News Flash

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS 

Essential Information

• The Bay County Medical Examiner is reporting 21 casualties.
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• The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls. For    out-of-state callers, please dial (850) 248-6099.
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• For up-to-date information, go to        www.recoverbaycounty.com        .
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• 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.
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• A curfew is still in effect for Bay County from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. On    Friday, the curfew will be adjusted to be in effect from midnight to 5    a.m., with a restriction on alcohol sales in place during curfew hours.
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• Friday, Oct. 26 the National Weather Service is calling for a 20 percent chance    of rain before 1 p.m. For the remainder of the day, the weather will be    partly sunny with a high near 74. West wind 10-15 mph. Friday night mostly    cloudy with low around 55. Northwest winds around 10 mph. The weekend calls    for clear and sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-70s.

POWER OUTAGES

•     Gulf Power’s initial power restoration is now complete. However, they    will continue to upgrade and restore the power grid.    
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•     Gulf Coast Electric is reporting approximately 6 percent of Bay County    is without power. See website or their Facebook page for updated    information.    
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•     Please do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages.    
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  •         Gulf Power knows when your power is out. You can track outages on        their outage map from your smartphone on the Gulf Power Outage Map        or report power outages at                https://outagemap.gulfpower.com/external/default.html                
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  •         Gulf Coast Electric Coop will not charge any late fees as we repair        our system and offices.        
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  •         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

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.

Volunteer Process:

1. Those interested in volunteering can visit  VolunteerFlorida.org  or  crisiscleanup.org  to register on a volunteer database. You can also connect with an established relief organization or volunteer center to help.

2. 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.”

3. To date, Crisis Cleanup has logged more than 600 volunteer hours to help those in need.

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.

FEEDING SITES

As of Oct. 25, the Salvation Army has served 212,136 meals and World Kitchen has served 122,040 meals

Salvation Army Feeding Sites 

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

•     Bayou George First Baptist Church    , 6227 Hwy. 2301, Panama City    
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•     Northstar Church - St Andrews     2379 St Andrews Blvd., Panama City    
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•     Youngstown/Fountain Dollar General    -12610 U.S. 231, Youngstown    
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•     Cedar Grove Elementary School –     2825 15th St., Panama City    
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•     Winn Dixie Lynn Haven –     1812 Lynn Haven Parkway, Lynn Haven
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•     MLK Rec Center-    705 14th St., Panama City    
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•     Old Kmart Parking Lot-    7040 U.S. 98, Panama City    
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•     Jinks Middle School-    600 W. 11th St., Panama City    
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•     Parker Fire Department-    4534 E Business Hwy 98    
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•     Walmart Panama City-    513 W 23rd St., Panama City    
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•     Walmart Lynn Haven-    2101 S. Highway 77, Lynn Haven    
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•     Springfield Elementary-    520 School Ave., Panama City    
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•     Cove Shopping Center-    929 Cherry St., Panama City    
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•     Winn Dixie Sherwood-    3157 W. 23^rd St Panama City    
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•     Daffin Park Millville –     320 Kraft Ave., Panama City    
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•     Al Helms Dog (Balboa Park) –     1022 Balboa, Panama City    
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•     Lucille Moore Elementary     – 1900 Michigan Ave., Panama City    
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•     Boys & Girls Club     – 3404 W. 19^th St., Panama City    
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•     Vernon Dollar General     – 3296 Main St., Vernon    

World Kitchen

•     Hiland Park Elementary –     2507 E. Baldwin Road    
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•     Highland Baptist Churck    – 2611 US 231    
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•     St. Andrews Baptist Church    – 3010 W. 15^th St.

Pre-Packaged Food Distributions 

•     Woodlawn United Methodist Church    – We Care – 219 N Alf Coleman Road Panama City Beach, 850-867-7342, 10    a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.    
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•     Food 4 Kidz, Inc    – 16610 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, 850-249-5439, 10 a.m. to 3    p.m., Monday-Friday.    
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•     St. Andrew Christian Care Center    – 3101 A West US Highway 98, Panama City, 850-763-2345, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.    daily.    
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•     Springfield United Methodist Mission House    , in conjunction with Springfield Community Church (7^th    & Transmitter) – 615 Transmitter Road, Panama City, 850-769-0374, 11    a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.    
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•     Truth Baptist Church    – 4015 Maynard Drive, Panama City, 850-774-0300, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every    other day, as food comes.    
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•     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.    
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•     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.    

There are various feeding sites and locations with meals and water including self-stable and Meals-Ready-to-Eat. 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.
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• 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.
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• FEMA may provide rental assistance for qualified applicants, call    1-800-621-FEMA or visit    www.DisasterAssistance.gov    .
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• 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 

Bay County POD Locations to Begin Closing Friday

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. 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:

Bay County POD sites to begin closing Friday, Oct. 26:  http://ow.ly/wLBM30mn8go  .

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.

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:

• Closing Friday, Oct. 26 (serving hot meals only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.    through Friday, Nov. 2):    
  • Panama City Seventh-Day Adventist Church and School - 2700 Lisenby Ave.
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  • 1011 CR 386, Mexico Beach
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  • Deer Point Elementary School 4800 CR 2321, Southport
• Closing Monday, Oct. 29 (serving hot meals only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.    through Monday, Nov. 5):    
  • High Praise Church – 7124 SR 22, Callaway
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  • Rosenwald Middle School – 924 Bay Ave., Panama City

The remaining PODs will continue to operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 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. to 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 St., 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. to 4:30 p.m. (EST) to assist veterans with medication.

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

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 Monday through    Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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• Find out where to get healthcare Department Veterans Disaster Response    Line 1-800-507-4571 24 hours.
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• Department of Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Customer Care (Bay County)    850-640-3062.
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• The American Red Cross Emergency Communication Center and Cash Assistance    1-877-272-7337.
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• FEMA 1-800-621-3362
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• VeteransFlorida.org/recovery for monetary assistance.
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• 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. to 4 p.m.
Full services including:

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

Americares Clinic:

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

Emergency Diabetes Supplies:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOH-Bay Tetanus Points of Distribution
Hours: 10 am to 3 pm

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

 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    
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•     Sunday, Oct. 28: Closed    

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

•     2309 E. 15^th St. in Panama City for medical and dental.
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• Youngstown, 12427 Highway 231, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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• St. Andrews Community Medical Center, 3101b W Highway 98, Panama City, Hours:    Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hospitals

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

 Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Life Management Center

•     Genoa Pharmacy, 525 E 15^th St. Bldg E, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.    (current patients)    
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•     Current Client Refills call 850-522-4485, ext. 1823
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• Limited services- Bonifay office, 310 Byrd Ave. and Marianna, 4094    Lafayette St. hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
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• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 850-273-8255    

Treatment Center of Panama City, 1530 Harrison Ave., Panama City

•     6:30-11:30 a.m. daily    
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•     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.

Prescriptions 

• Under the Emergency Order, people can get a 30-day refill of    prescriptions.
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• To find an open pharmacy near you, got to    RxOpen.org.
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• Emergency Prescription Assistance Program 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.    
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•     For local service information call 211.
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• For suicide prevention call the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline at    850-273-8255.
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• 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. Highway 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 utilize healthcare services in Gulf County. We want you all to know that Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf located at 3801 E. Highway 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. to 3 p.m.)
Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Highway 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

Bay Town Trolley is providing a transit route to the distribution and feeding sites on 17    ^th and 9^th streets in Lynn Haven from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. 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
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• Springfield Area - Goodwill at Business 98 and 3rd Street
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• Parker Area - Parker Elementary School on Bob Little Road
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• Callaway Area - Grocery Outlet on Tyndall Parkway

  SCHOOLS

• Bay District Schools anticipates that students will be back in school no    later than the week of Nov. 12 (sooner if possible).
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• The colors of the dress code will be temporarily waived, and Bay District    Schools asks that students come dressed appropriately for school each day.
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• 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).
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• 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.
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• Tyndall students will attend on the campus with Callaway Elementary.
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• Springfield students will attend with Cedar Grove Elementary.
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• Patterson students will attend with Parker Elementary students.
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• It is expected that this arrangement will last for a significant amount    of time because the Tyndall, Springfield and Patterson campuses are heavily    damaged.
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• All students will receive free breakfast and lunch.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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. Click here for a list. 

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 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon EST - normal services available.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• PCB Library does not have reliable internet access at this time. Please    call prior to visiting to check on the current internet status at    850-233-5055. 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    
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•     Voting stations    
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•     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.

ELECTIONS

· The Supervisor of Elections Office opened on Thursday, Oct 18. 830 W. 11th St.

•     No new mail-in ballots will be sent out.    
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•     If you already have a mail-in ballot do not put in the mail. Hand    deliver to the supervisor of the election’s office.    
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• 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.
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  • Lynn Haven Elementary School Cafeteria, 301 W. Ninth St.
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  • Panama City Beach Senior Center, 423 Lyndell Lane
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  • Palo Alto Church of Christ, 3119 N. U.S. 231
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  • Parker United Methodist Church, 908 S. Tyndall Parkway
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  • 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.    

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)

o Youngstown 11805 Highway 231, Youngstown FL 32466 (services)

· Tyndall AFB 730 Suwannee Rd, Panama City FL 32403 (suspended)

o 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

 Mexico Beach Water System

Crews from across the state are working to repair the Mexico Beach water system. 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 or 1-252-996-0662.

Please ensure you are dialing a "1" before the number. If you are unable to get through, try the regular City Hall line and your call will be forwarded: 850-648-5700.

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 Panama City, Bay County Retail Utility Service Area, Lynn Haven Utility Service Area and Panama City Beach Utility Service Area water systems. This only applies to customers who pay their utility bill to Bay County, Lynn Haven or the City of Panama City Beach.

If this applies to you, 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 one minute.

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

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.

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 Mexico Beach will implement a strict credential system to control the number and types of vehicles and people in Mexico Beach. The City will only be open to the following:

• 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.
•     
• 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.
•     
• 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.
•     
• 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. We will be closely monitoring the traffic and access, and as soon as we feel it is safe to allow additional access, we will open it up.

No power, water or sewer service available at this time.

A mandatory boil water notice remains in effect for all of Mexico Beach until further notice. Currently, there are several leaks in the water system. All water lines are being tested. Do not drink water coming out of the water system. Bottled water is widely available throughout the City.

Feeding/Supply Locations

•     Camp Happy Tummies, 111 22^nd Street (next to City Hall);    Hours: Breakfast 8:30 a.m.; dinner at 4 p.m.
•     
• World Central Kitchen, 1011 CR 386, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hot meals to    public, volunteers and first responders;
•     
• Mexico Beach Strong, Love in the Storm, 36^th 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
•     
• Under the Palms Park, 7^th Street, Shower facilities    available
•     
• Tarps are available at First Baptist Church, 823 N 15^th St.

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

Debris Management

• 29 trucks are running and 286 loads of debris have been picked up
•     
• Chipping operations started on Saturday 10/20 

Sewer Restoration

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

City of Panama City

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.

Water

• The City of Panama City has restored water to all water meters on    commercial and residential properties within city limits following    Hurricane Michael, but an estimated 500 customers do not have running water    in their home or business because of water leaks on their properties.
•     
• Since Utilities crews began restoring water on October 16, 2018. They    have turned off water meters as they noticed a leak or were notified of a    leak on private property.
•     
• If your neighbor has water and you do not, the water valve on your    property may have been turned off and/or there may be a leak in the lines    supplying water to your home or business. Our crews are turning water    meters off when they notice or are notified of a leak on private property.    If the leak is between a home/office and the water meter then it is the    property owner's responsibility to make repairs. The city repairs leaks    located within the right-of-way.

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. to 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 Ave.

• 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    
  • Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)
  •         
  • Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.
  •         
  • Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.
  •         
  • 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 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.
•     
• A food/supply distribution point has been in place at Parker Elementary    School, 640 S. Highway 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. to 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:    
  • Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)
  •         
  • Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.
  •         
  • Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.
  •         
  • 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:    
  • Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)
  •         
  • Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.
  •         
  • Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.
  •         
  • 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. to 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. to 5:30    p.m., seven (7) days per week until further notice.

City of Panama City

• The Boil Water Notice for City of Panama City water customers was rescinded on Oct. 24, 2018.
•     
• 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 pickup.
•     
• Debris pickups 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, Oct. 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 St.