10/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2024 16:07
Hurricane Milton Storm Advisory 2
City of Fort Pierce
Monday, October 7, 2024 @ 5:45 PM
Website: www.cityoffortpierce.com
The City of Fort Pierce is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and making necessary preparations for potential impacts. As of 2:00 PM today, the storm is positioned 700 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida, moving eastward at 9 mph. Currently a Category 5 hurricane, Milton is producing sustained winds of 175 mph. It is forecasted to encounter wind shear as it progresses through the Gulf of Mexico, weakening to a Category 3 storm before approaching the Tampa area early Wednesday.
Potential Impacts for the City of Fort Pierce:
Sand DistributionThe City of Fort Pierce is offering free, self-serve sand stations for residents at the following locations: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamland Park (S. 25th St.), Pioneer Park (Ave M and N. 29th St.), Little Jim Bait & Tackle (601 N. Causeway), Maravilla Park (2622 Oleander Ave), and Jaycee Park (South Hutchinson Island). Stations will be available starting today, Monday, October 7, 2024, at noon. Residents are asked to bring their own bags and shovels. Parks are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Solid Waste CollectionThe Solid Waste Division will operate on its normal schedule. Residents are asked to avoid cutting down vegetation or starting major projects until the storm passes. No additional debris should be placed at the curb, as it may obstruct stormwater flow.
Streets and DrainageThe Streets and Drainage Division is actively working to clear stormwater systems of any obstructions to ensure they are operating at full capacity.
CommunicationThe City of Fort Pierce is committed to keeping residents safe and informed. Public notices will be posted on the city's website, social media channels, and Fort Pierce TV Channel 27.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for St. Lucie County's Alert St. Lucie program to receive emergency notifications directly via phone, email, or text: www.stlucieco.gov/Alert.
Shelters
Saint Lucie County will open the following shelters on Tuesday at 2:00 PM:
Opening Tuesday at 4:00 PM:
Power Outages / Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA)
Report power outages to the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) online at https://fpua.com/report-an-outage/or call (772) 466-7703.
FPUA Customer Service Lobby will be closed today, October 7, 2024, at 12:00 pm due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton. Additionally, utility disconnects have been suspended through Friday, while staff and crews mobilize for storm preparations. Please note that online payment services will remain available.
City Facilities
City Hall and all City of Fort Pierce facilities will be closed on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, 2024. Normal operations are anticipated for Friday, October 11 at 8 AM.
St. Lucie Public Schools St. Lucie Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, October 8 through Thursday, October 10 due to Hurricane Milton. District-sponsored after-school activities and extended day programs will proceed as scheduled today. Normal operations are anticipated to resume on Friday, October 11th. For updates, please visit the SLPS website and social media channels.
Indian River State College (IRSC)
IRSC will close all campuses today, October 7, 2024, at 5:00 pm in preparation for Hurricane Milton. This closure applies to all employees, students, and visitors, and includes the cancellation of all classes (including online) and campus events. Normal operations are anticipated for Friday, October 11th at 8 AM, but everyone is encouraged to monitor IRSC's website and social media for further updates.