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. 23rd 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. 19th 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. 15th 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 (7th & 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. 23rd 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 11th 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 15th 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. 15th 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. 23rd 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 15th 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 9th 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. 23rd. 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. 11th 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
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- Boil water before use, holding it at rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, washing, cooking, etc.; or
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Employees should expect to receive disaster work assignments based on needs and skills.
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- 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
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- The western city limit of Mexico Beach on U.S. 98 in Bay County
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- The eastern city limit of Mexico Beach on U.S. 98 at the Gulf County line
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Credentialed volunteer teams and charities who have been approved to be in Mexico Beach: Credentials will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.
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- 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 22nd Street (next to City Hall); Hours: Breakfast 8:30 a.m.; dinner at 4 p.m.
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- World Central Kitchen, 1011 CR 386, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hot meals to public, volunteers and first responders;
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- 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
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- Under the Palms Park, 7th Street, Shower facilities available
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- Tarps are available at First Baptist Church, 823 N 15th St.
City of Lynn Haven
- Official information site is https://www.facebook.com/cityoflynnhaven/ .
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- Most of Lynn Haven are back on water. Boil Water messaging ongoing.
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- Household garbage pickup resumed on Tuesday, Oct.16.
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- #LynnHavenTogetherStrong
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- The city has not placed locks on any water meter since October 5, 2018.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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\
Daffin Park - Millville
Cove Shopping Center - Cove
Al Helms Dog - next to walking park on Balboa Ave.
Northstar Church - St Andrews
Boys and Girls Club - 19th St.
Old Party City Store
Palm Bay Prep Academy
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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- A boil water advisory REMAINS IN EFFECT for Springfield until further notice.
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- All city roads have been cleared and are passable.
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- The city’s trash hauler, Mr. Trash, has resumed.
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- Residential garbage collection has resumed the regular schedule.
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- 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.)
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- Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.
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- Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.)
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- Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.
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- Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.
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- 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).
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- All city limit residents should have water.
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- Callaway is still under a boil water notice.
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- Residential trash will be picked up by your contracted trash hauler.
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- Residents can help expedite debris removal by separating debris at the curbside into four categories:
- Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)
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- Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.
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- Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Assume all downed power lines are “hot” and avoid coming into contact with them.
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- Beach Midway Medical Express free clinic, Gore Park at the end of Beaulah Avenue, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.