The original item was published from 12/18/2018 2:10:34 PM to 12/18/2018 3:48:47 PM.

News Flash

Recover Bay County

Posted on: October 30, 2018

[ARCHIVED] Hurricane Michael Oct. 30 update

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

· The Bay County Medical Examiner is reporting 21 casualties in Bay County.

· 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. 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 Wednesday, Oct. 31 the National Weather Service is calling for sunny skies with a high near 81. South southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Wednesday evening will be partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South southeast wind around 10 mph.

Recover Bay County – By the Numbers

Feeding Assistance

Salvation Army: 242,145 total meals

World Central Kitchen: 124,800 total meals

Red Cross Meals: 262,068 total meals

36 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV’s) doing mobile feeding

Total sheltered: 789

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

Total visitors: 236

Debris Management

o Eight yard trash disposal facilities have been established

o Six construction/demolition disposal sites established

o 523,361 cubic yards of debris collected in unincorporated Bay County, landfill and reporting jurisdictions

· Business & Industry Recovery (https://floridadisaster.biz/BusinessOpenCloseStatus)

o Open pharmacies: 54

o Open businesses: 769

o Business damage assessments conducted: 33

Power Outages

Duke Energy has restored power to 800 people in Beacon Hill and Mexico Beach. They are working toward a goal of Nov. 3 for full restoration. Some customers may receive power today and in coming days.
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 2.7 percent of Bay County is without power.
- Outages may be tracked on the Gulf Power outage map from a smartphone or reported at https://outagemap.gulfpower.com/external/default.html
- Gulf Coast Electric Co-op will not charge any late fees as the system and offices are repaired
- Gulf Coast Electric Co-op 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

The Bay County Emergency Operations Center opened a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) on Monday, Oct. 29. The VRC is located at 7734 Franklin Ave., at the Southport Community Center, and is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although registration and assignment must be done in person, more information is available by calling (850) 960-4235. The VRC provides 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. Please do not drop donated items off at the VRC.

Prospective volunteers should be aware of the following:

· Volunteers wishing to help will go through a background check through publicly available websites at www.VolunteerFlorida.org or www.crisiscleanup.org. Volunteer hours should be logged. 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.

The Bay County Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) has an urgent need for volunteers to fill a wide variety of tasks as recovery from Hurricane Michael continues. Volunteers may help in a variety of ways, including:

· Debris and waste removal;

· Administrative and clerical tasks;

· Food service and distribution;

· Professional services;

· Drivers, especially those with box trucks; and

· Call centers.

The VRC receives and assigns volunteers to areas of the most critical need in Bay County. Volunteer organizations may contact the VRC for assignment, or to request volunteers for specific projects.

Bulk Donation Coordination

For bulk donation coordination, call (469) 349-9532 or email donatebayco@gmail.com. Or, reach out to the local faith community to see if they are accepting donations.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Shelters

Bay County Emergency Management and the American Red Cross opened a shelter at Arnold High School, located at 550 N Alf Coleman Rd., Panama City beach, FL 32407, on Tuesday. The new, temporary location is now accepting those in need of sheltering. The shelter will be in place as local and state officials continue to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toward a longer-term solution to Bay County's housing crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

Red Cross teams will oversee the dormitory section of the shelter, offering a welcoming environment for all residents, including parents, caregivers, and people with access or functional needs. They will also work in conjunction with community and government partners to start creating community recovery plans. Trained caseworkers have begun to provide personal support to survivors.

The new shelter will have climate-controlled accommodations for pets, as well as medical, postal services, social services, transportation, and recreational facilities. The shelters will continue to accept any person in Bay County in need of assistance. For more information about when schools will open, please visit Bay District Schools at www.bay.k12.fl.us. For individuals seeking to donate to the recovery efforts, please contact your local United Way or Red Cross rather than dropping items off at the shelter.

Potential Available Housing Units

FEMA and the state created a portal to identify available housing in Bay County. Landlords are able to put available units for their buildings for potential use by survivors who have been displaced. The link for the public is https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/beb1d86dc4054bf78c04514980c940d1

Cleanup Assistance

If you need help cleaning up a property, volunteers may be available. Survivors and volunteers are matched and vetted through www.crisiscleanup.org. Impacted residents should call Crisis Cleanup at 1-800-451-1954.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)

· Bay County Public Library 898 W 11^th Street, Panama City

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

John B. Gore Park Callaway 599 Beulah Ave., Callaway (NEW)

Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

A DRC provides survivors information about FEMA programs and can help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U. S. Small Business Administration, volunteer groups and other agencies will be at the center to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

Services may include:

· Guidance regarding disaster recovery

· Clarification of any written correspondence received

· Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information

· Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance

· Status of applications being processed by FEMA

· Small Business Administration (SBA) program information

· Crisis Counseling

· Disaster Legal Services

· Disaster Unemployment

· Funeral Assistance under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)

Survivors can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. Operators are multilingual and calls are answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

The Department of Children and Family (DCF), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will implement the Disaster Food Assistance Program (DSNAP) in Bay County to assist individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Michael from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4.

To qualify for the Disaster Food Assistance program, applicants must have lived or worked in one of the counties declared for FEMA Individual Assistance and not be receiving food assistance through the regular Food Assistance Program (SNAP). 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. DCF will provide Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to eligible individuals and families to use at authorized USDA food retailers. The program counts only income and expenses from October 8 through November 6, 2018.

Individuals are encouraged to apply (pre-register) prior to visiting the DSNAP site. Pre-registration is available on the DSNAP site http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/dsnap/learn.shtml

Additionally, it is best practice to arrive at your leisure and be prepared for expanded wait times on lines.

The Disaster Food Assistance Program (DSNAP) Site Location for Bay County will take place:

Bay High School

44o E. 13^th St., Panama City, FL 32401

October 31 – November 4

8AM-6PM

· Weapons are prohibited at the event.

· Public parking is accessible at the Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. and 13^th Street intersection as well as 15^th Street and McKenzie Avenue. Disability parking is available on McKenzie Avenue as well as 13^th Street. A valid handicap-accessible identifier is required for access.

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 received 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.

FEEDING SITES

· Feeding is still ongoing in Bay County. Salvation Army, American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Farm share, Feeding Gulf Coast and No Town Left Behind are still continuing to distribute meals throughout Bay County. As of Oct. 30, no new critical feeding information has arisen.

· The Salvation Army, continues to place stationary mobile feeding vehicles throughout Bay County. They are also sending rovers out to locations identified by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to assess critical feeding needs.

· The American Red Cross is continuing to send roving vehicles throughout the county to feed those who might have issues accessing stationary feeding locations. They have also been going to locations identified through the county as needing additional feeding support.

· World Central Kitchen is roaming the community handing out hot meals. They are mostly hitting communities that they have identified as having need.

Salvation Army Feeding Sites (as of 10/30/18)

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

· Northstar Church – St. Andrews 2379 St. Andrews Blvd., Panama City

· MLK Recreation Center 705 14th St., Panama City

· Old Kmart Parking Lot 7040 U.S. 98, Panama City Beach

· Parker Fire Department 4534 E. Business 98, Parker

· 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 corner of 3^rd Street (State 22) and School Avenue, 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 4800 County 2321, Southport

· Panama City Seventh-Day Adventist Church and School 2700 Lisenby Ave., Panama City

· Dollar General Bayou George 7025 U.S. 231, Panama City

· Grocery Outlet 2901 U.S. 98, Panama City

· Callaway High Praise Church 7124 State 22, Panama City

· Rosenwald High School 924 Bay Avenue, Panama City

· Seventh-day Adventist Church and School 2700 Lisenby Ave., Panama City

World Central Kitchen

· Hiland Park Elementary 2507 E. Baldwin Road

· Springfield Community Church 615 Transmitter Road, Panama City

Feeding the 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. to 4 p.m. daily

· Food 4 Kidz, Inc 16610 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 850-249-5439, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday

· St. Andrew Christian Care Center 3101 A West U.S. 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, 615 Transmitter Rd., Panama City, 850-769-0374, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

· Truth Baptist Church 4015 Maynard Drive, Panama City, 850-774-0300, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other day beginning Sunday, Oct. 21, as food comes

· Woodstock Church 17495 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, 850-234-0488, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily

· First Baptist Church of Panama City 601 Grace Ave., 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

· St. Dominic Catholic Church 3308 15^th Street, Panama City, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Transitional Housing Assistance

· FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) 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)

The two remaining Bay County Points of Distribution are now closed. 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. For a list of more than 30 feeding locations, including the Salvation Army, World Kitchen and Feeding the Gulf Coast, go to www.recoverbaycounty.com.

While there was a high demand for POD sites in Bay County initially following Hurricane Michael, POD use has dropped by more than 94 percent. As economic recovery must happen hand-in-hand with individual recovery, continuing POD operations hampers the return to normal for local businesses and diverts economic activity away from the community.

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.

Apply by phone, online, or at one of the ROE sites listed below. Once the ROE application has been filed, an official Army Corps of Engineers will come out to the site with both proper Identification and wearing a red or white shirt. They will have the information on the house with the ROE number.

After the first site visit, a contractor will come to the house to install the blue roof. The contractor will also come to the home with personal identification and information on the house with your official ROE number, potentially electronically on their phone. The blue roofing material is higher quality than a regular tarp and can be large enough to cover the entire roof, if needed. This service is applicable for residential homes only.

To check on the status of an application, call 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Please be patient. It is difficult to establish an exact timeline due to the demand. This is a FREE service.

Right-of-Entry collection centers are located at:

· Disaster Recovery Center

Bay County Public Library

898 W. 11^th St., 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. to 7 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 is located at the Panama City Beach VA Clinic at 2600 Veterans Way (along Magnolia Beach Road), and at 140 Richard Jackson Blvd., in Panama City Beach

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 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 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.

The Mobile Vet Center and Mobile Medical Unit in Panama City 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.

Please call Bay County Veterans Services 850-819-2920 for veterans information.

Veterans Day Parade

The November 12^th Bay County Veterans Day Parade has been canceled this year due to Hurricane Michael. Please honor and support your veterans in the community for their service.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County

Florida Department of Health in Bay County Children's Dentistry Clinic will provide dental services beginning Oct. 31 at 3518 E. 15th St. Panama City FL 32404 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Services Provided:

Free urgent dental care services for all children and adults
Continued services for Medicaid Eligible children 1-21 years of age (preventative and urgent)

597 W 11^th ST, Panama City
Main Line: 850-872-4455
Environmental Health: 850-252-9688
Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (please check-in no later than 3 p.m. for services)

Full services including:

· WIC (benefits should be automatically loaded to accounts)

· ADAP

· FREE Tetanus, Hep A, and Flu vaccines

· Family Planning

· Birth and death certificates

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

Free Private Well Testing

· Pick-up kits during office hours

· Return samples within 24 hours

· Wednesday samples must be returned by noon Thursday

· No samples will be taken on Fridays

DOH-Bay Supported Clinics

Americares Clinic
597 W 11^th ST, Panama City
9 am – 3 pm daily

· FREE Primary care services for children and adults

· Some prescriptions available

First Baptist Church
823 15^th ST, Mexico Beach
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

· FREE Tetanus, Hep A and Flu immunizations

Fountain Piggly Wiggly

18917 Highway 231, Fountain, FL 32438
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

· FREE Tetanus, Hep A, and Flu immunizations

· Basic medical care

Community Clinics

St. Andrews Community Medical Center, 3101b W Hwy 98, Panama City, Hours: M – F 8 am – 4 pm

PANCARE

PanCare is no longer providing free services. They do offer an affordable sliding fee scale for uninsured patients based on income and household size. They accept many private insurance as well as Medicaid and Medicare.

Youngstown Dental Clinic

12427 Highway 231, Youngstown

Open 10 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Panama City Medical

2309 E 15th Street, Panama City

9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday - Friday

**Panama City Dental is providing services within a mobile unit in the parking lot of PanCare Panama City Medical office from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

PanCare Mobile medical services:

· Callaway Wal-Mart (medical): 725 N Tyndall Parkway (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)

· Lynn Haven Wal-Mart (medical): 2101 S Highway 77 (9 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. U.S. 98, Port St. Joe- Fully operational

Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Life Management Center

· Psychiatric inpatient treatment services, 525 E. 15^th St., Panama City

· Genoa Pharmacy, 525 E. 15^th St. Building E, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (current patients)

· Current client refills call 850-522-4485, ext. 1823

· Limited services- Bonifay, 310 Byrd Ave. and Marianna, 4094 Lafayette St. hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 850-273-8255

Treatment Center of Panama City, 1530 Harrison Ave., Panama City, 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. daily, Current patients and guest dosers.

Gulf Coast Addiction Medicine, by appointment only, call 850-522-1516

Florida Therapy patients please call 877-234-5351 or 850-681-6001 or visit FlaTherapy.com for information.

NOTE: Salvation Army now offering domestic violence counseling 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at their Panama City office (1824 W 15^th Street) OR by phone after-hours at 850-769-7989.

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 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. daily. They are treating current patients and guests.

Hospitals

St. Andrews Community Medical Center is open and seeing patients. Their address is 3101b W. U.S. 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 Parkway, Oceanpark- 23040 PCB Parkway. Call (850)770-3230 or visit baymedical.org.

We realize many of our Mexico Beach residents use healthcare services in Gulf County. We want you all to know that Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf located at 3801 E. U.S. 98 in Port St. Joe is now open 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 Hepatitis 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.

TRANSPORTATION

One hundred percent of the roads in Bay County have been cleared (1,508 miles), including private roads. Public Works has 25 crews to restore traffic signals. On Oct. 29 they began working on the traffic signal at 11^th Street and Jenks Avenue, Panama City. The light into the residential area of Tyndall AFB is functioning, however the main gate is not functioning fully.

Bay Area Transit routes are functional from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Routes 1-8 and regular services have resumed. It will continue to provide transportation for residents from shelters for appointments with FEMA, pharmacies, shopping and other necessities.

Pick up and drop off sites as follows:

· Millville Area Asian Market at College Avenue and 5th Street

· Springfield Area Goodwill U.S. Business 98 and 3rd Street

· Parker Elementary School Bob Little Road

· Grocery Outlet Tyndall Parkway

RIDE SHARE - UBER

To support disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Michael, Uber is providing rides, food, and relief to the families and communities affected by the storm.

To support displaced families throughout the Southeast, Uber is working directly with government officials and the American Red Cross. Our current efforts include:

· Providing free rides up to $25 each to and from state-approved evacuation shelters in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama so people in impacted areas can access transportation when they most need it.

· Coordinating with Airlink to provide transportation to their first responders on the ground.

· Coordinating with local partners to deliver donations of food to volunteers.

· Providing discounted meals to law enforcement working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

If you are a government, nonprofit, or other organization with an immediate need for rides or are interested in partnering on other response efforts, please email SErelief@uber.com and we will respond as soon as possible. https://www.uber.com/blog/florida/hurricane-michael-relief-efforts/

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 open 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.

· Bay District Schools is 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, go online at www.recoverbaycounty.org.

LIBRARY

· 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.

COMMUNICATIONS

T-Mobile

T-Mobile supplied free phones and wireless hotspots to support disaster victims and volunteer resources staff at the new Arnold High School FEMA shelter at 550 N Alf Coleman Rd, Panama City Beach. Free wifi and cellular calling is available onsite. T-Mobile will also deploy a mobile cellular tower.

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

T-Mobile, in combination with Cradlepoint, is also providing 20 rugged routers that will hold 100-300 internet connections at one time to the following Bay County locations:

· Volunteer Relief Centers

· Bay County Supervisor of Elections, Voting Stations

· Bay County Public Library

· DSNAP Distribution Locations

T-Mobile will have mobile relief stations at the following locations on Wednesday, October 31 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.:

· Wal-Mart 725 N Tyndall Pkwy Callaway, FL 32404

· Wal-Mart 513 W 23rd St Panama City, FL 32405

· Wal-Mart 10270 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32402 (FEMA)

· Panama City Mall 2150 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Panama City, FL 32405

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

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.
Early voting began today, 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.

Six mega voting sites have been set up and are open to all Bay County Voters, Oct. 27-Nov.6:

Stanford Station (near Hobby Lobby) 746 W. 23rd Street
Parker United Methodist Church 908 S. Tyndall Pkwy.
Panama City Beach Senior Center 423 Lyndell Ln.
Lynn Haven Elementary School 300 W. 10th Street (new building behind the school at corner of 10th & Alabama Ave.)
Palo Alto Church of Christ 3119 N Highway 231
Supervisor of Election Office 830 W. 11th St.

Driver License & Motor Vehicle Services

DHSMV’s Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles continue to be in Bay County to offer driver license and motor vehicle services.

FLOW mobile is located at:

Sam’s Club on 1707 W 23^rd St., Panama City

Panama City Beach Driver License and Motor Vehicle Office has reopened at 10520 Hutchison Blvd., Panama City Beach. Open hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Normal services provided. Driving tests are NOT taking place due to heavy traffic. For questions, call 850-248-8501.

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 Jan. 1, 2018. However, State law requires taxes be assessed as of Jan. 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 Dec. 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, Nov. 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.

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.

Boil Water Order

Service areas where boil water notices have been lifted:

· Bay County Retail Utility Service Area

· Panama City Beach Utility Service Area

· Panama City North Utility Service Area

· Lynn Haven Utility Service Area

· Panama City Utility Service Area

· Parker Service Area

· Callaway Utility Service Area

Service areas that must continue to boil water:

· Springfield Utility Service Area

· Tyndall AFB Utility Service Area

· Mexico Beach

In areas where the boil water notice was recently lifted, customers should run water at each tap for approximately three (3) minutes to flush the lines. Plumbing lines serving misters, drinking fountains and soda machines should also be flushed for three (3) 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 possible, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least three (3) minutes.

· Use bottled water or add 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 one minute.

CITY INFORMATION

City of Mexico Beach

Power Restoration

As of Monday, Oct. 29, Duke Energy has restored power to approximately 333 customers in Mexico Beach. They are working toward a goal of November 3 for full restoration of customers who can receive power.

Some customers may 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

Water System

Crews from across the state are working to repair the Mexico Beach water system. If you are a resident who lives between CR 386 and 22nd Street and want your water and sewer turned on, please call 1-252-996-0660, 1-252-996-0662 or 850-648-5700 to put in a request. Water should continue to be shut off elsewhere 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.

Boil Water Notice

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

If your water has been turned on, do not drink it without boiling it first. Please use water conservation measures at this time. Our sewer system is not fully operational. Lift stations are on generators or bypass.

Checkpoints

The City of Mexico Beach initiated a series of enhanced checkpoints limiting traffic into Mexico Beach on Tuesday, Oct. 23. Traffic is limited at:

· 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

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

The city is only 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.

Feeding/Supply Locations

· Camp Happy Tummies 111 22nd St. (next to City Hall) - 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 and supplies

· Under the Palms Park, 300 7th Street – Showers

City of Lynn Haven

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

· #LynnHavenTogetherStrong

Supply and Donation Sites

Water, food and basic supplies are being distributed and donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.:

· Behind City Hall

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

City of Panama City

All residential customers are receiving once-a-week blue garbage can collection service. You can view the map for the pickup day in your area: https://bit.ly/2Q6jrGk

Monday: Millville, Glenwood and East Cove area (south of 11th St., east of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd/Cove Blvd.)
Tuesday: Downtown Panama City area (south of 15th St., east of Balboa Ave.)
Wednesday: Center of the city (east of Frankford Ave., between 23rd St. and 15th St.)
Thursday: Homes west of Frankford Ave. and south of 23rd St.
Friday: Homes north of 23rd St.

Debris pick-ups continue within city limits. Crowder Gulf, the city's debris contractor, has 85 double self-loaders running within the city limits as of Tuesday, Oct. 30, 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.

During the recovery period of Hurricane Michael, mobile homes, recreational vehicles and campers are allowed on individual lots within the city limits of the City of Panama City regardless of the zoning district. Property owners must provide a rough site plan showing how the temporary structure will sit on the property to the City's Planning Department for a Development Order. Fees are waived. More requirements, information and contact information: https://bit.ly/2qjn3JT

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

· Customers who do not have running water in their home or business may have water leaks on their property. 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.

· 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.

Panama City 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.

"Panama City Comfort Stations" Facebook page 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.

City of Parker

Debris cleanup in the City of Parker is well under way with more than 24,000 cubic yards of debris already removed. Separate debris into four categories – wood, non-wood construction debris, metal, and appliances. As soon as debris is cleared by the hauler, it is important that residents bring debris from the rest of the yard to the front public right-of-way so it can be removed during the second pass. When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter. Any debris not placed in the pickup area before December 1 will be the property owner's responsibility for removal.

Please continue to separate the debris into the announced categories: vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris, appliances, electronics and hazardous waste. Do not place debris near a water meter, fire hydrant or power pole. Also, please note that we still have a burn ban, so no burning of debris is allowed.

City of Callaway

Utilities

Water – Restored. Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

· Sewer –Operational

· Utility Billing – All billing has been suspended. No late or additional fees will apply. Base rates have been suspended until water and sewer return to operational levels. Payments can be dropped off at the drop box at Callaway Public Works (324 S Berthe Ave) or at City Hall

· Electricity – Mostly restored to residents that can accept power.

Construction Permits

· Make sure your insurance and FEMA (if applicable) has inspected before you begin repairs.

· Our permitting office (EPCI) located behind city hall is open seven days a week from 7 am-5:30 pm.

· If a contractor is already registered with EPCI, they can call 850-819-6577 and request assistance.

· If a contractor is not registered with EPCI, they must go to the office and register to receive assistance.

· The Department of Business & Professional Regulators (DBPR) along with code enforcement is in Callaway monitoring all construction. Anyone found without a valid Florida contractor license will be charged with a felony under Florida law.

· All permitting fees are waived for repair of roof, plumbing, electric, and HVAC.

· There will be no new construction permits issued during the State of Emergency.

Debris Pick-up

· Debris pick-up has begun. They are currently running 11 trucks and will be adding more.

· AshBritt will be developing and posting schedules and routes.

· Please attempt to separate piles for ease in the pick-up process.

· Place all piles in the right-of-way.

· There will be several city sweeps to pick-up all debris. You can continue to place debris by the road during this process.

· This process will take many months to complete. Please be patient.

Community Needs

· There is a free medical clinic that is open on at the end of Beulah Ave in the Gore Park Community Building.

· FEMA has opened a local registration hub across from the Public Works building at the corner of Omoko and Berthe in the open lot. There are also locations at Arby’s and Wal-Mart parking lots.

· There are multiple supply and resources along Tyndall Parkway and also Highway 22 East.

· Blue Roof is available for citizens through the Corp of Engineers and FEMA at no cost to the citizen. Contact them at 888-766-3258 (Some restrictions apply).

Contact

· Please call the main phone number (850-871-6000).

· Monitor the city’s website: www.cityofcallaway.com

· Email can be sent to contact@cityofcallaway.com

· We are setting up temporary operations behind City Hall / 6601 E Hwy 22