Okeechobee County Florida Board of County Commissioners

Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON-100624-1PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on TROPICAL STORM MILTON

As of Sunday, October 6, at 1:00 p.m. Okeechobee County has these important updates:

• Okeechobee County is currently under a FLOOD WATCH and continues to monitor Tropical Storm Milton. The County can expect increased rainfall in the days leading up to Milton’s landfall, with tropical storm or hurricane conditions Tuesday night into Wednesday lasting 12-18 hours. This forecast has the potential to change in the coming days. Residents should complete all preparations no later than Tuesday evening.
• LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY IMPLEMENTED: Okeechobee County has declared a Local State of Emergency as of 11:00 a.m. today. The State of Florida has also included Okeechobee County in a State of Emergency through Executive Order 24-214 on 10/5/24.
• LEVEL 2 PARTIAL ACTIVATION: At this time, the Emergency Operations Center is participating in state and regional monitoring calls and meeting with local officials to ensure all areas of the County are prepared for this event.
• SANDBAGS are available at the Public Works Department Compound located at 804 NW 2nd Street. Limited bags (10/vehicle) and shovels will be available at the site at no charge. Citizens will be required to fill their own bags, however, if you are a special needs resident and require assistance with sandbags please call 863-763-3514 Monday between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• A Community INFORMATION CALL LINE will be available beginning Monday at 1:00 p.m. and will continue as needed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 863-824-6888.
• TRAFFIC: Okeechobee residents should be prepared for increased traffic on our main roadways due to expected statewide evacuations. Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes and families as early as possible.

For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: okeechobeecountyfl.gov

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON2-100624-6PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON

As of Sunday, October 6, at 6:00 p.m. Okeechobee County has these office closures:

• County Park Restrooms: Closing Noon on Monday with plans to reopen on Friday
• Clif Betts, Jr., Lakeside Recreation Area (Lock 7): Closing Monday at 11:59pm with plans to reopen on Friday
• The following will close at noon on Tuesday with plans to open on Friday:
  • Okeechobee County BOCC Offices
  • All other County parks o Department of Health
  • Tax Collector
  • Supervisor of Elections
• Okeechobee County Public Schools and the Okeechobee Sheriff Administration Offices will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday with plans to reopen Friday
• Property Appraiser will close at noon on Tuesday with plans to reopen Thursday
• All public safety services including County Sheriff, City Police, Fire Rescue and 911 services will be fully operational.

Additional information will be available on Monday, October 7, 2024.

For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: okeechobeecountyfl.gov

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON3-100724-1PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON

As of Monday, October 7, at 1:00 P.M. Okeechobee County has these important updates:

• Residents should complete all storm preparations no later than Tuesday evening. Okeechobee County is currently under a HURRICANE WATCH and FLOOD WATCH. Increased rainfall is expected in the days leading up to landfall, with tropical storm or hurricane conditions Wednesday lasting 12-18 hours. This forecast has the potential to change in the coming days.
• SHELTERS will be opening on TUESDAY 10/8/24 at 5:00 p.m.
  • SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER: Department of Health: 1700 NW 9th Avenue. Registration is required at https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/
  • GENERAL POPULATION and PET FRIENDLY SHELTER: South Elementary School: 2468 SW 7th Avenue. Pets are required to be registered with the County and provide a crate, up to date shot records, food for at least 3-5 days, water for the animal and a litter box if the pet is a cat. (Pets can be registered on site for a $5 fee. There is no fee if the pet is already registered.)
• A VOLUNTARY EVACUATION will be issued on Tuesday 10/8/24 at 5:00 p.m. for all low-lying areas and mobile homes.
• SANDBAGS are available at the Public Works Department Compound (804 NW 2nd Street). Limited bags (10/vehicle) and shovels will be available for no charge. Citizens will be required to fill their own bags, however, if you are a special needs resident and require assistance with sandbags please call 863-763-3514 Monday between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• A Community INFORMATION CALL LINE is available at 863-824-6888 and will continue as needed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: okeechobeecountyfl.gov

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten Media Contact:
Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON4-100824-6PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON

As of Tuesday, October 8, at 6:00 P.M. Okeechobee County has these important updates:

• Residents should complete all storm preparations no later than early Wednesday Morning. Okeechobee County is currently under a HURRICANE WARNING and FLOOD WATCH.
• OKEECHOBEE UTILITY AUTHORITY: OUA has issued a Boil Water Advisory beginning Wednesday 10/9/24 at 8:00 a.m. until further notice. The OUA offices will be closed until 12:00 p.m. Thursday 10/10/24.
• CITY OF OKEECHOBEE Offices will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
• SFWMD: All Navigational Boat Locks are closed until Friday 10/11/24
• GENERATOR SAFETY: Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home with 3-4 feet of clear space above and all sides for proper ventilation. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space.
• A Community INFORMATION CALL LINE is available at 863-824-6888 and will continue as needed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: okeechobeecountyfl.gov

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON5-100924-3:00PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON

As of Wednesday, October 9, at 3:00 P.M. Okeechobee County has these important updates:

• At 4:00 PM, Okeechobee County Emergency Management is opening an additional Hurricane Shelter at Osceola Middle School located at 825 SW 28th St, Okeechobee, FL 34974. No pets allowed. (Pets are still allowed at South Elementary School).
• Our Special Needs Shelter is located at the Department of Health located at 1700 NW 9th Ave. Department of Health: 1700 NW 9th Avenue. Registration is required at https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/
• A Community INFORMATION CALL LINE is available at 863-824-6888 and will continue as needed daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: okeechobeecountyfl.gov

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON5-100924-730PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON

As of Wednesday, October 9, at 7:30 P.M. Okeechobee County has these important updates:

As of 5:00 PM, the region experienced a total of 116 tornado warnings. Two tornados were confirmed to touch down in Okeechobee County, resulting in damage to over 30 homes, agricultural barns, and other structures. Additionally, two individuals were transported to Raulerson Hospital with injuries.

Over 6,000 Okeechobee residents have been affected by power outages. Power has been restored to approximately 3,480 customers, with about 2,700 still without power. Florida Power and Light and Glades Electric Cooperative will be working to restore power to all affected customers as quickly as possible.

Okeechobee County urges all residents to be careful around downed power lines, keep your distance and treat all lines as energized.

Currently, 361 individuals are in residence at the general population shelters and 17 individuals at the special needs shelter. At this time the Pet Shelter is full and no longer accepting pets.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office Administrative Offices and Okeechobee County Public Schools will remain closed until Monday.

A Community INFORMATION CALL LINE remains available at 863-824-6888 daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: okeechobeecountyfl.gov

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON6b-101024-300PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON

As of Thursday, October 10, at 3:00 P.M. Okeechobee County has these important updates:

Okeechobee County has completed initial windshield damage assessments and has teams throughout the community to complete a more in depth damage assessment as a result of Hurricane Milton. Requests made to the state are being filled and additional updates will be provided as those resources become available.

REUNIFICATION PORTAL: Anyone needing assistance locating or connecting with a loved one because of Hurricane Milton can go to https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and recovery-services/contact-and-locate-loved-ones/hurricane-helene-reunification.html

WASTE MANAGEMENT: Waste Management Services will resume on Friday, 10/10/24. Residents can go to https://www.wmfloridastorm.com/ to view the modified schedule for this week and next week.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY: The Boil Water Advisory issued by Okeechobee Utility Authority has been lifted.

VOLUNTARY EVACUATION: The Voluntary Evacuation for low lying areas and mobile homes has been discontinued.

SHELTERS: All Shelters, including the General Population, Pet Friendly and Special Needs shelters have closed.

DAMAGE SELF REPORT: Okeechobee County is asking residents to submit photographs of property damage. Please go to https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/okeechobeeFL/request.html to document your property damage.

DEBRIS REMOVAL: The County approved debris removal contractor is assessing the needs of the county and will begin debris removal soon. Please separate vegetation, appliances, and construction debris in separate piles. Additional requirements apply and can be found at www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov.

Okeechobee COUNTY OFFICES will reopen to the public Friday, 10/11/24. Okeechobee County Parks will reopen as they are assessed for safety.

The Judicial Center and Clerk of Courts will reopen Monday, 10/14/24.

Okeechobee County Public Schools will reopen Tuesday, 10/15/24.

A DISASTER RECOVERY INFORMATION CALL LINE is open at 863-763-3536 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: okeechobeecountyfl.gov

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON7-101024-500PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON

As of Thursday, October 10, at 5:00 P.M. Okeechobee County has these important updates:

Okeechobee County, with the assistance of the Florida Army National Guard, is providing food, water, and tarps to residents who have been seriously impacted by Hurricane Milton, including those without power or water or those with roof damage to their homes.

Supplies will be distributed tomorrow, Friday, October 11th, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, or until supplies run out, at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center at 4601 Fl 710 E. Please enter the Agri-Civic Center through the Fl 710 entrance.

CORRECTION from previous release: Okeechobee County Public Schools will reopen Tuesday, 10/15/24.

A DISASTER RECOVERY INFORMATION CALL LINE will be open on Friday 10/11/24 at 863-763 3536 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will continue daily Tuesday through Saturday.

For continued updates follow us on: Facebook: Okeechobee Emergency-Management or Okeechobee County Government; Okeechobee County Website: okeechobeecountyfl.gov

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON8-101224-500PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON Recovery Efforts

Okeechobee County has been included in a Disaster Declaration which opens the opportunity for residents impacted by Hurricane Milton to apply for multiple assistance opportunities.

Residents can apply for Individual Assistance by going to https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.

Residents may also apply for an SBA Loan to help with recovery efforts by going to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, zero interest working capital loans with fast approvals for businesses impacted by a disaster. Go to www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply.

Approximately 2,000 families were served by the supply distribution hosted at the Agri-Civic Center on Friday and Saturday.

A DISASTER RECOVERY INFORMATION CALL LINE will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays at 863-763-3536 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON9-102224-3pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Advisory on HURRICANE MILTON Recovery Efforts

The Florida Department of Emergency Management has opened a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Okeechobee County to support those impacted by Hurricane Milton.

The MARC connects residents of Okeechobee County who experienced damage or loss because of Hurricane Milton with several agencies from the federal to the local level including the Florida Department of Health, CareerSource Heartland, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, Hope Florida, and FEMA.

The MARC is located at the Okeechobee County Library, 206 SW 16th Street, Okeechobee and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Public Safety Director: Earl Wooten
Media Contact: Denise Whitehead, Public Information Officer
dwhitehead@okeechobeecountyfl.gov 863-697-0123
Release: MILTON11-112024-3pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee County Hurricane Milton Advisory on FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

The Florida Department of Emergency Management has opened a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Okeechobee County to support those impacted by Hurricane Milton.

Residents of Okeechobee County affected by Hurricane Milton can meet one-on-one with a FEMA representative at the DRC to discuss their application status, whether it's new, in progress, denied, or under appeal. Citizens should bring their ID, FEMA application number, insurance information, and storm damage-related receipts. FEMA does NOT distribute cash at Disaster Recovery Centers.

The Small Business Administration is also on-site to assist business owners who have suffered storm-related damage.

Individuals may also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMAmobileapp, or by calling FEMA’S helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362.

The FEMA DRC is located at the Okeechobee County Library, 206 SW 16th Street, Okeechobee and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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