sites and locations with meals and water including self-stable and Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs). Please check with your local faith-based organizations and churches for donation and feeding information.

Transitional Housing Assistance

• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance for families    in Bay County. TSA provides FEMA funded short-term lodging in hotels and    motels for eligible disaster survivors who are unable to return home for an    extended period due to disaster-related damages or inaccessibility of their    communities.
• FEMA is currently notifying eligible families in Bay County who have    already applied for assistance of their sheltering options under TSA.    Families in Bay County looking to confirm their TSA eligibility should call    1-800-621-FEMA or visit    www.DisasterAssistance.gov    for more information on TSA and to find participating hotels and motels or    to begin the assistance process.
• FEMA may provide rental assistance for qualified applicants, call    1-800-621-FEMA or visit    www.DisasterAssistance.gov    .
• FEMA does not use vouchers for hotels. All sheltering in hotel or motels    approved by FEMA is paid directly to hotels. Survivors do not receive    vouchers from FEMA.

FEMA Points of Distribution (POD)

Bay County POD Locations to Begin Closing Friday

Three Bay County Points of Distribution, or PODs, are closed as of Friday, Oct. 26, with the remaining two sites closing Monday, Oct. 29. POD sites will no longer be distributing bulk food, water and ice, but they will continue to serve hot meals from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily for a week before closing completely.

The PODs have continued to see diminishing use within the community, and they are being closed to support local economic recovery as businesses surrounding the POD sites reopen.

The POD closure schedule is as follows: 

Three Bay County Points of Distribution, or PODs, will be closed as of Friday, Oct. 26, with the remaining two sites closing Monday, Oct. 29.

The PODs have continued to see diminishing use within the community, and they are being closed to support local economic recovery as businesses surrounding the POD sites reopen.

The POD closure schedule is as follows:

•  Closing Monday, Oct. 29:
      
  • Rosenwald Middle School – 924 Bay Ave., Panama City
  • High Praise Church – 7124 SR 22, Callaway 

 Florida Public Assistance Process (State & Local Governments) 

The Florida Public Assistance Process is accepting grant applications for state and local governments as well as certain Private Non-Profits organizations including faith-based organizations that are providing services to survivors. For available grants, guidelines and additional information visit  www.floridapa.org  . The assistance request deadline is Nov. 10.

Operation Blue Roof

Operation Blue Roof, which temporarily repairs roofs at no cost to families, offers temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting helps reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made.

Primary residences that have standard shingled roofs are eligible to receive a temporary blue roof. Metal roofs and mobile homes will be considered for the program, as practical on a case-by-case basis. Roofs with greater than 50-percent structural damage are not eligible for this program. Renters must obtain legal permission from the homeowner to continue occupying the residence until more permanent repairs are made.

Homeowners must sign a Right of Entry, or ROE, form to allow government employees and contractors onto their property to assess damage and install the temporary covering.

Right of Entry collection centers are located at:

•     Panama City Square    

           525 W 23rd Street, Panama City

•      Walmart near Pier Park    

           15495 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

•     Walmart    

           2101 S. Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven

 Centers are open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Additional locations may be added as necessary. For the most current information, please visit the Jacksonville District website at  www.usace.army.mil/blueroof  or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Information is provided in both English and Spanish through this single number.

Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System’s Hurricane Michael Medical Unit that has been operating from a Walmart parking lot will relocate to the Panama City Beach VA Clinic and be open for veterans on Monday, Oct. 29 at 8 a.m.

The Medical Station will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, located at 513 W. 23^rd Street, then it will relocate to the Panama City Beach VA Clinic at 2600 Veterans Way (along Magnolia Beach Road), and 140 Richard Jackson Blvd., in Panama City Beach. There will be no services available on Saturday, Oct. 27, or Sunday, Oct. 28, during the transition.

Normal operations at the VA Clinic resumed Oct. 16. The GCVHCS Medical Station has been in operation since Oct. 15, helping hundreds of Veterans and community members with holistic medical services, readjustment counseling, pharmacy, food, homeless support and much more. Since Oct. 16, Veterans with scheduled appointments have been seen in both PCB VA locations (2600 Veterans Way and 140 Richard Jackson Boulevard) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Veterans who walk in for care will be seen, too.

“With the Medical Station team’s support, and our PCB VA clinic staff, we are able to meet the medical needs of the Veterans in this community,” Bryan C. Matthews, GCVHCS director, said. “It’s our honor to serve veterans during this tragedy, and the commitment of our employees does not go unnoticed.”

For veterans who cannot get to the PCB VA Clinic, a toll-free number, 1-800-507-4571, has been established for veterans to get updated information on where to go for care, how to receive prescription drugs, or any other concerns they may have about their care. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Veterans in need of pharmacy customer care may call 1-855-574-7288; the toll-free number is operational 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (EST) to assist veterans with medication.

VA Clinics open for walk-ins accepted 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Panama City Beach VA, 2600 Veterans Way along Magnolia Beach Rd.

Mobile Vet Center and Mobile Medical Unit in Panama City to offer medical care and counseling services to veterans in the community or primary care.

• Bay County Veterans Services will be open for inquiries and claims    appointments at 850-248-8280 beginning Wednesday, Oct. 24, Monday through    Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Find out where to get healthcare Department Veterans Disaster Response    Line 1-800-507-4571 24 hours.
• Department of Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Customer Care (Bay County)    850-640-3062.
• The American Red Cross Emergency Communication Center and Cash Assistance    1-877-272-7337.
• FEMA 1-800-621-3362
• VeteransFlorida.org/recovery for monetary assistance.
• Bay County Veterans Services 850-819-2920 for veterans information

MEDICAL SERVICES

Mobile Medical Unit

• Breakfast Point – 601 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach. Doctor or    nurse practitioner on site. Open to the public. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County
597 W 11^th St., Panama City
Main Line: 850-872-4455
Environmental Health: 850-252-9688
Current Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Full services including:

• WIC (benefits should be automatically loaded to accounts.
• ADAP
• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A
• Family Planning
• Birth and death certificates

Americares Clinic:

• 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily
• Primary care services for children and adults, including prescription    medication

Emergency Diabetes Supplies:

• While supplies last
• Bring a box or prescription for insulin so we can provide the correct    type and dose
• Call 850-252-9656 to check supplies    

First Baptist Church
823 15^th St., Mexico Beach
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A
• First aid, respiratory care, and physician care
• Partnership with Heart to Heart International and Sacred Heart Medical    Group

Dollar General in Fountain
17835 US-231, Fountain, FL 32438
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A  
• First aid, respiratory care, and physician care

Breakfast Point Academy
601 N Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A
• First aid, respiratory care, and physician care

DOH-Bay Tetanus Points of Distribution
Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Bay County Jail, 5700 Star Lane, Panama City
• Springfield Community Church, 615 Transmitter Road
• Eastern Shipbuilding Nelson Yard, 2200 Nelson Ave, Panama City
• Coram’s- Bayou George, 6204 Hwy 2301, Panama City
• Bayou George Christian Church (7814 Highway 2301, Panama city, FL 32404)

Dental Services
Panama City Smiles has a dental bus set up starting Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 1022 Harrison Ave. for Bay County residents needing emergency dental services.

Hours are (no appointments):

• Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (through Wednesday, Oct. 31
• Saturday, Oct. 27: 9 a.m. to noon
• Sunday, Oct. 28: Closed

Free Clinics
PanCare- Follow @PanCareHealth on Facebook for updates
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• 2309 E. 15^th St. in Panama City for medical and dental.
• Youngstown, 12427 Hwy 231, 10 a.m. – 3: 30 p.m.
• Mobile medical services at Walmart in Lynn Haven 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.    Wednesday.

St. Andrews Community Medical Center, 3101b W Hwy 98, Panama City, Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hospitals

• Bay Medical Sacred Heart, 615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City- Emergency Room    ONLY
• Bay Medical Beach ER- Intersection of Panama City Beach Parkway (Hwy. 98)    and Richard Jackson Blvd.
• Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, 449 W 23^rd ST, Panama    City- Emergency Room ONLY
• Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf, 3801 E. Hwy. 98, Port St. Joe- Fully    operational

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES 

Life Management Center to Resume Inpatient Services

Psychiatric inpatient treatment services will resume at Life Management Center at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 26. These services are available 24 hours-per-day and are provided at the main campus at 525 East 15    ^th Street in Panama City. Crisis telephone and evaluation services are also available 24 hours-per-day by calling 850-522-4485.

Other services currently available:

• Medication Refills:    Current patients in need of a new prescription for medication refills,    please call us at 850-522-4485, ext. 1823. Someone is available to    assist 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday.    
• Pharmacy:    The Genoa Pharmacy at Life Management Center is open for our current    clients at our main campus at 525 East 15th Street, in Building E. It    is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. For refills or    questions, please call them at 848-261-1417.    
• Bonifay:    We are currently providing outpatient counseling and psychiatric care    at our Bonifay office at 310 Byrd Ave. from 8:00 to 5:00, Monday thru    Friday.
• Marianna: We are currently providing outpatient counseling and    psychiatric care at our Marianna office at 4094 Lafayette Street, from 8:00    to 5:00, Monday thru Friday 
• Port St. Joe: Offices are closed until further notice  
• Blountstown: Offices are closed until further notice.

We are working hard to provide additional services as soon as possible.

Prescriptions 

· Under the Emergency Order, people can get a 30-day refill of prescriptions.

· To find an open pharmacy near you, got to    RxOpen.org.

· Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for people who do not have health insurance. Call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470 to find out if you are eligible.

For additional health care provider information, visit  https://info.emeraldcoastmedicalassociation.com/blog/practice-updates-for-hurricane-michael-impacted-areas  .

Assistance Services

• For emergency services please call 911.    
• For local service information call 211.
• For suicide prevention call the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline at    850-273-8255.
• The Panama City Treatment Center is open from 6:30 – 11:30 am daily. They    are treating current patients and guests.

Hospitals 

St. Andrews Community Medical Center is opened and seeing patients. Their address is 3101b W Hwy 98, Panama City, FL 32401. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Americares is partnering with them to provide this service.

Bay Medical Sacred Heart and Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center are offering emergency room services. These units also have Hep A and Tetanus immunizations available. Each hospital is working on plans to provide additional services in stages. DOH-Bay is working in coordination with the hospitals on their plans to return to normal operations.

Bay Medical Center now has clinic locations that are opened. Magnolia- 2421 Thomas DR, Beach- 11111 PCB PKWY, Oceanpark- 23040 PCB PKWY. Call 850-770-3230 or visit   baymedical.org.

We realize many of our Mexico Beach residents utilize healthcare services in Gulf County. We want you all to know that Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf located at 3801 E. Hwy 98 in Port St. Joe is now opened with emergency room and inpatient services. All Sacred Heart Medical Group offices are now operating in Port St. Joe and Wewahitchka.

Tetanus Risks

No one should play in flood waters. The water can contain bacteria. If you have come in contact with flood waters, you should receive a Hep A vaccination. Again, these are available at DOH-Bay. Tetanus is a risk when you get a puncture wound or cut. If you receive a puncture wound and it becomes contaminated with sewage, dirt or flood water, thoroughly clean the wound and have a healthcare provider determine whether a tetanus shot or booster is necessary. If you feel you need a tetanus, please visit your closest emergency centers.

Tetanus Points of Distribution (Hours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Hwy 77 in Lynn Haven – First responders only

TRANSPORTATION

All Bay Town Trolley routes are open (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and are open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the top of every hour on the hour as traffic permits, except Sunday.

Flag stops (asking the driver to stop) will be allowed along the route

Starting tomorrow, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Bay Town Trolley will provide a transit route to the distribution and feeding sites on 17    ^th and 9^th streets in Lynn Haven. Additional transit route vehicles will be J Tran from Jacksonville, FL and are grey and red. Serving every hour as time and traffic permits.

Pick up and drop off sites as follows:

• Millville Area - Asian Market at College Ave and 5th Street
• Springfield Area - Goodwill at Business 98 and 3rd Street
• Parker Area - Parker Elementary School on Bob Little Road
• Callaway Area - Grocery Outlet on Tyndall Parkway

SCHOOLS

 Tentatively, the following schools will open on Nov. 5, 2018:

• Northside Elementary School
• Mosley High School (split schedule with Merritt Brown Middle School)
• Oakland Terrace Elementary School
• Parker Elementary School (with Patterson Elementary displaced students)
• Tommy Smith Elementary School
• West Bay Elementary School
• Patronis Elementary School
• Waller Elementary School
• Hutchison Beach Elementary School
• New Horizons Learning Center
• Southport Elementary School
• Lynn Haven Elementary School
• Lucille Moore Elementary School
• Deer Point Elementary School
• Callaway Elementary School (with Tyndall Elementary displaced students)

All other school sites (except Springfield Elementary, Tyndall Elementary, and Patterson Elementary) will be opening no later than the week of Nov. 13.

Additional Information:

• The colors of the dress code will be temporarily waived, and Bay District    Schools asks that students come dressed appropriately for school each day.
• Bay District Schools petitioned the state Department of Education for a    waiver of many requirements (including the requirement to use FSA as a    promotion requirement).
• All elementary schools will operate on a full school day. Some schools    will have slightly-altered school opening/closing times. More specifics    will be coming at a later time.
• Tyndall students will attend on the campus with Callaway Elementary.
• Springfield students will attend with Cedar Grove Elementary 
• Patterson students will attend with Parker Elementary students.
• It is expected that this arrangement will last for a significant amount    of time because the Tyndall, Springfield and Patterson campuses are heavily    damaged.
• All students will receive free breakfast and lunch.
• You are encouraged to register your student at the school closest to    where you now live. You are welcome to provide your own transportation to    your student's original school, but we will not be able to provide that    transportation.
• Locations where you can complete "needs lists" for students who need    school-appropriate clothing, will be provided at a later time. We are so    thankful to have received a lot of donations and we hope to be able to    provide clothing to all students in need.
• School supplies are being provided directly to our schools so there is no    need to worry about paper, crayons, markers, notebooks etc. All the    supplies will be at the school when your students arrive.
• We are in the process of arranging for crisis counselors, art therapy and    other resources for our students. We plan to address the student’s mental    health concerns prior to returning fully to reading, writing and math.

If your elementary school is not listed as a school with a shared campus, then it is not a shared campus and students should attend their original campus. However, given the traffic situation and current logistics being faced by many families, we recommend students attend the school closest to the places where they now reside so that transportation can be provided.

Thank you for understanding these temporary changes as we continue to provide for your student’s education. We will provide additional information, such as the school calendar, ACT/SAT and bus routes as they become available. Go to Facebook @baydistrictschools for more details.

DAYCARES

Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida has provided a list of more than 45 daycares that are now open. For a list, click here. 

LIBRARY

• Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library in Hosford opened on Thursday, Oct. 18.    Hours will be altered a little until curfew has been lifted. Please call    the library for details, 850-379-3300. Temporary hours are Mon, Tues,    Thurs. 9-5 EST; Sat 9-12 EST - normal services available.
• Panama City Beach Public Library will re-open with reduced hours on    Tuesday, Oct. 23^rd. Temporary hours are Tuesday, through    Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call library for more information,    850-233-5055.
• Please do not return books or other library items to any libraries that    are closed. Keep them and return when the library reopens. All fines and    fees for items returned late or damaged due to Hurricane Michael will be    waived.
• PCB Library has internet and wifi access. Computers, printer, copier, and    the fax machine are working.

INTERNET

T-Mobile supplied free phones and wireless hotspots to support disaster victims and volunteer resources staff at the joint-temporary United Way Operations Center and Volunteer Reception Center at 7734 Franklin Avenue, located within the Southport Community Building. Free wifi and calling is open to the public.

T-Mobile, in combination with Cradlepoint, is also providing twenty (20) rugged routers that will hold 20-30 internet connections at one time to the following Bay County locations:

•     Comfort centers    
•     Voting stations    
•     Bay County Library    

T-Mobile is also sharing lighting systems with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The delivery of the routers and lighting system will occur on Friday, Oct. 26.

T-Mobile will have mobile relief stations at the following location on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.:

•     Wal-Mart Lynn Haven     2101 S Highway 77, Lynn Haven, FL 32444    
•     Wal-Mart     725 Tyndall Pkwy Callaway, FL 32404    
•     Sam’s Club     1707 West 23rd St Panama City, FL 32405    
•     Wal-Mart    513 W 23^rd St Panama City, FL 32405    
•     Panama City Mall     2150 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Panama City, FL 32405    
•     Wal-Mart    10270 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32402 (FEMA)            
•     Lowe’s     11751 Panama City Beach Pkwy Panama City Beach, FL 32407    

Emergency sales, disbursement of humanitarian items (toiletries, pet food, water, t-shirts), as well as, free cellular calling and wifi will be available onsite.

T-Mobile is offering EOC volunteers free mobile hotspots with complimentary service for thirty days. If your city, county or agency EOC staff is in need of wifi connectivity, please email Michael.Wood33@T-Mobile.com  . For volunteers located at the Bay County Emergency Operations Center, please email  Brandon.Reed26@T-Mobile.com  .

ELECTIONS

• The Supervisor of Elections Office opened on Thursday, Oct 18. 830 W.    11th St.
• No new mail-in ballots will be sent out.
• If you already have a mail-in ballot do not put in the mail. Hand    deliver to the supervisor of the election’s office.
• Six mega voting sites have been set up and are open to all Bay County    Voters, Oct. 27-Nov. 6
• Supervisor of Elections Office, 830 W. 11th St.
• Lynn Haven Elementary School Cafeteria, 301 W. Nineth St  
• Panama City Beach Senior Center, 423 Lyndell Lane
• Palo Alto Church of Christ, 3119 N. U.S. 231
• Parker United Methodist Church, 908 S. Tyndall Parkway
• Stanford Station Shopping Center (Near Hobby Lobby), 746 W 23rd Street.

Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 27 for 12 hours each day through Election Day. Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 27 for 12 hours each day through Election Day. To reach the Supervisor of Elections Office temporarily by phone call 850-248-8602, 850-248-8603, or 850-248-8604 or visit www.bayvotes.org.

COURT SERVICES

•     Bay County Courts will reopen on Monday, Oct. 29. First appearances are    being conducted at the jail, as they are federally mandated.    

LAW ENFORCEMENT

DHSMV’s Florida Licensing on Wheels mobiles continue to be in Bay County to offer driver license and motor vehicle services and have assisted more than 400 customers since Tuesday, Oct. 16.

TAX COLLECTION

Notice to Bay County Property Owners

Tax Collector Chuck Perdue is very sensitive to the needs of Bay County citizens affected by the recent damage due to the hurricane; however, state law requires the tax collector to mail and collect 2018 property tax bills.

Below are a few important things to remember:

• We understand your property may not be in the condition it was in on    January 1, 2018. However, State law requires taxes be assessed as of    January 1, 2018 for the 2018 year.  
• Property taxes are payable anytime between now and March 31, 2019. Please    keep in mind there is no penalty for late payment until after March 31,    2019, and you do receive a discount if you pay early. The tax collector has    extended the 4 percent discount period through December 31, 2018.
• If your home, storage building, shed or commercial building was    destroyed, please remember to contact the Bay County Property Appraiser’s    Office at 850-248-8401 so your assessment can be adjusted for next year    (2019).
• Please remember our property tax dollars go to help pay for many    services, including fire and rescue, law enforcement protection and    infrastructure such as roads and utilities. Our taxing authorities’    resources have been significantly depleted as they have responded to needs    and continue working towards recovery in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

The Bay County Property Appraiser has certified and delivered the 2018 Bay County Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem Tax Rolls to the Office of the Bay County Tax Collector. Beginning, Thursday, November 1, 2018, the tax rolls are open for collection.

Pay online with a debit/credit card or e-check at:    www.baytaxcollector.com. Convenience fees apply. Taxes are not delinquent until after March 31, 2019.

Mail payments to: BCTC, Panama City Panama City Beach. Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday— 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact us at 850-248-8501 or visit us at:

P.O. Box 2285 Panama City, FL 32402

850 W. 11th Street Panama City, FL 32401

10520 Hutchison Blvd Panama City Beach , FL 32407

After hours payment drop boxes are available at each branch. Payments will be processed within 48 hours.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

Visit  About.usps.com/news/service-alerts  for the latest service information.
All offices have resumed normal operations in Gulf Atlantic, with the exception of the following:

Retail and Delivery Operations have been suspended at the following offices, with services being offered by an alternate location as shown beneath:

• Fountain 12606 Silver Lake Rd, Fountain FL 32438 (suspended)
• Youngstown 11805 Highway 231, Youngstown FL 32466 (services)
• Tyndall AFB 730 Suwannee Rd, Panama City FL 32403 (suspended)
• Panama City (GMF) 1336 Sherman Ave, Panama City FL 32401 (services)

The following offices are temporarily suspended, but retail and delivery operations service is available, via a Mobile Retail Unit (MRU) located on site:

• Lynn Haven, 2319 S. Highway 77, Lynn Haven, FL 32444; Mon.-Sun. 8:30 a.m.    - 4 p.m.
• Marianna, 4396 Lafayette St, Marianna, FL 32446; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m./Sat. 10    a.m. -12 p.m./Sun. Close
• Panama City GMF, 1336 Sherman Ave, Panama City, FL 32401; Mon-Sun 8:30    a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Panama City Northside, 1315 W 17th St, Panama City, FL 32405; Mon.-Sun.    8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Sneads, 2042 Green Ave. Sneads, FL 32460; 8 a.m.- 4 p.m./Sat. 9 a.m.-12    p.m./Sun. Closed
• Eastpoint, 353 US Highway 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328 Mon.-Fri.10:00 a.m. – 4    p.m./Sat. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m./Closed Sun.

Additionally, the following Contract Postal Units are open for business:

• Alyssa's Postal Market 4586 Chumuckla Highway, Pace FL 32571; Open:    Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m./Sat. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m./Sun. Closed
• Bay Point Improvement Assoc 3900 Marriott Drive Suite B, Panama City FL    32408; Open: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 3:45 p.m./Sat-Sun Closed
• Bellview CPU 2400 West Michigan Avenue, Pensacola FL 32526; Open:    Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m./Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m./Sun. Closed
• Mexico Beach CPO 625C 15th Street, Mexico Beach FL 32456; Open: Mon.-Fri.    9 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m./Sat 10 a.m. – noon/Sun Closed
• Paxton CPO 21892 U.S. Highway 331N, Paxton FL 32538; Open: Mon.-Fri. 9    a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. /Sat 9 a.m. - 11 a.m./Sun. Closed
• Rosemary Beach Property Owners 28 Main Street, Inlet Beach FL 32413;    Open: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m./Sat 10 a.m. – noon/Sun Closed
• Seaside CPO 2235 E County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459; Open:    Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m./Sat. 9 a.m. – noon /Sun. Closed
• University Of West Florida CPO 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola FL    32514; Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m./Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m./Sun. Closed
• Watersound Beach Community Association E County Highway 30A Ste. 150,    Watersound FL 32413.
• West Beach CPU 268 S Arnold Road, Panama City FL 32413; Open: Mon.-Fri.    10 a.m. – 3 p.m./Sat.-Sun. Closed

WATER
Free Well Water Testing

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is providing free water testing for private well owners. Testing kits can be picked up at DOH-Bay’s office at 597 W. 11^th St. starting Friday. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Samples must be returned to DOH-Bay within 24 hours after sampling. Samples taken on Wednesday must be brought to the DOH-Bay office by noon Thursday. No samples will be accepted on Fridays. Testing fees are being waived until further notice.

The following precautions should be followed by residents with private drinking wells that were affected by flooding and/or damage to the well or distribution system in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. If your well was covered by storm water, you will need to follow these tips and get a testing kit. If you are unaware of the status of your well, you will want to take these precautions as well. This will help prevent disease-causing organisms that may make their water unsafe to drink.

One of the following methods is recommended as a precaution: 

•     Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula; or    
•     Boil water before use, holding it at rolling boil for at least one    minute before using it for drinking, washing, cooking, etc.; or    
•     Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a    puddle about the size of a dime) of plain unscented household bleach (4    to 6%) per gallon of water, and then let it     stand for 30 minutes. If    the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure. Use a    container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to    be used for drinking.       This will prevent contamination.    

After the flooding subsides and any necessary repairs are made to the well or distribution system:

•     Disinfect your well using the procedures available from the Florida    Department of Health in Bay County or provided by the Florida    Department of Health at    

http://www.floridahealth.gov/healthy-environments/private-well-testing/index.html; and

•     Contact the Florida Department of Health in Bay County for private well    sampling instructions or have your drinking well water sampled for    coliform bacteria by a laboratory certified by     the State of Florida to perform drinking water analysis.    
•     Continue to use bottled/boiled/disinfected water until lab tests    confirm that it is safe.    

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the    Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on  Facebook  , Instagram and Twitter at    @HealthyFla . For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit  www.FloridaHealth.gov  .

Bay County’s water and wastewater treatment plant and infrastructure sustained substantial damage.
Despite this, Utilities has made significant progress toward repairs, thanks to the help from DEP and FlaWARN.

• Water is being restored to many of the county’s wholesale customers,    including Panama City Beach, Panama City, the Airport and unincorporated    Bay County. Intermittent loss will occur as crews find and repair leaks.    Please be patient.
• If you have any questions about when service will be restored to your    city, please call the city’s utility department.
• Water has been restored to many unincorporated Bay County customers in    Southport and northern Bay County.

WASTEWATER

• All unincorporated Bay County wastewater treatment plants and lift    stations are operational.
• All wastewater systems are still highly vulnerable. As water services are    restored, it is extremely important to limit shower time and flushing.

BOIL WATER ORDER

Parts of Bay County remain under a mandatory boil water notice, however “Boil Water Orders” have been lifted in Parker, Panama City, Bay County Retail Utility Service Area, Lynn Haven Utility Service Area and Panama City Beach Utility Service Area water systems.

If you live in an area where the boil water notice was recently lifted, run water at each tap for approximately five (5) minutes to flush the lines. Plumbing lines serving misters, drinking fountains and soda machines should also be flushed for five (5) minutes. Discard the first bin of ice from icemakers. For more detailed guidelines visit  http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/_documents/2018-hurricane-letter-food-bulletin-bwn-guidelines.pdf 

For Residents Still Under the Boil Water Order

• If you have utility power or generator power, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes
• If you do not have power, use bottled water or eight drops of regular, unscented household bleach per gallon of water to prepare it for cooking    use.
• For drinking, cooking, washing wounds, and brushing teeth, use bottled water or boiled water. Water should be held to a rolling boil for three minutes. 

County Offices

•     To all BOCC employees who have not reported to your supervisors, please do so as soon as possible in order to see if you are needed at work.    You should contact your supervisor             prior to Friday morning in case    plans to report to work have changed.    
•     Employees should expect to receive disaster work assignments based on needs and skills.    
•     County office re-openings will be announced as they occur.    

CITY INFORMATION

City of Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach Power Restoration

Customers on the East end of Mexico Beach may begin getting power today (Oct. 26) and in the coming days. Duke Energy has completed approximately 75 percent of their work. They have a goal of Nov. 3 for power restoration for those who can receive power.

WATER 

Mexico Beach Water System

Crews from across the state are working to repair the Mexico Beach water system. Water and sewer has been restored to the area east of 20th Street. However, meters have been turned off to prevent problems if residents have a broken pipe or connection. If you have not turned off your water, please do so immediately.

If you are out of town and would like the water department to turn off your water, please contact City Hall at 1-252-996-0660, 1-252-996-0662 or 850-648-5700.

CITY INFORMATION

City of Mexico Beach

The City of Mexico Beach initiated a series of enhanced checkpoints limiting traffic into Mexico Beach on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Traffic is limited at:

•     Eastbound base of the DuPont Bridge on U.S. 98 in Parker    

· The western city limit of Mexico Beach on U.S. 98 in Bay County

· The eastern city limit of Mexico Beach on U.S. 98 at the Gulf County line

· County 386 in the area of 15th Street; north of the City of Mexico Beach

· At the DuPont Bridge, traffic local to Tyndall Air Force Base will be directed to the right lane. Vehicles en route to Mexico Beach are directed to the left lane and must be properly authorized.

Drivers to and from Gulf County should take State 22 to State 71 South into Gulf County.

The City is only be open to the following:

1. Residents, Property Owners and Property Management Companies: You must have evidence of property ownership or residency (driver’s license, deed, utility bill, etc.) to get your credentials. The City will provide you with a pass for your vehicle and a wristband that should be worn while in Mexico Beach. If you are already in the city, you can get a wristband and vehicle permit at City Hall

2. Insurance Adjusters: Insurance adjusters must have a copy of their state-issued license, evidence of the company they work for and the specific appointment they are going to. Insurance adjusters will be given a single day pass

3. Debris haulers who are part of the team contracted through the City of Mexico Beach: No other debris haulers will be credentialed or admitted. Credentials will be provided to the main contractor

4. Credentialed volunteer teams and charities who have been approved to be in Mexico Beach: Credentials will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Federal, state and local credentialed recovery officials: You will need to show evidence of your credentials but you will not need a specific Mexico Beach credential.

Anyone other than those in these approved groups WILL BE TURNED AWAY at the checkpoints.

To facilitate rapid restoration, the entrance to Mexico Beach at Highway 98 and CR 386 checkpoint will only be accessible for Duke Energy and city-contracted debris haulers at this time.

A mandatory boil water notice remains in effect for all of Mexico Beach until further notice. Bottled water is widely available throughout the City.

Power Restoration

Some customers who receive power today and in coming days. In an abundance of caution, please:

1. Turn off the main breakers if you can until power is restored. Duke Energy cannot go into your home to do that and they can't see inside your house

2. Properly disconnect generators especially if you have a whole house generator that is hard wired into your home

3. Be aware that power lines are being energized. Practice safety

Feeding/Supply Locations

· Camp Happy Tummies, 111 22nd Street (next to City Hall); Hours: Breakfast 8:30 a.m.; dinner at 4 p.m.

· Mexico Beach Strong, Love in the Storm, 36th Street & Hwy 98; Hours 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Hot meals, water, snacks, non-perishables, bug spray, charcoal, batteries, hard hats, gloves,             canned goods, tarps, dog food

•     First Baptist Church, 823 N 15th St. Tarps    
•     Under the Palms Park, 7th Street. Showers    

City of Lynn Haven

•     Official information site is        https://www.facebook.com/cityoflynnhaven/        .    

· Most of Lynn Haven are back on water. Boil Water messaging ongoing.    

· Household garbage pickup resumed on Tuesday, Oct.16.

•     #LynnHavenTogetherStrong    

· Critical needs include tarps and chainsaws. Donations can be dropped off at the Southerland Event Center, located at 1112 Ohio Ave.

Supply and Donation Sites

Water, food and basic supplies are being distributed and donations can be dropped off from 8:00 am-5 pm:

•     Behind City Hall    

· Tyndall Federal Credit Union across from McDonalds -1601 FL 71

Sewer Restoration

· Generators have been delivered to lift stations so that sewer service can be restored

City of Panama City

· The Boil Water Notice for City of Panama City water customers was rescinded on Oct. 24.

· An estimated 500 customers do not have running water in their home or business because of water leaks on their properties. Utilities crews have turned off water meters as they noticed a leak   or were notified of a leak on private property. Property owners own and are responsible for the plumbing located between the home or business and the water meter. The city encourages             owners in need of plumbing repairs to hire a licensed plumber. Once repairs are made, it is permissible for owners and plumbers to turn on water meters. Owners can also call the Utilities           Department at (850) 872-3191 for assistance.

· Residential and commercial garbage collections continue seven days a week but crews are not following the regular collection schedule. Residents are encouraged to leave their blue garbage   can by the roadway so they do not miss a pick-up.

· Debris pick-ups are underway within city limits. Crowder Gulf, the city's debris contractor, has 57 double self-loaders running within the city limits as of Thursday, October 25, 2018. They are       picking up in all four wards versus starting on one side of the city. Residents are encouraged to sort their debris *as best as they can* into four piles: household items, yard debris, construction     items and appliances.

· City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Offices are located at the A.D. Harris Learning Village, 819 E. 11th Street.

The City of Panama City’s Community Development Department asks that, for anyone returning to town in need of housing, please visit  www.floridahousingsearch.com  , and search by city, county or zip code. For some Hurricane Michael victims, up to $5,000 in funds are available to assist with relocation, roof tarps, roof replacement, electrical issues, insurance deductibles and deposits for rentals. Community Development has requested FEMA trailers for lodging for displaced Bay County residents.

Plumbing or Sewer Systems

· To report water or sewer leaks, call our Utilities Department at (850) 872-3191. This phone line is to report water leaks ONLY. A high call volume will slow down the process of getting the             information to our crews repairing leaks.

· The sewer system is operational, BUT customers are urged to LIMIT THE SEWAGE they flush or send down the drain. Strain on the sewer system could result in sewer back-ups.

· Property owners own and are responsible for the plumbing located between the home or business and the water meter. The city encourages owners in need of plumbing repairs to hire a             licensed plumber.

· Once repairs are made, it is permissible for owners and plumbers to turn on water meters. Owners can also call the Utilities Department at (850) 872-3191 for assistance with turning on water     meters.

· The city has not placed locks on any water meter since October 5, 2018.

· Customers who need assistance with billing can visit the A.D. Harris Learning Village located at 819 E. 11th Street.

Power

· If your meter box and electrical box WERE NOT damaged, Gulf Power will connect to it. If the equipment is damaged, a licensed electrician will need to make the necessary repairs and EP         Consultants, Inc (EPCI) will need to complete an inspection. EPCI can be reached at (850) 774-5093. The fee will be waived. Notify Gulf Power at 1-888-225-5797 when your home is able to       receive power.

· Contractors will begin picking up debris this weekend. Sort your debris into four piles: household items, yard debris, construction items and appliances. All piles should be constructed along the   right-of-way but out of the road and not blocking fire hydrants, water meters or mailboxes.

· The city is collecting residential and commercial garbage but NOT following the normal collection schedule. Garbage will be collected 7 days a week for the next two weeks, or until a normal       schedule is appropriate.

· All Panama City customers should place their blue cans and bagged garbage by the roadway daily. DO NOT put construction debris in your blue bins.

· If your blue can is missing or damaged, please call (850) 872-3172 (Monday - Friday, 8 a. to 5 pm) to request a new one.

· Panama City Beach residents may drop off yard debris at the City parking lot, 9941 Thomas Drive, across from Ripley’s Believe It or Not. No construction debris such as sheetrock or fencing is   allowed. The attendant will need the address for where the debris is from.

· Traffic continues to be heavy each morning (eastbound) and late afternoon (westbound) as workers and residents cross the Hathaway Bridge or take Highway 388 by the airport to Highway 77.   If at all possible, we ask that you travel mid-morning to mid-afternoon and please exercise patience with your fellow motorists.

· We continue to have free water at City Hall, 110 N. Arnold Road.

Comfort Stations

Comfort Stations continue to be set up throughout the City of Panama City. Once fully operational, each location will have food, water, ice, an air-conditioned tent, nice restrooms and showers.

A Facebook page called "Panama City Comfort Stations" has also been created to provide the community with updates on resources. Link:  https://www.facebook.com/panamacitycomfortstations/ 

Locations:

•     Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center     

           705 E. 14th Ct.

•     Daffin Park - Millville     

           320 Kraft Ave.

•     Cove Shopping Center - Cove     

           925 Cherry St.

•     Al Helms Dog - next to walking park on Balboa Ave.     

          1022 Balboa Ave.

•     Northstar Church - St Andrews     

           2379 St Andrews Blvd.

•     Boys and Girls Club - 19th St.    

           3404 W. 19th St.

•     Old Party City Store    

           2015 W. 23rd St.

•     Palm Bay Prep Academy    

           1104 Balboa Ave.

•     Panama City Mall    

           Corner of 23rd St. and Hwy 77

City of Springfield

The food/supply distribution point continues operating daily at the Springfield Fire Station, 3728 E. 3rd St. from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. While city employees are staffing this site, they are in need of volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering, please email    MGRICE@Springfield.Fl.Gov. They are not accepting donations of clothing, furniture or household items at this time.

· City Hall and Public Works has relocated to 408 School Avenue.

· As of Oct. 25, the sewer is fully functional.

· The city is opening nine master valves for the municipal water supply, with re-pressurization in progress. At this time, residents can turn on their water meter. If their water does not work or           there are other questions regarding water service, residents can contact 850-832-1336 or 850-832-1516.

· Municipal water service has been restored to 90 percent. If you see a flood or water main break, report it to any passing Springfield city employee or police officer, or, during daytime hours,         report it to the command post behind city hall at 3529 E 3rd St.

· A boil water advisory REMAINS IN EFFECT for Springfield until further notice.

· All city roads have been cleared and are passable.

· The city’s trash hauler, Mr. Trash, has resumed.

· Residential garbage collection has resumed the regular schedule.

· Residential debris is being removed. Residents can help expedite debris removal by separating debris at the curbside into four categories

o Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)

o Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.

o Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.

o Appliances

 When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter.              

The City of Springfield will hold a commission meeting Monday to take action on the city’s storm-related recovery process.

City of Parker

· The boil water notice for the City of Parker has been lifted. Water service has been restored throughout the city.

· FEMA employees are going door to door assisting Parker residents in registering for benefits. They will be wearing blue FEMA shirts. Please take advantage of this valuable resource.

· Phone service has once again become an operational issue. The main daytime number, 850-871-4104 only works intermittently. We hope communications can be restored in a few days. The     utility office remains open for walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.

· If you are approached by a roofing company, they must be licensed in the State of Florida and must pull a permit for repairs. Beware of unlicensed or unscrupulous businesses.

· A food/supply distribution point has been in place at Parker Elementary School, 640 S. Hwy. 22 A, Panama City. Ice, bottled water, meals ready-to-eat, cots, pillows, blankets and limited baby     and hygiene items are available from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. This is a drive-thru distribution point and the Florida National Guard will load the items into your car.

· Waste Management, Waste Pro, Mr. Trash and Nate’s Sanitation have resumed normal trash pickup. Bargain Sanitation and Coqui Disposal Services are still pending resumption of service.       The remaining four trash haulers will follow with the resumption of pickup.

· The city is in the process of starting debris removal. Residents can help expedite debris removal by separating debris at the curbside into four categories:

o Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)

o Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.

o Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.

o Appliances

When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter.              

Parker City Council approved emergency debris removal by Kromewell Gulf beginning Wednesday, Oct. 24. The debris removal will be on residential streets only. The staging location for all debris will be the sports complex. The categories for debris removal are as follows: construction materials, metal, appliances, electronics, and trees. The council also approved Tetra Tech to be the monitoring company for the debris removal.

The city’s utility office is now accepting payments daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The current bills will reflect the billing period as Sept. 12-Oct. 9. Utility bills will be sent out this week covering service prior to the storm. Usage will be estimated. Base rates will be reduced for the subsequent billing cycle. If actual usage readings are less than the amount estimated, credits will be applied.

While the City of Parker has restored water service throughout the city, a boil water advisory remains in effect for drinking or cooking until further notice. If you see any water leaking from any pipes or damaged structures, please report it to any passing city employee or police officer.

If you are approached by a roofing company, they must be licensed in the state of Florida and must pull a permit for repairs. Beware of unlicensed or unscrupulous businesses. For more information, refer to the Builder Services    video on YouTube.

City of Callaway

· City Hall is not open. Citizens can obtain information at the Fire Department (252 N. Star Avenue) or Public works (324 S. Berthe Avenue).    

· All city limit residents should have water.

· Callaway is still under a boil water notice.

· Residential trash will be picked up by your contracted trash hauler.    

· Residents can help expedite debris removal by separating debris at the curbside into four categories:

o Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)

o Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.

o Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.

o Appliances

 When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter.              

· Distribution of food, water and personal items can be found at various locations along Hwy 22 and Tyndall Pkwy.

· Residents are urged to turn off the breakers in their electrical panels until power is restored. When power is restored, gradually turn on the breakers to prevent surges.

· Assume all downed power lines are “hot” and avoid coming into contact with them.

· Beach Midway Medical Express free clinic, Gore Park at the end of Beaulah Avenue, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

· Construction Repair Permits can be acquired in the Planning Building behind City Hall. All permit fees have been waived at this time. No new construction permits are being issued; repair           permits only. 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., seven (7) days per week until further notice.