Bay County Hurricane Michael Recovery Information

Published: Oct. 19, 2018 at 12:07 PM CDT
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This is your one-stop shop for everything relating to recovery from Hurricane Michael for Bay County. We'll be updating the information in this story constantly, so be sure to check back often for the latest information.

UPDATE 10/31/2018 6:45 p.m.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

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

• The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls. For out-of-state callers, please dial (850) 248-6099.

• For up-to-date information, go to www.recoverbaycounty.com.

• Visit www.safeandwell.org to connect with friends and family. The website can also be used to search for loved ones.

• A curfew is still in effect for Bay County from midnight to 5 a.m. with a restriction on alcohol sales in place during curfew hours.

• On Thursday, Nov. 1 the National Weather Service is calling for showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 81. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Thursday night is predicted showers and thunderstorms. Low around 66. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Recover Bay County – By the Numbers

• Feeding Assistance

Salvation Army: 255,254 total meals

Red Cross Meals: 276,865 total meals

36 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV’s) doing mobile feeding with the Red Cross.

Total sheltered: 685

Debris Management

o Eight yard trash disposal facilities have been established

o Six construction/demolition disposal sites established

o 523,361 cubic yards of debris collected in unincorporated Bay County, landfill and reporting jurisdictions (10/30)

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

o Open pharmacies: 54

o Open businesses: 769

o Business damage assessments conducted: 33

Power Outages

• As of Tuesday, Oct. 30, Duke Energy has restored power to approximately 355 customers in Mexico Beach. They are working toward a goal of November 3 for full restoration of customers who can receive power.

• Gulf Power’s initial power restoration to the lines is now complete. They will continue to upgrade and restore the power grid, including power from the lines to properties.

• Gulf Coast Electric is reporting approximately 1.9 percent of Bay County is without power.

o Gulf Coast Electric Co-op will not charge any late fees as the system and offices are repaired. Gulf Coast Electric Co-op customers can call 1-800-568-3667 to report an outage or view power outages on the outage map at http://outagemap.gcec.com

VOLUNTEERS

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

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

All volunteer groups should scan and send their volunteer hour logs to Maranda Griffin at mgriffin@baycountyfl.gov for all hours tracked to be reported to FEMA.

Bulk Donation Coordination

Please do not drop off donations to the shelter or feeding sites. For bulk donation coordination, call (469) 349-9532 or email donatebayco@gmail.com. Or, reach out to the local faith community to see if they are accepting donations.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Michael may be eligible to receive assistance to repair their home’s electrical connection to restore power. Utility providers are responsible for the wire or service line to the electric meter, but often homeowners may have damage to equipment or lines from the service line to their home. The Florida Department of economic Opportunity (DEO) Community Action Agency partners administer the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that may be able to help.

You may be eligible for the LIHEAP program if you were impacted by Hurricane Michael and your household does not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level. www.floridajobs.org/liheap

Through a network of Community Action Agencies, the funds are used to assist households with home energy assistance. The Community Action Agency will hire a licensed electrician to repair the home’s electrical connections. Applicants in Bay County will apply through the Bay County Council on Aging, Inc by calling 850-769-3468.

Medical Services

Bay County Children’s Dentistry Clinic

3518 E 15th St, Panama City

11 am – 4 pm

• Free urgent dental care services for all children and adults

• Continues services for Medicaid Eligible children 1 – 21 years of age (preventative and urgent)

Open Childcare Centers

• ABC University – 1338 Florida Ave., Panama City - (850)872-2112

• Adventure Club Learning Center – 2405 E Baldwin Rd, Panama City – (850)522-0171

• Appletree Academy – 7221 Patronis Dr., Panama City Beach – (850)233-3884

• Bay Kidz Academy – 1416 W 16th St, Panama City – (850)628-4828

• Beach Kids Academy – 2016 Allison Ave, Panama City – (850)230-6271

• Boys and Girls Club (Frank Brown) – 16200 Back Beach Rd, Panama City Beach – (850)236-3030

• Club 4 Kids – 3120 E Highway 390, Panama City – (850)277-0026

• Club for Kiddies – 1712 Beck Ave, Panama City – (850)215-2450

• Exceed Learning Childcare Center – 705 Jenks Ave, Panama City – (850)481-1275

• Girls Inc – 300 Clara Ave, Panama City Beach – (850)588-8711

• Gulf Beach Baptist Weekday Preschool – 10620 Hutchison Blvd, PCB – (850)249-5437

• Little Hearts Learning Center – 1315 E 14th St, Lynn Haven – (850)571-5310

• Lynn Haven Early Learning – 1849 Virginia Ave, Lynn Haven – (850)265-6221

• New Bethel Academy – 1942 East 7th St, Panama City – (850)763-8341

• PCB Academy – 16910 Innocente Ave, Panama City Beach – (850)234-0929

• PCB Academy New Beginnings – 271 S Highway 79, Panama City Beach – (850)234-1223

• Pons Child Care – 100B Jazz Dr, Panama City – (850)387-4849

• Precious Memories Childcare – 12112 Highway 231, Youngstown – (850)753-3285

• Primary Prep School – 6 Miracle Strip Loop, Panama City Beach – (850)234-5437

• Small town Childcare and Preschool – 7713 Highway 77, Southport – (850)265-1070

• St Andrews Academy of Early Learning – 2618 W 10th St, Panama City – (850)573-5441

• St Bernadette Child Development Academy – 1214 Moylan Rd, PCB – (850)230-0009

• Stacy’s Fun in the Sun Preschool - 8713 Front Beach Dr, Panama City Beach – (850)236-1297

• Stacy’s Fun in the Sun Preschool 2 – 7101 Big Daddy Dr, Panama City Beach – (850)234-0210

• Stacy’s Fun in the Sun Preschool 3 – 6109 Cherry St, Panama City – (850)871-9915

• Woodlawn Child Development Center – 219 N Alf Coleman Rd, PCB – (850)708-1618

ELECTIONS

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

• No new mail-in ballots will be sent out.

• If you already have a mail-in ballot do not put in the mail. Hand deliver to the supervisor of the election’s office.

Early voting began today, Oct. 27 for 12 hours each day through Election Day. To reach the Supervisor of Elections Office temporarily by phone call (850) 248-8602, (850) 248-8603 or (850) 248-8604 or visit www.bayvotes.org.

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

• Stanford Station (near Hobby Lobby) 746 W. 23rd Street

• Parker United Methodist Church 908 S. Tyndall Pkwy.

• Panama City Beach Senior Center 423 Lyndell Ln.

• Lynn Haven Elementary School 300 W. 10th Street (new building behind the school at corner of 10th & Alabama Ave.)

• Palo Alto Church of Christ 3119 N Highway 231

• Supervisor of Election Office 830 W. 11th St.

One Day early voting event at Mexico Beach City Hall (201 Paradise Path, Mexico Beach) this Friday, November 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Take a valid form of Florida identification bearing your signature, as well as a picture to the polling place since the law requires both signature and photo identification in order to vote.

CITY INFORMATION

City of Mexico Beach

Power Restoration

As of Tuesday, Oct. 30, Duke Energy has restored power to approximately 355 customers in Mexico Beach. They are working toward a goal of November 3 for full restoration of customers who can receive power.

Some customers may receive power today and in coming days. In an abundance of caution, please:

1. Turn off the main breakers if you can until power is restored. Duke Energy cannot go into your home to do that and they can't see inside your house

2. Properly disconnect generators especially if you have a whole house generator that is hard wired into your home

3. Be aware that power lines are being energized. Practice safety

Water System

Crews from across the state are working to repair the Mexico Beach water system. As of Tuesday, Oct. 30, approximately 40 percent of water and sewer has been restored to Mexico Beach customers. However, water has been shut off to prevent further damage caused a broken pipe or connection. If you are a resident who lives in an area where water and sewer is being restored, please call City Hall at 1-252-996-0660, 1-252-996-0662 or 850-648-5700 to put in a request to have it turned on.

Boil Water Notice

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

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

Checkpoints

The checkpoint at the Eastbound base of the DuPont Bridge on U.S. 98 in Parker is no longer in place.

Checkpoints remain in place at:

• The western city limit of Mexico Beach on U.S. 98 in Bay County

• The eastern city limit of Mexico Beach on U.S. 98 at the Gulf County line

• County 386 in the area of 15th Street; north of the City of Mexico Beach

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

The city is only open to the following:

• 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.

Feeding/Supply Locations

• Camp Happy Tummies, 111 22nd St. (next to City Hall) - Breakfast 8:30 a.m.; dinner at 4 p.m.

• Mango Marley's "Just Another Day in Paradise" Food Truck, 3102 Hwy 98 - Hot food (sunrise to sunset), ice, supplies, tarps

• First Baptist Church, 823 N 15th St. - Tarps, supplies, Verizon wifi and charging station

• Under the Palms Park, 300 7th Street – Showers, AT&T mobile charging station, portalets

Voting

There will be a one-day only early voting event at City Hall (201 Paradise Path) this Friday, Nov. 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Take a valid form of Florida identification bearing your signature, as well as a picture to the polling place since the law requires both signature and photo identification in order to vote.

Community Meeting

There will be a community meeting event at Camp Happy Tummies (111 22nd St) this Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. City, county and state representatives will be present and available to speak with residents and business owners, and answer questions on a variety of topics. Among those present will include Commissioner Robert Carroll, FEMA, Chief Financial Officer of Florida, SBA, Florida Dept. of Economic Opportunity, Florida Attorney General, CareerSource Gulf Coast, Florida Dept. of Health, AND MORE.

City of Panama City

• Some Panama City utility customers will be receiving a bill for water, sewer and garbage usage from before Hurricane Michael. Please note that regardless of the date on the bill the due date for payment has been extended to Dec. 1. Other customers received their bill prior to the storm and also have until Dec. 1 to make the payment.

• Regular billing will resume in November. Customers will not be billed for four weeks of water, sewer and garbage, including the two-week time period in which the city was working to restore water following the storm. Additionally, customers who are unable to use the water and sewer in November and December will not be charged the base fees for water and sewer.

• The Utility Billing Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the A.D. Harris Learning Village (819 E. 11th Street). Staff can also be reached by calling (850) 872-3166.

• Customers who do not have running water in their home or business may have a water leaks on their property. Utilities crews have turned off water meters as they noticed a leak or were notified of a leak on private property. Property owners own and are responsible for the plumbing located between the home or business and the water meter. The city encourages owners in need of plumbing repairs to hire a licensed plumber. Once repairs are made, it is permissible for owners and plumbers to turn on water meters. Owners can also call the Utilities Department at (850) 872-3191 for assistance.

• All residential customers are receiving once-a-week blue garbage can collection service. Residents can find their pickup day by searching their address in this link: https://bit.ly/2ACElaV

• Debris pick-ups continue within city limits. Crowder Gulf, the city's debris contractor, has more than 85 double self-loaders running within the city limits as of Wednesday, Oct. 31. They are picking up in all four wards versus starting on one side of the city. Residents are encouraged to sort their debris *as best as they can* into four piles: household items, yard debris, construction items and appliances.

• During the recovery period of Hurricane Michael, mobile homes, recreational vehicles and campers are allowed on individual lots within the city limits of the City of Panama City regardless of the zoning district.

• Property owners must provide a rough site plan showing how the temporary structure will sit on the property to the City's Planning Department for a Development Order. Fees are waived. More information and contact information: https://bit.ly/2qjn3JT

• City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Offices are located at the A.D. Harris Learning Village, 819 E. 11th Street.

Panama City Comfort Stations

Comfort Stations continue to be set up throughout the City of Panama City. Once fully operational, each location will have food, water, ice, an air-conditioned tent, nice restrooms and showers.

"Panama City Comfort Stations" Facebook page has also been created to provide the community with updates on resources. Link: https://www.facebook.com/panamacitycomfortstations/

Locations:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center

705 E. 14th Ct.

• Daffin Park - Millville

320 Kraft Ave.

• Cove Shopping Center - Cove

925 Cherry St.

• Al Helms Dog - next to walking park on Balboa Ave.

1022 Balboa Ave.

• Northstar Church - St Andrews

2379 St Andrews Blvd.

• Boys and Girls Club - 19th St.

3404 W. 19th St.

• Old Party City Store

2015 W. 23rd St.

• Palm Bay Prep Academy

1104 Balboa Ave.

• Panama City Mall

Corner of 23rd St. and Hwy 77

City of Callaway

Utilities

• Water – Restored. Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

• Sewer –Operational

• Utility Billing – All billing has been suspended. No late or additional fees will apply. Base rates have been suspended until water and sewer return to operational levels. Payments can be dropped off at the drop box at Callaway Public Works (324 S Berthe Ave) or at City Hall (6601 FL-22).

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

Construction Permits

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

• Our permitting office (EPCI) located behind city hall is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am-5:30 pm.

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

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

• The Dept. of Business & Professional Regulators (DBPR) along with code enforcement is in Callaway monitoring all construction. Anyone found without a valid Florida Contractor License will be charged with a felony under Florida Law.

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

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

Debris Pick-up

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

• AshBritt will be developing and posting schedules and routes.

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

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

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

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

Community Needs

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

• FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center in the parking lot of Gore Park at the end of Beulah Ave.

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

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

Contact

• Communication is very difficult. You can call the main phone number (850-871-6000).

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

• Email can be sent to contact@cityofcallaway.com

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

UPDATE 10/30/2018 6:15 p.m.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

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

• The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls. For out-of-state callers, please dial (850) 248-6099.

• For up-to-date information, go to www.recoverbaycounty.com.

• Visit www.safeandwell.org to connect with friends and family. The website can also be used to search for loved ones.

• A curfew is still in effect for Bay County from midnight to 5 a.m. with a restriction on alcohol sales in place during curfew hours.

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

Recover Bay County – By the Numbers

• Feeding Assistance

Salvation Army: 242,145 total meals

World Central Kitchen: 124,800 total meals

Red Cross Meals: 262,068 total meals

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

Total sheltered: 789

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

Total visitors: 236

Debris Management

o Eight yard trash disposal facilities have been established

o Six construction/demolition disposal sites established

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

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

o Open pharmacies: 54

o Open businesses: 769

o Business damage assessments conducted: 33

Power Outages

• Duke Energy has restored power to 800 people in Beacon Hill and Mexico Beach. They are working toward a goal of Nov. 3 for full restoration. Some customers may receive power today and in coming days.

• Gulf Power’s initial power restoration to the lines is now complete. They will continue to upgrade and restore the power grid, including power from the lines to properties.

• Gulf Coast Electric is reporting approximately 2.7 percent of Bay County is without power.

o Outages may be tracked on the Gulf Power outage map from a smartphone or reported at https://outagemap.gulfpower.com/external/default.html

o Gulf Coast Electric Co-op will not charge any late fees as the system and offices are repaired

o Gulf Coast Electric Co-op customers can call 1-800-568-3667 to report an outage or view power outages on the outage map at http://outagemap.gcec.com

VOLUNTEERS

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

Prospective volunteers should be aware of the following:

• Volunteers wishing to help will go through a background check through publicly available websites at www.VolunteerFlorida.org or www.crisiscleanup.org. Volunteer hours should be logged. Whether you are affiliated with an organization/group or you are an individual helping with recovery, turning in your hours helps the county by reducing their cost needed to make “Bay County Strong.”

• Volunteers must complete an application and be prepared to show professional licensure, if applicable.

• Volunteers that do NOT wish to be connected with a volunteer disaster team should not register at the VRC.

• All volunteers must be willing to sign a release of liability; if under the age of 18, parents must sign the release form.

• Volunteers will be given specific job site assignments only after they are connected with a trained and experienced disaster relief team.

• The assignment of volunteers to teams will be dependent upon the needs of survivors that have been identified through a responding agency or organizations; assignments may not be immediate.

• Volunteers must be willing to turn in a time sheet at the end of each assignment.

• Not all jobs are manual labor. Anyone can volunteer; no experience is necessary.

Volunteers are integral in every disaster and are core to a community’s recovery. Dedicated volunteers working together will speed up recovery efforts in the Bay County area. Volunteer management and training is fundamental to community rebuilding efforts and resilience. The VRC will coordinate, train and deploy volunteers into teams that meet critical community needs. Ongoing hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Come join us and make Bay County Strong.

Please do not travel to the impacted area to volunteer without being assigned through an established disaster response group. We are seeing large numbers of untrained volunteers come forward wanting to help in areas that are still EXTREMELY UNSAFE. Volunteers not involved in a coordinated effort, though well-meaning, are a HINDRANCE when not PART OF AN ORGANIZED PROCESS.

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

• Debris and waste removal;

• Administrative and clerical tasks;

• Food service and distribution;

• Professional services;

• Drivers, especially those with box trucks; and

• Call centers.

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

Bulk Donation Coordination

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

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Shelters

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

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

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

Potential Available Housing Units

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

Cleanup Assistance

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

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)

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

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

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

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

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

Services may include:

• Guidance regarding disaster recovery

• Clarification of any written correspondence received

• Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information

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

• Status of applications being processed by FEMA

• Small Business Administration (SBA) program information

• Crisis Counseling

• Disaster Legal Services

• Disaster Unemployment

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

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

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

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

To qualify for the Disaster Food Assistance program, applicants must have lived or worked in one of the counties declared for FEMA Individual Assistance and not be receiving food assistance through the regular Food Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, eligible individuals and families must have suffered a disaster-related loss, such as damage to their homes or self-employment property, loss of food, reduction or loss of income, or have incurred other disaster related expenses. DCF will provide Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to eligible individuals and families to use at authorized USDA food retailers. The program counts only income and expenses from October 8 through November 6, 2018.

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

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

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

Bay High School

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

October 31 – November 4

8AM-6PM

• Weapons are prohibited at the event.

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

Current food assistance participants should not pre-register, apply over the phone or visit the local D-SNAP site; additional October benefits will be added to current client EBT cards in the 12 impacted counties. DCF ordered an early release of food assistance benefits for those Florida residents in the 35 counties included in Governor Scott’s pre-landfall emergency order who would have received normal SNAP benefits in October. DCF also waived restrictions on purchasing hot prepared food with SNAP benefits through October 31 statewide to assist customers who evacuated to another area or suffered storm damage to their home.

FEEDING SITES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Parker Fire Department 4534 E. Business 98, Parker

• Walmart Panama City 513 W. 23rd St., Panama City

• Walmart Lynn Haven 2101 S. Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven

• Walmart Calloway 725 N. Tyndall Parkway, Panama City

• Springfield corner of 3rd Street (State 22) and School Avenue, Panama City

• Cove Shopping Center 929 Cherry St., Panama City

• Lucille Moore Elementary 1900 Michigan Ave., Panama City

• Boys & Girls Club 3404 W. 19th St., Panama City

• Deer Point Elementary School 4800 County 2321, Southport

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

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

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

• Callaway High Praise Church 7124 State 22, Panama City

• Rosenwald High School 924 Bay Avenue, Panama City

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

World Central Kitchen

• Hiland Park Elementary 2507 E. Baldwin Road

• Springfield Community Church 615 Transmitter Road, Panama City

Feeding the Gulf Coast Pre-Packaged Food Pantries

• Woodlawn United Methodist Church, We Care 219 N. Alf Coleman Rd., Panama City Beach, 850-867-7342, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

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

• St. Andrew Christian Care Center 3101 A West U.S. 98, Panama City, 850-763-2345, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily

• Springfield United Methodist Church 701 School Ave, Panama City

• Springfield United Methodist Mission House, in conjunction with Springfield Community Church, 615 Transmitter Rd., Panama City, 850-769-0374, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

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

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

• First Baptist Church of Panama City 601 Grace Ave., Panama City, 850-960-9929, only when able to accept food. Pantry damaged, but has access to parking lots

• Grace Presbyterian Church 1415 Airport Road, Panama City

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

Transitional Housing Assistance

• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for families in Bay County. TSA provides FEMA funded short-term lodging in hotels and motels for eligible disaster survivors who are unable to return home for an extended period due to disaster-related damages or inaccessibility of their communities.

• FEMA is currently notifying eligible families in Bay County who have already applied for assistance of their sheltering options under TSA. Families in Bay County looking to confirm their TSA eligibility should call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov for more information on TSA and to find participating hotels and motels or to begin the assistance process.

• FEMA may provide rental assistance for qualified applicants, call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

• FEMA does not use vouchers for hotels. All sheltering in hotel or motels approved by FEMA is paid directly to hotels. Survivors do not receive vouchers from FEMA.

FEMA Points of Distribution (POD)

The two remaining Bay County Points of Distribution are now closed. POD sites will no longer be distributing bulk food, water and ice, but they will continue to serve hot meals from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a list of more than 30 feeding locations, including the Salvation Army, World Kitchen and Feeding the Gulf Coast, go to www.recoverbaycounty.com.

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

Florida Public Assistance Process (State & Local Governments)

The Florida Public Assistance Process is accepting grant applications for state and local governments as well as certain private non-profits organizations including faith-based organizations that are providing services to survivors. For available grants, guidelines and additional information visit www.floridapa.org. The assistance request deadline is Nov. 10.

Operation Blue Roof

Operation Blue Roof, which temporarily repairs roofs at no cost to families, offers temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting helps reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made.

Primary residences that have standard shingled roofs are eligible to receive a temporary blue roof. Metal roofs and mobile homes will be considered for the program, as practical on a case-by-case basis. Roofs with greater than 50-percent structural damage are not eligible for this program. Renters must obtain legal permission from the homeowner to continue occupying the residence until more permanent repairs are made.

Homeowners must sign a Right of Entry, or ROE, form to allow government employees and contractors onto their property to assess damage and install the temporary covering.

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

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

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

Right-of-Entry collection centers are located at:

• Disaster Recovery Center

Bay County Public Library

898 W. 11th St., Panama City

• Walmart near Pier Park

15495 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

• Walmart

2101 S. Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven

Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Additional locations may be added as necessary. For the most current information, please visit the Jacksonville District website at www.usace.army.mil/blueroof or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Information is provided in both English and Spanish through this single number.

Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System’s Hurricane Michael Medical Unit is located at the Panama City Beach VA Clinic at 2600 Veterans Way (along Magnolia Beach Road), and at 140 Richard Jackson Blvd., in Panama City Beach

For veterans who cannot get to the PCB VA Clinic, a toll-free number, 1-800-507-4571, has been established for veterans to get updated information on where to go for care, how to receive prescription drugs, or any other concerns they may have about their care. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Veterans in need of pharmacy customer care may call 1-855-574-7288; the toll-free number is operational 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to assist veterans with medication.

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

The Mobile Vet Center and Mobile Medical Unit in Panama City offer medical care and counseling services to veterans in the community or primary care.

• Bay County Veterans Services will be open for inquiries and claims appointments at 850-248-8280 beginning Wednesday, Oct. 24, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Find out where to get healthcare Department Veterans Disaster Response Line 1-800-507-4571 24 hours.

• Department of Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Customer Care (Bay County) 850-640-3062.

• The American Red Cross Emergency Communication Center and Cash Assistance 1-877-272-7337.

• FEMA 1-800-621-3362

• VeteransFlorida.org/recovery for monetary assistance.

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

Veterans Day Parade

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

MEDICAL SERVICES

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County

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

Services Provided:

• Free urgent dental care services for all children and adults

• Continued services for Medicaid Eligible children 1-21 years of age (preventative and urgent)

597 W 11th ST, Panama City

Main Line: 850-872-4455

Environmental Health: 850-252-9688

Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (please check-in no later than 3 p.m. for services)

Full services including:

• WIC (benefits should be automatically loaded to accounts)

• ADAP

• FREE Tetanus, Hep A, and Flu vaccines

• Family Planning

• Birth and death certificates

Emergency Diabetes Supplies:

• While supplies last

• Bring a box or prescription for insulin so we can provide the correct type and dose

• Call 850-252-9656 to check supplies

Free Private Well Testing

• Pick-up kits during office hours

• Return samples within 24 hours

• Wednesday samples must be returned by noon Thursday

• No samples will be taken on Fridays

DOH-Bay Supported Clinics

Americares Clinic

597 W 11th ST, Panama City

9 am – 3 pm daily

• FREE Primary care services for children and adults

• Some prescriptions available

First Baptist Church

823 15th ST, Mexico Beach

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• FREE Tetanus, Hep A and Flu immunizations

Fountain Piggly Wiggly

18917 Highway 231, Fountain, FL 32438

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• FREE Tetanus, Hep A, and Flu immunizations

• Basic medical care

Community Clinics

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

PANCARE

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

Youngstown Dental Clinic

12427 Highway 231, Youngstown

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

Panama City Medical

2309 E 15th Street, Panama City

9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday - Friday

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

PanCare Mobile medical services:

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

• Lynn Haven Wal-Mart (medical): 2101 S Highway 77 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Hospitals

• Bay Medical Sacred Heart, 615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City- Emergency Room ONLY

• Bay Medical Beach ER- Intersection of Panama City Beach Parkway (Hwy. 98) and Richard Jackson Blvd.

• Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, 449 W 23rd ST, Panama City- Emergency Room ONLY

• Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf, 3801 E. U.S. 98, Port St. Joe- Fully operational

Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Life Management Center

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

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

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

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

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 850-273-8255

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

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

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

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

Prescriptions

• Under the Emergency Order, people can get a 30-day refill of prescriptions.

• To find an open pharmacy near you, got to RxOpen.org.

• Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for people who do not have health insurance. Call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470 to find out if you are eligible.

For additional health care provider information, visit https://info.emeraldcoastmedicalassociation.com/blog/practice-updates-for-hurricane-michael-impacted-areas.

Assistance Services

• For emergency services please call 911.

• For local service information call 211.

• For suicide prevention call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (850) 273-8255.

• The Panama City Treatment Center is open from 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. daily. They are treating current patients and guests.

Hospitals

St. Andrews Community Medical Center is open and seeing patients. Their address is 3101b W. U.S. 98, Panama City, FL 32401. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Americares is partnering with them to provide this service.

Bay Medical Sacred Heart and Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center are offering emergency room services. These units also have Hep A and Tetanus immunizations available. Each hospital is working on plans to provide additional services in stages. DOH-Bay is working in coordination with the hospitals on their plans to return to normal operations.

Bay Medical Center now has clinic locations that are opened. Magnolia- 2421 Thomas DR, Beach- 11111 PCB Parkway, Oceanpark- 23040 PCB Parkway. Call (850)770-3230 or visit baymedical.org.

We realize many of our Mexico Beach residents use healthcare services in Gulf County. We want you all to know that Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf located at 3801 E. U.S. 98 in Port St. Joe is now open with emergency room and inpatient services. All Sacred Heart Medical Group offices are now operating in Port St. Joe and Wewahitchka.

Tetanus Risks

No one should play in flood waters. The water can contain bacteria. If you have come in contact with flood waters, you should receive a Hepatitis A vaccination. Again, these are available at DOH-Bay.

Tetanus is a risk when you get a puncture wound or cut. If you receive a puncture wound and it becomes contaminated with sewage, dirt or flood water, thoroughly clean the wound and have a healthcare provider determine whether a tetanus shot or booster is necessary. If you feel you need a tetanus, please visit your closest emergency centers.

TRANSPORTATION

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

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

Pick up and drop off sites as follows:

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

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

• Parker Elementary School Bob Little Road

• Grocery Outlet Tyndall Parkway

RIDE SHARE - UBER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCHOOLS

Tentatively, the following schools will open on Nov. 5, 2018:

• Northside Elementary School

• Mosley High School (split schedule with Merritt Brown Middle School)

• Oakland Terrace Elementary School

• Parker Elementary School (with Patterson Elementary displaced students)

• Tommy Smith Elementary School

• West Bay Elementary School

• Patronis Elementary School

• Waller Elementary School

• Hutchison Beach Elementary School

• New Horizons Learning Center

• Southport Elementary School

• Lynn Haven Elementary School

• Lucille Moore Elementary School

• Deer Point Elementary School

• Callaway Elementary School (with Tyndall Elementary displaced students)

All other school sites (except Springfield Elementary, Tyndall Elementary, and Patterson Elementary) will open no later than the week of Nov. 13.

Additional Information:

• The colors of the dress code will be temporarily waived, and Bay District Schools asks that students come dressed appropriately for school each day.

• Bay District Schools petitioned the state Department of Education for a waiver of many requirements (including the requirement to use FSA as a promotion requirement).

• All elementary schools will operate on a full school day. Some schools will have slightly-altered school opening/closing times. More specifics will be coming at a later time.

• Tyndall students will attend on the campus with Callaway Elementary.

• Springfield students will attend with Cedar Grove Elementary.

• Patterson students will attend with Parker Elementary students.

• It is expected that this arrangement will last for a significant amount of time because the Tyndall, Springfield and Patterson campuses are heavily damaged.

• All students will receive free breakfast and lunch.

• You are encouraged to register your student at the school closest to where you now live. You are welcome to provide your own transportation to your student's original school, but we will not be able to provide that transportation.

• Locations where you can complete "needs lists" for students who need school-appropriate clothing, will be provided at a later time. We are so thankful to have received a lot of donations and we hope to be able to provide clothing to all students in need.

• School supplies are being provided directly to our schools so there is no need to worry about paper, crayons, markers, notebooks etc. All the supplies will be at the school when your students arrive.

• Bay District Schools is in the process of arranging for crisis counselors, art therapy and other resources for our students. We plan to address the student’s mental health concerns prior to returning fully to reading, writing and math.

If your elementary school is not listed as a school with a shared campus, then it is not a shared campus and students should attend their original campus. However, given the traffic situation and current logistics being faced by many families, we recommend students attend the school closest to the places where they now reside so that transportation can be provided.

Thank you for understanding these temporary changes as we continue to provide for your student’s education. We will provide additional information, such as the school calendar, ACT/SAT and bus routes as they become available. Go to Facebook @baydistrictschools for more details.

DAYCARES

Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida has provided a list of more than 45 daycares that are now open. For a list, go online at www.recoverbaycounty.org.

LIBRARY

• Panama City Beach Public Library will re-open with reduced hours on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd. Temporary hours are Tuesday, through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call library for more information, 850-233-5055.

• Please do not return books or other library items to any libraries that are closed. Keep them and return when the library reopens. All fines and fees for items returned late or damaged due to Hurricane Michael will be waived.

• PCB Library has internet and wifi access. Computers, printer, copier, and the fax machine are working.

COMMUNICATIONS

T-Mobile

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

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

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

• Volunteer Relief Centers

• Bay County Supervisor of Elections, Voting Stations

• Bay County Public Library

• DSNAP Distribution Locations

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELECTIONS

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

• No new mail-in ballots will be sent out.

• If you already have a mail-in ballot do not put in the mail. Hand deliver to the supervisor of the election’s office.

Early voting began today, Oct. 27 for 12 hours each day through Election Day. To reach the Supervisor of Elections Office temporarily by phone call (850) 248-8602, (850) 248-8603 or (850) 248-8604 or visit www.bayvotes.org.

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

• Stanford Station (near Hobby Lobby) 746 W. 23rd Street

• Parker United Methodist Church 908 S. Tyndall Pkwy.

• Panama City Beach Senior Center 423 Lyndell Ln.

• Lynn Haven Elementary School 300 W. 10th Street (new building behind the school at corner of 10th & Alabama Ave.)

• Palo Alto Church of Christ 3119 N Highway 231

• Supervisor of Election Office 830 W. 11th St.

Driver License & Motor Vehicle Services

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

FLOW mobile is located at:

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

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

TAX COLLECTION

Notice to Bay County Property Owners

Tax Collector Chuck Perdue is very sensitive to the needs of Bay County citizens affected by the recent damage due to the hurricane; however, state law requires the tax collector to mail and collect 2018 property tax bills.

Below are a few important things to remember:

• We understand your property may not be in the condition it was in on Jan. 1, 2018. However, State law requires taxes be assessed as of Jan. 1, 2018 for the 2018 year.

• Property taxes are payable anytime between now and March 31, 2019. Please keep in mind there is no penalty for late payment until after March 31, 2019, and you do receive a discount if you pay early. The tax collector has extended the 4 percent discount period through Dec. 31, 2018.

• If your home, storage building, shed or commercial building was destroyed, please remember to contact the Bay County Property Appraiser’s Office at 850-248-8401 so your assessment can be adjusted for next year (2019).

• Please remember our property tax dollars go to help pay for many services, including fire and rescue, law enforcement protection and infrastructure such as roads and utilities. Our taxing authorities’ resources have been significantly depleted as they have responded to needs and continue working towards recovery in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

The Bay County Property Appraiser has certified and delivered the 2018 Bay County Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem Tax Rolls to the Office of the Bay County Tax Collector. Beginning, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, the tax rolls are open for collection.

Pay online with a debit/credit card or e-check at: www.baytaxcollector.com. Convenience fees apply. Taxes are not delinquent until after March 31, 2019.

Mail payments to: BCTC, Panama City Panama City Beach. Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday— 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact us at (850) 248-8501 or visit us at:

P.O. Box 2285 Panama City, FL 32402

850 W. 11th Street Panama City, FL 32401

10520 Hutchison Blvd Panama City Beach, FL 32407

After hours payment drop boxes are available at each branch. Payments will be processed within 48 hours.

Boil Water Order

Service areas where boil water notices have been lifted:

• Bay County Retail Utility Service Area

• Panama City Beach Utility Service Area

• Panama City North Utility Service Area

• Lynn Haven Utility Service Area

• Panama City Utility Service Area

• Parker Service Area

• Callaway Utility Service Area

Service areas that must continue to boil water:

• Springfield Utility Service Area

• Tyndall AFB Utility Service Area

• Mexico Beach

In areas where the boil water notice was recently lifted, customers should run water at each tap for approximately three (3) minutes to flush the lines. Plumbing lines serving misters, drinking fountains and soda machines should also be flushed for three (3) minutes. Discard the first bin of ice from icemakers. For more detailed guidelines visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/_documents/2018-hurricane-letter-food-bulletin-bwn-guidelines.pdf

For residents still under the boil water order:

• If possible, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least three (3) minutes.

• Use bottled water or add eight drops of regular, unscented household bleach per gallon of water to prepare it for cooking use.

• For drinking, cooking, washing wounds, and brushing teeth, use bottled water or boiled water. Water should be held to a rolling boil for one minute.

CITY INFORMATION

City of Mexico Beach

Power Restoration

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

Some customers may receive power today and in coming days. In an abundance of caution, please:

1. Turn off the main breakers if you can until power is restored. Duke Energy cannot go into your home to do that and they can't see inside your house

2. Properly disconnect generators especially if you have a whole house generator that is hard wired into your home

3. Be aware that power lines are being energized. Practice safety

Water System

Crews from across the state are working to repair the Mexico Beach water system. If you are a resident who lives between CR 386 and 22nd Street and want your water and sewer turned on, please call 1-252-996-0660, 1-252-996-0662 or 850-648-5700 to put in a request. Water should continue to be shut off elsewhere to prevent problems if residents have a broken pipe or connection. If you have not turned off your water, please do so immediately.

If you are out of town and would like the water department to turn off your water, please contact City Hall at 1-252-996-0660, 1-252-996-0662 or 850-648-5700.

Boil Water Notice

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

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

Checkpoints

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

· The western city limit of Mexico Beach on U.S. 98 in Bay County

· The eastern city limit of Mexico Beach on U.S. 98 at the Gulf County line

· County 386 in the area of 15th Street; north of the City of Mexico Beach

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

The city is only open to the following:

1. Residents, property owners and property management companies: You must have evidence of property ownership or residency (driver’s license, deed, utility bill, etc.) to get your credentials. The city will provide you with a pass for your vehicle and a wristband that should be worn while in Mexico Beach. If you are already in the city, you can get a wristband and vehicle permit at City Hall.

2. Insurance Adjusters: Insurance adjusters must have a copy of their state-issued license, evidence of the company they work for and the specific appointment they are going to. Insurance adjusters will be given a single day pass.

3. Debris haulers who are part of the team contracted through the City of Mexico Beach: No other debris haulers will be credentialed or admitted. Credentials will be provided to the main contractor.

4. Credentialed volunteer teams and charities who have been approved to be in Mexico Beach: Credentials will be provided by the volunteer coordinator.

Federal, state and local credentialed recovery officials: You will need to show evidence of your credentials but you will not need a specific Mexico Beach credential.

Anyone other than those in these approved groups WILL BE TURNED AWAY at the checkpoints.

To facilitate rapid restoration, the entrance to Mexico Beach at Highway 98 and CR 386 checkpoint will only be accessible for Duke Energy and city-contracted debris haulers at this time.

Feeding/Supply Locations

· Camp Happy Tummies 111 22nd St. (next to City Hall) - Breakfast 8:30 a.m.; dinner at 4 p.m.

· Mexico Beach Strong, Love in the Storm 36th Street & Hwy 98; Hours 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Hot meals, water, snacks, non-perishables, bug spray, charcoal, batteries, hard hats, gloves, canned goods, tarps, dog food

· First Baptist Church 823 N 15th St. - Tarps and supplies

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

City of Lynn Haven

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

• #LynnHavenTogetherStrong

Supply and Donation Sites

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

• Behind City Hall

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

City of Panama City

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

Monday: Millville, Glenwood and East Cove area (south of 11th St., east of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd/Cove Blvd.)

Tuesday: Downtown Panama City area (south of 15th St., east of Balboa Ave.)

Wednesday: Center of the city (east of Frankford Ave., between 23rd St. and 15th St.)

Thursday: Homes west of Frankford Ave. and south of 23rd St.

Friday: Homes north of 23rd St.

• Debris pick-ups continue within city limits. Crowder Gulf, the city's debris contractor, has 85 double self-loaders running within the city limits as of Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. They are picking up in all four wards versus starting on one side of the city. Residents are encouraged to sort their debris *as best as they can* into four piles: household items, yard debris, construction items and appliances.

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

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

• Customers who do not have running water in their home or business may have water leaks on their property. Utilities crews have turned off water meters as they noticed a leak or were notified of a leak on private property. Property owners own and are responsible for the plumbing located between the home or business and the water meter. The city encourages owners in need of plumbing repairs to hire a licensed plumber. Once repairs are made, it is permissible for owners and plumbers to turn on water meters. Owners can also call the Utilities Department at (850) 872-3191 for assistance.

• City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Offices are located at the A.D. Harris Learning Village, 819 E. 11th Street.

Panama City Comfort Stations

Comfort Stations continue to be set up throughout the City of Panama City. Once fully operational, each location will have food, water, ice, an air-conditioned tent, nice restrooms and showers.

"Panama City Comfort Stations" Facebook page has also been created to provide the community with updates on resources. Link: https://www.facebook.com/panamacitycomfortstations/

Locations:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center

705 E. 14th Ct.

• Daffin Park - Millville

320 Kraft Ave.

• Cove Shopping Center - Cove

925 Cherry St.

• Al Helms Dog - next to walking park on Balboa Ave.

1022 Balboa Ave.

• Northstar Church - St Andrews

2379 St Andrews Blvd.

• Boys and Girls Club - 19th St.

3404 W. 19th St.

• Old Party City Store

2015 W. 23rd St.

• Palm Bay Prep Academy

1104 Balboa Ave.

• Panama City Mall

Corner of 23rd St. and Hwy 77

City of Springfield

The food/supply distribution point continues operating daily at the Springfield Fire Station, 3728 E. 3rd St. from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. While city employees are staffing this site, they are in need of volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering, please email MGRICE@Springfield.Fl.Gov. They are not accepting donations of clothing, furniture or household items at this time.

• City Hall and Public Works has relocated to 408 School Avenue.

• As of Oct. 25, the sewer is fully functional.

• The city is opening nine master valves for the municipal water supply, with re-pressurization in progress. At this time, residents can turn on their water meter. If their water does not work or there are other questions regarding water service, residents can contact 850-832-1336 or 850-832-1516.

• Municipal water service has been restored to 90 percent. If you see a flood or water main break, report it to any passing Springfield city employee or police officer, or, during daytime hours, report it to the command post behind city hall at 3529 E 3rd St.

• A boil water advisory REMAINS IN EFFECT for Springfield until further notice.

• All city roads have been cleared and are passable.

• The city’s trash hauler, Mr. Trash, has resumed.

• Residential garbage collection has resumed the regular schedule.

• Residential debris is being removed. Residents can help expedite debris removal by separating debris at the curbside into four categories

o Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)

o Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.

o Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.

o Appliances

When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter.

City of Parker

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

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

City of Callaway

Utilities

Water – Restored. Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

• Sewer –Operational

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

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

Construction Permits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Debris Pick-up

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

• AshBritt will be developing and posting schedules and routes.

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

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

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

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

Community Needs

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

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

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

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

Contact

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

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

• Email can be sent to contact@cityofcallaway.com

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

UPDATE 10/29/2018 6:45 p.m.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

• The Bay County Medical Examiner is reporting 21 casualties. *There are several social media posts exaggerating the numbers of casualties reported in Bay County. If you see erroneous reports, please assist the EOC by correcting the misinformation.

• The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls. For out-of-state callers, please dial (850) 248-6099.

• For up-to-date information, go to www.recoverbaycounty.com.

• Visit www.safeandwell.org to connect with friends and family and let them know you are safe. The website can also be used to search for loved ones.

• A curfew is still in effect for Bay County from midnight to 5 a.m. with a restriction on alcohol sales in place during curfew hours.

• On Tuesday, Oct. 30 the National Weather Services is calling for sunny skies with a high near 79, east northeast wind around 5 mph. Tuesday evening will be clear with a low

Recover Bay County – By the Numbers

• Feeding Assistance

o Salvation Army

(10/27): 14,087

(10/28): 13,779

240,458 total meals

o World Central Kitchen

(10/26): 4,680

(10/27): No Report

(10/28): No Report

124,800 total meals

o Red Cross Meals

(10/27): 20,294

(10/28): 18,378

254,330 total meals

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

• FEMA Points of Distribution (PODs)

o The remaining 2 PODs have now closed.

• Shelters

o Bozeman: 153

o Surfside: 171

o Breakfast Point: 484

o Total sheltered: 808 clients in shelters, reflecting a 3.5 percent decline since yesterday

• Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

o Visitors serviced by 3 p.m. on Oct. 28: 117

o Total to date: 236

• Debris Management

o 8-yard trash disposal facilities have been established.

o 6 Construction/Demolition Debris Disposal sites established.

o 433,380 cubic yards of debris in unincorporated Bay County, landfill and reporting jurisdictions.

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

o Open pharmacies: 54

o Open businesses: 769

o Business damage assessments conducted: 33

Power Outages

• Duke Energy has restored power to 800 people in Beacon Hill and Mexico Beach. They are working toward a goal of Nov. 3 for full restoration. Some customers may receive power today and in coming days.

• Gulf Power’s initial power restoration to the lines is now complete. They will continue to upgrade and restore the power grid, including power from the lines to properties.

• Gulf Coast Electric is reporting approximately 4.5 percent of Bay County is without power.

o You can track outages on the Gulf Power outage map from your smartphone or report power outages at https://outagemap.gulfpower.com/external/default.html

o Gulf Coast Electric Coop will not charge any late fees as the system and offices are repaired.

o 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

The Bay County Emergency Operations Center opened a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) on Monday, Oct. 29 at the Southport Community Center, located at 7734 Franklin Ave., Southport. The VRC provides a central location for the public to learn about, sign up for, and volunteer for the Hurricane Michael relief efforts throughout the Bay County area. Please do not drop donated items off at the VRC. The VRC will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Prospective volunteers should be aware of the following:

• Volunteers wishing to help will go through a background check through publicly available websites at www.VolunteerFlorida.org or www.crisiscleanup.org. 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.”

• Volunteers must complete an application and be prepared to show professional licensure, if applicable.

• Volunteers that do NOT wish to be connected with a volunteer disaster team should not register at the VRC.

• All volunteers must be willing to sign a release of liability; if under the age of 18, parents must sign the release form.

• Volunteers will be given specific job site assignments only after they are connected with a trained and experienced disaster relief team.

• The assignment of volunteers to teams will be dependent upon the needs of survivors that have been identified through a responding agency or organizations; assignments may not be immediate.

• Volunteers must be willing to turn in a time sheet at the end of each assignment.

• Not all jobs are manual labor. Anyone can volunteer; no experience is necessary.

Volunteers are integral in every disaster and are core to a community’s recovery. Dedicated volunteers working together will speed up recovery efforts in the Bay County area. Volunteer management and training is fundamental to community rebuilding efforts and resilience. The VRC will coordinate, train and deploy volunteers into teams that meet critical community needs. Ongoing hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Come join us and make Bay County Strong.

Please do not travel to the impacted area to volunteer without being assigned through an established disaster response group. We are seeing large numbers of untrained volunteers come forward wanting to help in areas that are still EXTREMELY UNSAFE. Volunteers not involved in a coordinated effort, though well-meaning, are a HINDRANCE when not PART OF AN ORGANIZED PROCESS.

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

• Debris and waste removal;

• Administrative and clerical tasks;

• Food service and distribution;

• Professional services;

• Drivers, especially those with box trucks; and

• Call centers.

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

The VRC is located at 7734 Franklin Ave., at the Southport Community Center, and is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although registration and assignment must be done in person, more information is available by calling (850) 960-4235.

BULK DONATION COORDINATION

For bulk donation coordination, call (469) 349-9532 or email donatebayco@gmail.com.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Shelters

Bay County Emergency Management and the American Red Cross will consolidate the three emergency shelters still in operation at Bozeman Learning Center, Breakfast Point Academy, and Surfside Middle School into a single location at Arnold High School on Tuesday, Oct. 30. Individuals staying at the Bozeman Learning Center will be the first to move to Arnold High School on Oct. 30.

The new, temporary shelter location will be in place as local and state officials continue to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toward a longer-term solution to Bay County’s housing crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

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

As of Oct. 29, approximately 808 evacuees remain in the shelters, reflecting a 3.5 percent decline from yesterday. Crews continue working to prepare Arnold High School for the relocation, with the first group of evacuees arriving from Bozeman on Tuesday and the remainder from the beach schools throughout the day on Wednesday. The new shelter will have climate-controlled accommodations for pets, as well as medical, postal services, social services, transportation, and recreational facilities.

The shelters will continue to accept any person in Bay County in need of assistance. For more information about when schools will open, please visit Bay District Schools’ at www.bay.k12.fl.us.

Potential Available Housing Units

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

Cleanup Assistance

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

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)

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

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

The FEMA DRC provides information about:

• Housing and rental resource information

• Referral to other support agencies

• Status of applications received from FEMA

• Crisis counseling

• Disaster legal services

• Disaster unemployment

• Small Business Administration (SBA)

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

The Department of Children and Family (DCF), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has initiated the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) in 12 counties to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Michael. DCF anticipates serving approximately 130,000 families through the federal D-SNAP program as result of Hurricane Michael. DCF served more than 1.2 million households for Hurricane Irma disaster food assistance last year.

Following DCF’s request, the federal government has granted permission to conduct phone applications for those individuals in all 12 counties who may not be able to attend the in-person events. Families in these counties, and those who are displaced as a result of the storm, are strongly encouraged to pre-register and take advantage of the phone application option.

DCF will host D-SNAP events in three phases, based on the order in which they were declared eligible for Individual Assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

DSNAP Locations:

Sites are being finalized and information regarding locations, dates and times can be found for each site at www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/dsnap/register.shtml.

• Bay County

o Pre-registration window: Oct. 26 – Nov. 4

o Phone application window: Oct. 27 – Oct. 30 (1-855-278-7136, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

o In-person application window: Oct. 31 – Nov. 4

To quality for D-SNAP, applicants must have lived or worked in one of the counties declared for FEMA Individual Assistance on Oct. 10, and not be receiving food assistance through the regular SNAP program. Additionally, eligible individuals and families must have suffered a disaster-related loss, such as damage to their homes or self-employment property, loss of food, reduction or loss of income, or have incurred other disaster-related expenses. Applicants must also be financially eligible. DCF will provide or mail Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to eligible individuals and families to use at authorized USDA food retailers.

Individuals and authorized representatives are strongly encouraged to pre-register online. Pre-registration is a brief application process that adds your information to the system in advance of your local site visit. D-SNAP pre-registration will be available on the D-SNAP website and open for people in need of food assistance in eligible counties prior to the phone and on-site events.

D-SNAP sites in Gulf, Bay, Franklin, Taylor, and Wakulla counties will open this week. Individuals who lived or worked in these counties on Oct. 10 can pre-register beginning Oct. 26. Pre-registration for other eligible counties will be available prior to the opening of the local site. Individuals, families and authorized representatives that pre-register must still call or visit a D-SNAP site to be interviewed. Individuals may also apply at D-SNAP site locations without pre-registration.

Applicants who opt to visit an on-site event to complete the application process should attend in their county of residence and only one person per household needs to visit the on-site event. Additional individuals attending may contribute to longer lines and extended service times. Each site will have designated areas for people with special needs.

Current food assistance participants should not pre-register, apply over the phone or visit the local D-SNAP site; additional October benefits will be added to current client EBT cards in the 12 impacted counties. DCF ordered an early release of food assistance benefits for those Florida residents in the 35 counties included in Governor Scott’s pre-landfall emergency order who would have receive normal SNAP benefits in October. DCF also waived restrictions on purchasing hot prepared food with SNAP benefits through October 31 statewide to assist customers who evacuated to another area or suffered storm damage to their home.

Visit the D-SNAP website for more information on pre-registration, site locations, and hours of operation.

FEEDING SITES

• Feeding is still ongoing in Bay County. Salvation Army, American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Farm share, Feeding Gulf Coast and No Town Left Behind are still continuing to distribute meals throughout Bay County. As of Oct. 28, no new critical feeding information has arisen.

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

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

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

Salvation Army Feeding Sites (as of 10/29/18)

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

• Northstar Church - St Andrews 2379 St Andrews Blvd., Panama City

• Youngstown/Fountain Dollar General 12610 U.S. 231, Youngstown

• Winn Dixie Lynn Haven 1812 Lynn Haven Pkwy Lynn Haven FL

• MLK Rec Center 705 14th St., Panama City

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

• Parker Fire Department 4534 E Business Hwy 98

• Walmart Panama City 513 W 23rd St., Panama City

• Walmart Lynn Haven 2101 S Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven

• Walmart Calloway 725 N. Tyndall Parkway, Panama City

• Springfield corner of 3rd Street (SR 22) & School Ave., Panama City

• Cove Shopping Center 929 Cherry St., Panama City

• Lucille Moore Elementary 1900 Michigan Ave., Panama City

• Boys & Girls Club 3404 W. 19th St., Panama City

• Deer Point Elementary School 4800 C.R. 2321

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

• Dollar General Bayou George 7025 US-231, Panama City

• Grocery Outlet 2800 E 5th St., Panama City

World Central Kitchen

• Hiland Park Elementary 2507 E. Baldwin Road

• Springfield Community Church 615 Transmitter Road, Panama City

Feeding the Gulf Coast Pre-Packaged Food Pantries

• Woodlawn United Methodist Church, We Care 219 N Alf Coleman Rd, Panama City Beach, 850-867-7342, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.

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

• St. Andrew Christian Care Center 3101 A West US Hwy 98, Panama City, 850-763-2345, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.

• Springfield United Methodist Church 701 School Ave, Panama City

• Springfield United Methodist Mission House, in conjunction with Springfield Community Church (7th & Transmitter) 615 Transmitter Rd, Panama City, 850-769-0374, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

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

• 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.

• First Baptist Church of Panama City 601 Grace Avenue, Panama City, 850-960-9929, only when able to accept food. Pantry damaged, but has access to parking lots.

• Grace Presbyterian Church 1415 Airport Road, Panama City

• St. Dominic’s Catholic Church 3308 15th Street, Panama City, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

There are various feeding sites and locations with meals and water including self-stable and Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs). Please check with your local faith-based organizations and churches for donation and feeding information.

Transitional Housing Assistance

• FEMA is providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for families in Bay County. TSA provides FEMA funded short-term lodging in hotels and motels for eligible disaster survivors who are unable to return home for an extended period due to disaster-related damages or inaccessibility of their communities.

• FEMA is currently notifying eligible families in Bay County who have already applied for assistance of their sheltering options under TSA. Families in Bay County looking to confirm their TSA eligibility should call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov for more information on TSA and to find participating hotels and motels or to begin the assistance process.

• FEMA may provide rental assistance for qualified applicants, call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

• FEMA does not use vouchers for hotels. All sheltering in hotel or motels approved by FEMA is paid directly to hotels. Survivors do not receive vouchers from FEMA.

FEMA Points of Distribution (POD)

The two remaining Bay County Points of Distribution are now closed. POD sites will no longer be distributing bulk food, water and ice, but they will continue to serve hot meals from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a list of more than 30 feeding locations, including the Salvation Army, World Kitchen and Feeding the Gulf Coast, go to www.recoverbaycounty.com.

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

Florida Public Assistance Process (State & Local Governments)

The Florida Public Assistance Process is accepting grant applications for state and local governments as well as certain private non-profits organizations including faith-based organizations that are providing services to survivors. For available grants, guidelines and additional information visit www.floridapa.org. The assistance request deadline is Nov. 10.

Operation Blue Roof

Operation Blue Roof, which temporarily repairs roofs at no cost to families, offers temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting helps reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made.

Primary residences that have standard shingled roofs are eligible to receive a temporary blue roof. Metal roofs and mobile homes will be considered for the program, as practical on a case-by-case basis. Roofs with greater than 50-percent structural damage are not eligible for this program. Renters must obtain legal permission from the homeowner to continue occupying the residence until more permanent repairs are made.

Homeowners must sign a Right of Entry, or ROE, form to allow government employees and contractors onto their property to assess damage and install the temporary covering.

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

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

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

Right of Entry collection centers are located at:

Beginning on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 8 a.m. the ROE that was located at Panama City Square will move to the Disaster Recovery Center located at:

• Disaster Recovery Center

Bay County Public Library

898 W. 11th St., Panama City

• Walmart near Pier Park

15495 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

• Walmart

2101 S. Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven

Centers are open from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. Additional locations may be added as necessary. For the most current information, please visit the Jacksonville District website at www.usace.army.mil/blueroof or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Information is provided in both English and Spanish through this single number.

Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System’s Hurricane Michael Medical Unit that was operating from a Walmart parking lot relocated to the Panama City Beach VA Clinic on Monday, Oct. 29.

The Medical Station will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, located at 513 W. 23rd Street, 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.

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

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

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 beginning Wednesday, Oct. 24, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Find out where to get healthcare Department Veterans Disaster Response Line 1-800-507-4571 24 hours.

• Department of Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Customer Care (Bay County) 850-640-3062.

• The American Red Cross Emergency Communication Center and Cash Assistance 1-877-272-7337.

• FEMA 1-800-621-3362

• VeteransFlorida.org/recovery for monetary assistance.

Bay County Veterans Services 850-819-2920 for veterans information

MEDICAL SERVICES

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County

597 W 11th ST, Panama City

Main Line: 850-872-4455

Environmental Health: 850-252-9688

Hours starting Monday, October 29: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm (please check-in no later than 3 pm for services)

Full services including:

• WIC (benefits should be automatically loaded to accounts)

• ADAP

• FREE Tetanus, Hep A, and Flu vaccines

• Family Planning

• Birth and death certificates

Emergency Diabetes Supplies:

• While supplies last

• Bring a box or prescription for insulin so we can provide the correct type and dose

• Call 850-252-9656 to check supplies

Free Private Well Testing

• Pick-up kits during office hours

• Return samples within 24 hours

• Wednesday samples must be returned by Noon Thursday

• No samples will be taken on Fridays

DOH-Bay Supported Clinics

Americares Clinic

597 W 11th ST, Panama City

9 am – 3 pm daily

• FREE Primary care services for children and adults

• Some prescriptions available

First Baptist Church

823 15th ST, Mexico Beach

11 am – 3 pm

• FREE Tetanus, Hep A and Flu immunizations

• First aid, respiratory care, and physician care

• Partnership with Heart to Heart International and Sacred Heart Medical Group

Fountain Piggly Wiggly

18917 Highway 231, Fountain, FL 32438

11 am – 3 pm

• FREE Tetanus, Hep A, and Flu immunizations

• Basic medical care

Community Clinics

PanCare- Follow @PanCareHealth on Facebook for updates

• Open clinics:

o Blountstown (medical): 16875 N Cayson Street (8 am-5 pm)

o Bonifay (medical): 495 St. Johns Road (8 am-5 pm)

o Bristol (medical): 11033 NW State Road 20 (8 am-5 pm EST)

o Carrabelle (dental): 106 NE 5th Street (8 am-5 pm)

o Chipley (medical): 1414 Main Street, Suite 4 (8 am-5 pm)

o Freeport (medical & dental): 479 E Highway 20 (8 am-5 pm)

o Marianna (medical & dental): 4126 Independent Drive (parking lot, 8 am-5 pm)

o Panama City (medical and dental): 2309 E 15th Street (8 am-5 pm)

o Port St. Joe (medical): 2475 Garrison Avenue (8 am-5 pm)

o Wewahitchka (dental): 807 W Highway 22 (8 am-5 pm)

o Youngstown (medical and dental): 12427 Highway 231 (10 am-3:30 pm)

• Mobile medical services:

o Callaway Wal-Mart (medical): 725 N Tyndall Parkway (9 am-4 pm)

o Lynn Haven Wal-Mart (medical): 2101 S Highway 77 (9 am-4 pm)

• Free sports physicals available; all other fees for services have resumed

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

Hospitals

• Bay Medical Sacred Heart, 615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City- Emergency Room ONLY

• Bay Medical Beach ER- Intersection of Panama City Beach Parkway (Hwy. 98) and Richard Jackson Blvd.

• Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, 449 W 23rd ST, Panama City- Emergency Room ONLY

• Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf, 3801 E. Hwy. 98, Port St. Joe- Fully operational

Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Life Management Center

• Psychiatric inpatient treatment services, 525 E 15th ST, Panama City

• Genoa Pharmacy, 525 E 15th ST Bldg E, 9 am – 5 pm (current patients)

• Current Client Refills call 850-522-4485, ext. 1823

• Limited services- Bonifay, 310 Byrd Ave. and Marianna, 4094 Lafayette St. hours are 8 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 850-273-8255

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

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

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

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

Prescriptions

• Under the Emergency Order, persons can get a 30-day refill of prescriptions.

• To find an open pharmacy near you, got to RxOpen.org.

• Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for persons who do not have health insurance. Call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470 to find out if you are eligible.

For additional health care provider information, visit https://info.emeraldcoastmedicalassociation.com/blog/practice-updates-for-hurricane-michael-impacted-areas.

Assistance Services

• For emergency services please call 911.

• For local service information call 211.

• For suicide prevention call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (850) 273-8255.

• The Panama City Treatment Center is open from 6:30 – 11:30 am daily. They are treating current patients and guests.

Hospitals

St. Andrews Community Medical Center is open and seeing patients. Their address is 3101b W Hwy 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 PKWY, Oceanpark- 23040 PCB PKWY. 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. Hwy 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 Hepatitis A vaccination. Again, these are available at DOH-Bay.

Tetanus is a risk when you get a puncture wound or cut. If you receive a puncture wound and it becomes contaminated with sewage, dirt or flood water, thoroughly clean the wound and have a healthcare provider determine whether a tetanus shot or booster is necessary. If you feel you need a tetanus, please visit your closest emergency centers.

Tetanus Points of Distribution (Hours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

• Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Hwy 77 in Lynn Haven – First responders only

TRANSPORTATION

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

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

Pick up and drop off sites as follows:

• Millville Area Asian Market at College Ave and 5th Street

• Springfield Area Goodwill Business 98 and 3rd Street

• Parker Elementary School Bob Little Road

• Grocery Outlet Tyndall Parkway

Ride Share

Uber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCHOOLS

Tentatively, the following schools will open on November 5, 2018:

• Northside Elementary School

• Mosley High School (split schedule with Merritt Brown Middle School)

• Oakland Terrace Elementary School

• Parker Elementary School (with Patterson Elementary displaced students)

• Tommy Smith Elementary School

• West Bay Elementary School

• Patronis Elementary School

• Waller Elementary School

• Hutchison Beach Elementary School

• New Horizons Learning Center

• Southport Elementary School

• Lynn Haven Elementary School

• Lucille Moore Elementary School

• Deer Point Elementary School

• Callaway Elementary School (with Tyndall Elementary displaced students)

All other school sites (except Springfield Elementary, Tyndall Elementary, and Patterson Elementary) will be opening no later than the week of Nov. 13.

Additional Information:

• The colors of the dress code will be temporarily waived, and Bay District Schools asks that students come dressed appropriately for school each day.

• Bay District Schools petitioned the state Department of Education for a waiver of many requirements (including the requirement to use FSA as a promotion requirement).

• All elementary schools will operate on a full school day. Some schools will have slightly-altered school opening/closing times. More specifics will be coming at a later time.

• Tyndall students will attend on the campus with Callaway Elementary.

• Springfield students will attend with Cedar Grove Elementary.

• Patterson students will attend with Parker Elementary students.

• It is expected that this arrangement will last for a significant amount of time because the Tyndall, Springfield and Patterson campuses are heavily damaged.

• All students will receive free breakfast and lunch.

• You are encouraged to register your student at the school closest to where you now live. You are welcome to provide your own transportation to your student's original school, but we will not be able to provide that transportation.

• Locations where you can complete "needs lists" for students who need school-appropriate clothing, will be provided at a later time. We are so thankful to have received a lot of donations and we hope to be able to provide clothing to all students in need.

• School supplies are being provided directly to our schools so there is no need to worry about paper, crayons, markers, notebooks etc. All the supplies will be at the school when your students arrive.

• 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.

If your elementary school is not listed as a school with a shared campus, then it is not a shared campus and students should attend their original campus. However, given the traffic situation and current logistics being faced by many families, we recommend students attend the school closest to the places where they now reside so that transportation can be provided.

Thank you for understanding these temporary changes as we continue to provide for your student’s education. We will provide additional information, such as the school calendar, ACT/SAT and bus routes as they become available. Go to Facebook @baydistrictschools for more details.

DAYCARES

Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida has provided a list of more than 45 daycares that are now open. For a list, go online at www.recoverbaycounty.org.

LIBRARY

• Panama City Beach Public Library will re-open with reduced hours on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd. Temporary hours are Tuesday, through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call library for more information, 850-233-5055.

• Please do not return books or other library items to any libraries that are closed. Keep them and return when the library reopens. All fines and fees for items returned late or damaged due to Hurricane Michael will be waived.

• PCB Library has internet and wifi access. Computers, printer, copier, and the fax machine are working.

BAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity(DEO), to hold a workshop to help you recover after Hurricane Michael. This storm has had a devastating effect on our community. The Chamber is working diligently with other organizations to help recover business operations.

At this informative workshop, you will learn the next steps you need to take to get your business back up and running. You will hear from DEO staff on what they are doing to help your business and have the opportunity to ask questions of the department.

The event will take place at the Oakland Terrace Men's Club (1009 W. 9th St., Panama City) on Monday, Oct. 29 at 10 am.

COMMUNICATIONS

T-Mobile

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 cellular calling is open to the public.

T-Mobile will facilitate cellular connectivity deployment at the consolidated Bay County Emergency Shelter located at Arnold High School, 550 N Alf Coleman Road, beginning Tuesday, October 30.

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:

• Volunteer Relief Centers

• Voting Stations

• Bay County Library

T-Mobile will supply gas generator lighting systems for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints volunteer campsite from Friday, October 26 – Sunday, October 28. All counties and cities are encouraged to reach out through the Bay County Volunteer and Donations Help Desk to request temporary lighting needs.

T-Mobile will have mobile relief stations at the following locations on Monday, October 29 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.:

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

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

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

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

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

Verizon

Verizon indicated that Panama City will be the 5th city in the nation to have 5G service. This provides download speeds 1000 times faster than 4G. Verizon indicates that they are back to 100 percent pre-storm conditions.

ELECTIONS

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

• No new mail-in ballots will be sent out.

• If you already have a mail-in ballot do not put in the mail. Hand deliver to the supervisor of the election’s office.

Early voting began today, Oct. 27 for 12 hours each day through Election Day. To reach the Supervisor of Elections Office temporarily by phone call (850) 248-8602, (850) 248-8603 or (850) 248-8604 or visit www.bayvotes.org.

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

• Stanford Station (near Hobby Lobby) 746 W. 23rd Street

• Parker United Methodist Church 908 S. Tyndall Pkwy.

• Panama City Beach Senior Center 423 Lyndell Ln.

• Lynn Haven Elementary School 300 W. 10th Street (new building behind the school at corner of 10th & Alabama Ave.)

• Palo Alto Church of Christ 3119 N Highway 231

• Supervisor of Election Office 830 W. 11th St.

COURT SERVICES

Bay County Courts will reopen on Monday, Oct. 29. First appearances are being conducted at the jail, as they are federally mandated.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

DHSMV’s Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles continue to be in Bay County to offer driver license and motor vehicle services and have assisted more than 400 customers since Oct. 16.

TAX COLLECTION

Notice to Bay County Property Owners

Tax Collector Chuck Perdue is very sensitive to the needs of Bay County citizens affected by the recent damage due to the hurricane; however, state law requires the tax collector to mail and collect 2018 property tax bills.

Below are a few important things to remember:

• We understand your property may not be in the condition it was in on Jan. 1, 2018. However, State law requires taxes be assessed as of Jan. 1, 2018 for the 2018 year.

• Property taxes are payable anytime between now and March 31, 2019. Please keep in mind there is no penalty for late payment until after March 31, 2019, and you do receive a discount if you pay early. The tax collector has extended the 4 percent discount period through Dec. 31, 2018.

• If your home, storage building, shed or commercial building was destroyed, please remember to contact the Bay County Property Appraiser’s Office at 850-248-8401 so your assessment can be adjusted for next year (2019).

• Please remember our property tax dollars go to help pay for many services, including fire and rescue, law enforcement protection and infrastructure such as roads and utilities. Our taxing authorities’ resources have been significantly depleted as they have responded to needs and continue working towards recovery in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

The Bay County Property Appraiser has certified and delivered the 2018 Bay County Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem Tax Rolls to the Office of the Bay County Tax Collector. Beginning, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, the tax rolls are open for collection.

Pay online with a debit/credit card or e-check at: www.baytaxcollector.com. Convenience fees apply. Taxes are not delinquent until after March 31, 2019.

Mail payments to: BCTC, Panama City Panama City Beach. Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday— 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact us at (850) 248-8501 or visit us at:

P.O. Box 2285 Panama City, FL 32402

850 W. 11th Street Panama City, FL 32401

10520 Hutchison Blvd Panama City Beach, FL 32407

After hours payment drop boxes are available at each branch. Payments will be processed within 48 hours.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

The Postal Service continues to restore service to our customers, following Hurricane Michael. As an integral part of the communities we serve, the Postal Service is working around the clock to restore mail services and delivery, reconnecting our customers and businesses with their mail. Our entire mail processing infrastructure is up and running and the mail is moving.

Most of our Post Offices are open for business and we are delivering to homes and businesses, wherever it is safe and accessible to do so. We are committed to serving our customers in portions of northern Florida, especially the three-digit ZIP Codes 323 and 324, as recovery from Hurricane Michael continues. We remind our customers to 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:

• Campbellton 5265 Highway 231, Campbellton FL 32426

o Graceville 5360 Cliff St, Graceville FL 32440

• Fountain 12606 Silver Lake Rd, Fountain FL 32438

o Youngstown 11805 Highway 231, Youngstown FL 32466

• Tyndall AFB 730 Suwannee Rd, Panama City FL 32403

o Panama City (GMF) 1336 Sherman Ave, Panama City FL 32401

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 9 am - 4 pm.

• Panama City GMF, 1336 Sherman Ave, Panama City, FL 32401; Beginning Oct 25, Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 5:30 pm. Sat 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with extended hours for mail pick up until 4 pm.

• Panama City Northside, 1315 W 17th St, Panama City, FL 32405; Mon-Sun 8:30 am. - 4 pm.

Additionally, the following Contract Postal Units are open for business:

• 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

• Mexico Beach CPO 625C 15th Street, Mexico Beach FL 32456; Open: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 12:00pm and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m./Sat 10a.m. - noon/Sun Closed

• West Beach CPU 268 S Arnold Road, Panama City FL 32413; Open: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 3 p.m./Sat-Sun Closed

We are committed to serving our customers and to being there for the residents in the Gulf Atlantic areas, as recovery from Hurricane Michael continues.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

WATER

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. 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.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Wastewater

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.

• 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

Service areas where boil water notices have been lifted:

• Bay County Retail Utility Service Area

• Panama City Beach Utility Service Area

• Panama City North Utility Service Area

• Lynn Haven Utility Service Area

• Panama City Utility Service Area

• Callaway Utility Service Area

Service areas that must continue to boil water:

• Springfield Utility Service Area

• Tyndall AFB Utility Service Area

• Mexico Beach

If you live in an area where the boil water notice was recently lifted, run water at each tap for approximately three (3) minutes to flush the lines. Plumbing lines serving misters, drinking fountains and soda machines should also be flushed for three (3) minutes. Discard the first bin of ice from icemakers. For more detailed guidelines visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/_documents/2018-hurricane-letter-food-bulletin-bwn-guidelines.pdf

For residents still under the boil water order:

• If you have utility power or generator power, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least three (3) 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.

CITY INFORMATION

City of Mexico Beach

Power Restoration

Duke Energy has restored power to 800 people in Beacon Hill and Mexico Beach. They are working toward a goal of Nov. 3 for full restoration. Some customers may receive power today and in coming days. In an abundance of caution, please:

• Turn off the main breakers if you can until power is restored. Duke Energy cannot go into your home to do that and they can't see inside your house.

• Properly disconnect generators, especially if you have a whole house generator that is hard wired into your home.

• Be aware that power lines are being energized. Practice safety.

Water System

Crews from across the state are working to repair the Mexico Beach water system. If you are a resident who lives between CR 386 and 22nd Street and want your water and sewer turned on, please call 1-252-996-0660, 1-252-996-0662 or 850-648-5700 to put in a request. Water should continue to be shut off elsewhere to prevent problems if residents have a broken pipe or connection. If you have not turned off your water, please do so immediately.

If you are out of town and would like the water department to turn off your water, please contact City Hall at 1-252-996-0660, 1-252-996-0662 or 850-648-5700.

Boil Water Notice

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

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

Checkpoints

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

• 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.

The city is 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.

Feeding/Supply Locations

• Camp Happy Tummies 111 22nd Street (next to City Hall) - Breakfast 8:30 a.m.; dinner at 4 p.m.

• Mexico Beach Strong, Love in the Storm 36th Street & Hwy 98; Hours 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Hot meals, water, snacks, non-perishables, bug spray, charcoal, batteries, hard hats, gloves, canned goods, tarps, dog food.

• First Baptist Church 823 N 15th St. - Tarps and supplies

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

City of Lynn Haven

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

• 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

Sewer Restoration

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

City of Panama City

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

• 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 pick-up.

• Debris pick-ups 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, October 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 Street.

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.

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. – 5 p.m. While city employees are staffing this site, they are in need of volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering, please email MGRICE@Springfield.Fl.Gov. They are not accepting donations of clothing, furniture or household items at this time.

• City Hall and Public Works has relocated to 408 School Avenue.

• As of Oct. 25, the sewer is fully functional.

• The city is opening nine master valves for the municipal water supply, with re-pressurization in progress. At this time, residents can turn on their water meter. If their water does not work or there are other questions regarding water service, residents can contact 850-832-1336 or 850-832-1516.

• Municipal water service has been restored to 90 percent. If you see a flood or water main break, report it to any passing Springfield city employee or police officer, or, during daytime hours, report it to the command post behind city hall at 3529 E 3rd St.

• A boil water advisory REMAINS IN EFFECT for Springfield until further notice.

• All city roads have been cleared and are passable.

• The city’s trash hauler, Mr. Trash, has resumed.

• Residential garbage collection has resumed the regular schedule.

• Residential debris is being removed. Residents can help expedite debris removal by separating debris at the curbside into four categories

o Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)

o Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.

o Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.

o Appliances

When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter.

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 boil water notice for the City of Parker has been lifted. Water service has been restored throughout the city.

• FEMA employees are going door to door assisting Parker residents in registering for benefits. They will be wearing blue FEMA shirts. Please take advantage of this valuable resource.

• Phone service has once again become an operational issue. The main daytime number, 850-871-4104 only works intermittently. We hope communications can be restored in a few days. The utility office remains open for walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.

• 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. Hwy. 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. – 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:

o Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)

o Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.

o Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.

o Appliances

When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter.

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

Utilities

Water – Restored. Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

• Sewer –Operational

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

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

Construction Permits

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

• Our permitting office (EPCI) located behind city hall is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am-5:30 pm.

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

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

• The Dept. of Business & Professional Regulators (DBPR) along with code enforcement is in Callaway monitoring all construction. Anyone found without a valid Florida Contractor License will be charged with a felony under Florida Law.

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

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

Debris Pick-up

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

• AshBritt will be developing and posting schedules and routes.

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

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

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

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

Community Needs

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

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

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

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

Contact

• Communication is very difficult. You can call the main phone number (850-871-6000).

• Monitor the City’s website: www.cityofcallaway.com

• Email can be sent to contact@cityofcallaway.com

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

UPDATE 10/28/2018 9:08 p.m.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

On Monday, Oct. 29 the National Weather Service is calling for sunny skies with a high near 82 degrees and north wind of 5 to 10 mph. Monday evening will be clear with a low of around 61 degrees and east northeast wind around 5 mph.

Recover Bay County – By the Numbers

· Feeding Assistance

o Salvation Army

§ (10/26): 12,889

§ (10/27): 14,087

§ 226,554 total meals

o World Central Kitchen

§ (10/26): 4,680

§ (10/27): No Report

§ 124,800 approximate total meals

o Red Cross Meals

§ (10/26): 15,658

§ (10/27):20,294

o 235,952 approximate total meals

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

· PODs

o 143,229 people served (amount of supplies taken per person vary)

Power Outages

· Gulf Power’s initial power restoration to the lines is now complete. They will continue to upgrade and restore the power grid, including power from the lines to properties.

· Gulf Coast Electric is reporting approximately 5 percent of Bay County is without power.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Shelters

Bay County Emergency Management and the American Red Cross will consolidate the three emergency shelters still in operation at Bozeman Learning Center, Breakfast Point Academy, and Surfside Middle School into a single location at Arnold High School beginning Tuesday, Oct. 30.

The new, temporary shelter location will be in place as local and state officials continue to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toward a longer-term solution to Bay County’s housing crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

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

Currently, approximately 826 evacuees remain in the shelters. Crews continue working to prepare Arnold High School for the relocation, with the first group of evacuees arriving from Bozeman on Tuesday and the remainder from the beach schools throughout the day on Wednesday. The new shelter will have climate-controlled accommodations for pets, as well as medical, postal services, social services, transportation, and recreational facilities.

The shelters will continue to accept any person in Bay County in need of assistance. For more information about when schools will open, please visit Bay District Schools’ at www.bay.k12.fl.us.

FEEDING SITES

· Feeding is still ongoing in Bay County. Salvation Army, American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Farm share, Feeding Gulf Coast and No Town Left Behind are still continuing to distribute meals throughout Bay County. As of Oct. 28, no new critical feeding information has arisen.

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

· The American Red Cross is continuing to send roving vehicles throughout the county to feed those who might have issues accessing stationary feeding locations. They have also been going to locations identified through the county as needing additional feeding support. As of Oct. 28, those locations identified by the NCAAP were showing low numbers of meals needed so those roving locations have pulled back. Currently, they have 36 Emergency Response Vehicles in Bay County running mobile feeding routes in multiple locations.

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

Operation Blue Roof

Beginning on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 8 a.m. the ROE that was located at Panama City Square will move to the Disaster Recovery Center located at:

· Disaster Recovery Center

Bay County Public Library

898 W. 11th St., Panama City

Centers are open from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

Ride Share

Uber

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are a government, nonprofit, or other organization with an immediate need for rides or are interested in partnering on other response efforts, please email SErelief@uber.com and we will respond as soon as possible.

https://www.uber.com/blog/florida/hurricane-michael-relief-efforts/

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

The Postal Service continues to restore service to our customers, following Hurricane Michael. As an integral part of the communities we serve, the Postal Service is working around the clock to restore mail services and delivery, reconnecting our customers and businesses with their mail. Our entire mail processing infrastructure is up and running and the mail is moving.

Most of our Post Offices are open for business and we are delivering to homes and businesses, wherever it is safe and accessible to do so. We are committed to serving our customers in portions of northern Florida, especially the three-digit ZIP Codes 323 and 324, as recovery from Hurricane Michael continues. We remind our customers to 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:

· Campbellton 5265 Highway 231, Campbellton FL 32426

o Graceville 5360 Cliff St, Graceville FL 32440

· Fountain 12606 Silver Lake Rd, Fountain FL 32438

o Youngstown 11805 Highway 231, Youngstown FL 32466

· Tyndall AFB 730 Suwannee Rd, Panama City FL 32403

o Panama City (GMF) 1336 Sherman Ave, Panama City FL 32401

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 9 am - 4 pm.

· Panama City GMF, 1336 Sherman Ave, Panama City, FL 32401; Beginning Oct 25, Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 5:30 pm. Sat 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with extended hours for mail pick up until 4 pm.

· Panama City Northside, 1315 W 17th St, Panama City, FL 32405; Mon-Sun 8:30 am. - 4 pm.

Additionally, the following Contract Postal Units are open for business:

· 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

· Mexico Beach CPO 625C 15th Street, Mexico Beach FL 32456; Open: Mon-Fri 9:00am - 12:00pm and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m./Sat 10a.m. - noon/Sun Closed

· West Beach CPU 268 S Arnold Road, Panama City FL 32413; Open: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 3 p.m./Sat-Sun Closed

We are committed to serving our customers and to being there for the residents in the Gulf Atlantic areas, as recovery from Hurricane Michael continues.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

City of Callaway

Utilities

Water – Restored. Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

· Sewer –Operational

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

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

Construction Permits

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

· Our permitting office (EPCI) located behind city hall is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am-5:30 pm.

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

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

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

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

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

Debris Pick-up

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

· AshBritt will be developing and posting schedules and routes.

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

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

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

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

Community Needs

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

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

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

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

Contact

· Communication is very difficult. You can call the main phone number (850-871-6000).

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

· Email can be sent to contact@cityofcallaway.com

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

---------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE 10/26/2018 6 p.m.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

The Bay County Medical Examiner is reporting 21 casualties.

The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls. For out-of-state callers, please dial (850) 248-6099.

For up-to-date information, go to www.recoverbaycounty.com

Visit www.safeandwell.org to connect with friends and family and let them know you are safe. The website can also be used to search for loved ones.

A curfew is still in effect for Bay County from midnight to 5 a.m. with a restriction on alcohol sales in place during curfew hours.

On Saturday, Oct. 27 the National Weather Service is calling for sunny skies with a high near 72. West northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph. Saturday evening will be clear with a low of 57 and northwest winds of 5-10 mph.

Recovery by the Numbers

Crisis Cleanup has logged more than 600 volunteer hours to help those in need.

Salvation Army Feeding Sites: 18

Meals served as of Oct. 26: 213,002

Rovers: 4

World Kitchen Feeding Sites: 2.

Meals served as of Oct. 25: 122,040

Red Cross

Meals served as of Oct. 26: 200,000

36 Emergency Response Vehicles providing mobile feeding.

Pre-packed Food Distribution Locations: 8

Current FEMA Point of Distribution (POD): 2

141,367 people served (amount of supplies taken per person vary)

Comfort Stations: 9

Bay County roads cleared (1,508 miles): 100 percent

Yard trash disposal facilities established: 8

Construction/demolition debris disposal sites established: 6

Power Outages

Gulf Power’s initial power restoration to the lines is now complete. They will continue to upgrade and restore the power grid, including power from the lines to properties.

Gulf Coast Electric is reporting approximately 6 percent of Bay County is without power.

You can track outages on the Gulf Power outage map from your smartphone or report power outages at https://outagemap.gulfpower.com/external/default.html

Gulf Coast Electric Coop will not charge any late fees as the system and offices are repaired.

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

Bay County Emergency Operations Center , is opening a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at the Southport Community Center, located at 7734 Franklin Ave., Southport. The VRC will provide a central location for the public to learn about, sign up for, and volunteer for the Hurricane Michael relief efforts throughout the Bay County area.

Prospective volunteers should be aware of the following:

Volunteers wishing to help will go through a background check through publicly available websites atwww.VolunteerFlorida.org or www.crisiscleanup.org. 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.”

Volunteers must complete an application and be prepared to show professional licensure, if applicable.

Volunteers that do NOT wish to be connected with a volunteer disaster team should not register at the VRC.

All volunteers must be willing to sign a release of liability; if under the age of 18, parents must sign the release form.

Volunteers will be given specific job site assignments only after they are connected with a trained and experienced disaster relief team.

The assignment of volunteers to teams will be dependent upon the needs of survivors that have been identified through a responding agency or organizations; assignments may not be immediate.

Volunteers must be willing to turn in a time sheet at the end of each assignment.

Not all jobs are manual labor. Anyone can volunteer; no experience is necessary.

Volunteers are integral in every disaster and are core to a community’s recovery. Dedicated volunteers working together will speed up recovery efforts in the Bay County area. Volunteer management and training is fundamental to community rebuilding efforts and resilience. The VRC will coordinate, train and deploy volunteers into teams that meet critical community needs. Ongoing hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Come join us and make Bay County Strong.

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.

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

The Disaster Recovery Center opens Saturday, Oct. 27.

Location: Bay County Public Library, 898 W 11th Street, Panama City

Hours: Every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The FEMA DRC provides information about:

Housing and rental resource information

Referral to other support agencies

Status of applications received from FEMA

Crisis counseling

Disaster legal services

Disaster unemployment

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

The Department of Children and Family, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has initiated the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 12 counties to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Michael. DCF anticipates serving approximately 130,000 families through the federal D-SNAP program as result of Hurricane Michael. DCF served more than 1.2 million households for Hurricane Irma disaster food assistance last year.

Following DCF’s request, the federal government has granted permission to conduct phone applications for those individuals in all 12 counties who may not be able to attend the in-person events. Families in these counties, and those who are displaced as a result of the storm, are strongly encouraged to pre-register and take advantage of the phone application option.

DCF will host D-SNAP events in three phases, based on the order in which they were declared eligible for Individual Assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

DSNAP Locations

Sites are being finalized and information regarding locations, dates and times can be found for each site at www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/dsnap/register.shtml .

Bay County

Pre-registration Window: Oct. 26 – Nov. 4

Phone application Window: Oct. 27 – Oct. 30

In-Person Application Window: Oct. 31 – Nov. 4

To quality for D-SNAP, applicants must have lived or worked in one of the counties declared for FEMA Individual Assistance on Oct. 10, and not be receiving food assistance through the regular SNAP program.

Additionally, eligible individuals and families must have suffered a disaster-related loss, such as damage to their homes or self-employment property, loss of food, reduction or loss of income, or have incurred other disaster-related expenses. Applicants must also be financially eligible. DCF will provide or mail Electronic Benefits

Transfer cards to eligible individuals and families to use at authorized USDA food retailers.

Individuals and authorized representatives are strongly encouraged to pre-register online. Pre-registration is a brief application process that adds your information to the system in advance of your local site visit.

D-SNAP pre-registration will be available on the D-SNAP website and open for people in need of food assistance in eligible counties prior to the phone and on-site events. D-SNAP sites in Gulf, Bay, Franklin, Taylor, and Wakulla counties will open next week. Individuals who lived or worked in these counties on Oct. 10 can pre-register beginning Oct. 26.

Pre-registration for other eligible counties will be available prior to the opening of the local site. Individuals, families and authorized representatives that pre-register must still call or visit a D-SNAP site to be interviewed. Individuals may also apply at D-SNAP site locations without pre-registration.

Applicants who opt to visit an on-site event to complete the application process should attend in their county of residence and only one person per household needs to visit the on-site event. Additional individuals attending may contribute to longer lines and extended service times. Each site will have designated areas for people with special needs.

Current food assistance participants should not pre-register, apply over the phone or visit the local D-SNAP site; additional October benefits will be added to current client EBT cards in the 12 impacted counties. DCF ordered an early release of food assistance benefits for those Florida residents in the 35 counties included in Governor Scott’s pre-landfall emergency order who would have receive normal SNAP benefits in October. DCF also waived restrictions on purchasing hot prepared food with SNAP benefits through October 31 statewide to assist customers who evacuated to another area or suffered storm damage to their home.

Visit the D-SNAP website for more information on pre-registration, site locations, and hours of operation.

FEEDING SITES

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

Northstar Church - St Andrews 2379 St Andrews Blvd., Panama City

Youngstown/Fountain Dollar General -12610 U.S. 231, Youngstown

Cedar Grove Elementary School – 2825 15th St., Panama City

Winn Dixie Lynn Haven – 1812 Lynn Haven Pkwy Lynn Haven FL

MLK Rec Center- 705 14th St., Panama City

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

Jinks Middle School- 600 W 11th St., Panama City

Parker Fire Department- 4534 E Business Hwy 98

Walmart Panama City- 513 W 23rd St., Panama City

Walmart Lynn Haven- 2101 S Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven

Walmart Calloway - 725 N. Tyndall Parkway, Panama City

Springfield Elementary- 520 School Ave., Panama City

Cove Shopping Center- 929 Cherry St., Panama City

Lucille Moore Elementary – 1900 Michigan Ave., Panama City

Boys & Girls Club – 3404 W. 19th St., Panama City

Deer Point Elementary School – 4 800 C.R. 2321

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

World Central Kitchen

Hiland Park Elementary – 2507 E. Baldwin Road

Springfield Community Church – 615 Transmitter Road, Panama City

Feeding Gulf Coast Pre-Packaged Food Pantries

Woodlawn United Methodist Church – We Care – 219 N Alf Coleman Rd, Panama City Beach, 850-867-7342, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.

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

St. Andrew Christian Care Center – 3101 A West US Hwy 98, Panama City, 850-763-2345, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.

Springfield United Methodist Church – 701 School Ave, Panama City

Springfield United Methodist Mission House , in conjunction with Springfield Community Church (7th & Transmitter) – 615 Transmitter Rd, Panama City, 850-769-0374, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

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

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.

First Baptist Church of Panama City , 601 Grace Avenue, Panama City, 850-960-9929, only when able to accept food. Pantry damaged, but has access to parking lots.

Grace Presbyterian Church – 1415 Airport Road, Panama City

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.

FEMA Points of Distribution (POD)

Three Bay County Points of Distribution, or PODs, will be closed as of Friday, Oct. 26, with the remaining two sites closing Saturday, Oct. 27 and Monday, Oct. 29.

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 Saturday, Oct. 27:

Rosenwald Middle School – 924 Bay Ave., Panama City

Closing Monday, Oct. 29:

High Praise Church – 7124 SR 22, Callaway

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

Life Management Center to Resume Inpatient Services

Psychiatric inpatient treatment services will resume at Life Management Center at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 26. These services are available 24 hours-per-day and are provided at the main campus at 525 East 15 th Street in Panama City. Crisis telephone and evaluation services are also available 24 hours-per-day by calling 850-522-4485.

Other services currently available:

Medication Refills: Current patients in need of a new prescription for medication refills, please call us at 850-522-4485, ext. 1823. Someone is available to assist 8:00 - 5:00, Monday thru Friday.

Pharmacy: The Genoa Pharmacy at Life Management Center is open for our current clients at our main campus at 525 East 15th Street, in Building E. It is available 9:00 to 5:00, Monday thru Friday. For refills or questions, please call them at 848-261-1417.

Bonifay: We are currently providing outpatient counseling and psychiatric care at our Bonifay office at 310 Byrd Ave. from 8:00 to 5:00, Monday thru Friday.

Marianna: We are currently providing outpatient counseling and psychiatric care at our Marianna office at 4094 Lafayette Street, from 8:00 to 5:00, Monday thru Friday.

Port St. Joe: Offices are closed until further notice.

Blountstown: Offices are closed until further notice.

SCHOOLS

Tentatively, the following schools will open on Nov. 5, 2018:

Northside Elementary School

Mosley High School (split schedule with Merritt Brown Middle School

Oakland Terrace Elementary School

Parker Elementary School (with Patterson Elementary displaced students

Tommy Smith Elementary School

West Bay Elementary School

Patronis Elementary School

Waller Elementary School

Hutchison Beach Elementary School

New Horizons Learning Center

Southport Elementary School

Lynn Haven Elementary School

Lucille Moore Elementary School

Deer Point Elementary School

Callaway Elementary School (with Tyndall Elementary displaced students)

All other school sites (except Springfield Elementary, Tyndall Elementary, and Patterson Elementary) will be opening no later than the week of Nov. 12.

LIBRARY

PCB Library has internet and wifi access. 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

Voting stations

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.

T-Mobile will have mobile relief stations at the following location on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.:

Wal-Mart Lynn Haven 2101 S Highway 77, Lynn Haven, FL 32444

Wal-Mart 725 Tyndall Pkwy Callaway, FL 32404

Sam’s Club 1707 West 23rd St Panama City, FL 32405

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

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

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

Lowe’s 11751 Panama City Beach Pkwy Panama City Beach, FL 32407

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

T-Mobile is offering EOC volunteers free mobile hotspots with complimentary service for thirty days. If your city, county or agency EOC staff is in need of wifi connectivity, please email Michael.Wood33@T-Mobile.com . For volunteers located at the Bay County Emergency Operations Center, please email Brandon.Reed26@T-Mobile.com .

LAW ENFORCEMENT

DHSMV’s Florida Licensing on Wheels mobiles continue to be in Bay County to offer driver license and motor vehicle services and have assisted more than 400 customers since Tuesday, Oct. 16.

TAX COLLECTION

Notice to Bay County Property Owners

Tax Collector Chuck Perdue is very sensitive to the needs of Bay County citizens affected by the recent damage due to the hurricane; however, state law requires the tax collector to mail and collect 2018 property tax bills.

Below are a few important things to remember:

We understand your property may not be in the condition it was in on January 1, 2018. However, State law requires taxes be assessed as of January 1, 2018 for the 2018 year.

Property taxes are payable anytime between now and March 31, 2019. Please keep in mind there is no penalty for late payment until after March 31, 2019, and you do receive a discount if you pay early. The tax collector has extended the 4 percent discount period through December 31, 2018.

If your home, storage building, shed or commercial building was destroyed, please remember to contact the Bay County Property Appraiser’s Office at 850-248-8401 so your assessment can be adjusted for next year (2019).

Please remember our property tax dollars go to help pay for many services, including fire and rescue, law enforcement protection and infrastructure such as roads and utilities. Our taxing authorities’ resources have been significantly depleted as they have responded to needs and continue working towards recovery in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

The Bay County Property Appraiser has certified and delivered the 2018 Bay County Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem Tax Rolls to the Office of the Bay County Tax Collector. Beginning, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, the tax rolls are open for collection.

Pay online with a debit/credit card or e-check at: www.baytaxcollector.com. Convenience fees apply. Taxes are not delinquent until after March 31, 2019.

Mail payments to: BCTC, Panama City Panama City Beach. Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday— 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact us at 850-248-8501 or visit us at:

P.O. Box 2285 Panama City, FL 32402

850 W. 11th Street Panama City, FL 32401

10520 Hutchison Blvd Panama City Beach , FL 32407

After hours payment drop boxes are available at each branch. Payments will be processed within 48 hours.

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.

The City is only be open to the following:

1. Residents, Property Owners and Property Management Companies: You must have evidence of property ownership or residency (driver’s license, deed, utility bill, etc.) to get your credentials. The City will provide you with a pass for your vehicle and a wristband that should be worn while in Mexico Beach. If you are already in the city, you can get a wristband and vehicle permit at City Hall

2. Insurance Adjusters: Insurance adjusters must have a copy of their state-issued license, evidence of the company they work for and the specific appointment they are going to. Insurance adjusters will be given a single day pass

3. Debris haulers who are part of the team contracted through the City of Mexico Beach: No other debris haulers will be credentialed or admitted. Credentials will be provided to the main contractor

4. Credentialed volunteer teams and charities who have been approved to be in Mexico Beach: Credentials will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Federal, state and local credentialed recovery officials: You will need to show evidence of your credentials but you will not need a specific Mexico Beach credential.

Anyone other than those in these approved groups WILL BE TURNED AWAY at the checkpoints.

To facilitate rapid restoration, the entrance to Mexico Beach at Highway 98 and CR 386 checkpoint will only be accessible for Duke Energy and city-contracted debris haulers at this time.

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

Power Restoration

Some customers who receive power today and in coming days. In an abundance of caution, please:

1. Turn off the main breakers if you can until power is restored. Duke Energy cannot go into your home to do that and they can't see inside your house

2. Properly disconnect generators especially if you have a whole house generator that is hard wired into your home

3. Be aware that power lines are being energized. Practice safety

Feeding/Supply Locations

Camp Happy Tummies, 111 22nd Street (next to City Hall); Hours: Breakfast 8:30 a.m.; dinner at 4 p.m.

Mexico Beach Strong, Love in the Storm, 36th Street & Hwy 98; Hours 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Hot meals, water, snacks, non-perishables, bug spray, charcoal, batteries, hard hats, gloves, canned goods, tarps, dog food

First Baptist Church, 823 N 15th St. Tarps

Under the Palms Park, 7th Street. Showers

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 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

Behind City Hall

Tyndall Federal Credit Union across from McDonalds -1601 FL 71

Sewer Restoration

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

City of Panama City

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

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 pick-up.

Debris pick-ups 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, October 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 Street.

City of Springfield

The food/supply distribution point continues operating daily at the Springfield Fire Station, 3728 E. 3rd St. from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. While city employees are staffing this site, they are in need of volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering, please email MGRICE@Springfield.Fl.Gov. They are not accepting donations of clothing, furniture or household items at this time.

City Hall and Public Works has relocated to 408 School Avenue.

As of Oct. 25, the sewer is fully functional.

The city is opening nine master valves for the municipal water supply, with re-pressurization in progress. At this time, residents can turn on their water meter. If their water does not work or there are other questions regarding water service, residents can contact 850-832-1336 or 850-832-1516.

Municipal water service has been restored to 90 percent. If you see a flood or water main break, report it to any passing Springfield city employee or police officer, or, during daytime hours, report it to the command post behind city hall at 3529 E 3rd St.

A boil water advisory REMAINS IN EFFECT for Springfield until further notice.

All city roads have been cleared and are passable.

The city’s trash hauler, Mr. Trash, has resumed.

Residential garbage collection has resumed the regular schedule.

Residential debris is being removed. Residents can help expedite debris removal by separating debris at the curbside into four categories

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 boil water notice for the City of Parker has been lifted. Water service has been restored throughout the city.

FEMA employees are going door to door assisting Parker residents in registering for benefits. They will be wearing blue FEMA shirts. Please take advantage of this valuable resource.

Phone service has once again become an operational issue. The main daytime number, 850-871-4104 only works intermittently. We hope communications can be restored in a few days. The utility office remains open for walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

City of Callaway

City Hall is not open. Citizens can obtain information at the Fire Department (252 N. Star Ave.) or Public works (324 S. Berthe Ave.).

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. – 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. – 5:30 p.m., seven days per week until further notice.

UPDATE 10/23/2018 6:31 p.m.:

Essential Information

• The Bay County Medical Examiner is reporting 21 casualties.

• The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls. For out-of-state callers, please dial (850) 248-6099.

• For up-to-date information, go to www.recoverbaycounty.com

• Visit www.safeandwell.org to connect with friends and family and let them know you are safe. The website can also be used to search for loved ones.

• 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.

• 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.

• Gulf Coast Electric is reporting approximately 6 percent of Bay County is without power. See website or their Facebook page for updated information.

• Please do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages.

o 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

o Gulf Coast Electric Coop will not charge any late fees as we repair our system and offices.

o 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 daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until food runs out.

• Bayou George First Baptist Church , 6227 Highway 2301, Panama City

• Northstar Church - St Andrews 2379 St. Andrews Blvd., Panama City

• Youngston/Fountain Dollar General -12610 U.S. 231, Youngstown

• Cedar Grove Elementary School – 2825 15th St., Panama City

• Winn Dixie Lynn Haven – 1812 Lynn Haven Parkway, Lynn Haven

• MLK Rec Center- 705 14th St., Panama City

• Old Kmart Parking Lot- 7040 U.S. 98, Panama City

• Jinks Middle School- 600 W. 11th St., Panama City

• Parker Fire Department- 4534 E Business Highway 98

• Walmart Panama City- 513 W. 23rd St., Panama City

• Walmart Lynn Haven- 2101 S Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven

• Springfield Elementary- 520 School Ave., Panama City

• Cove Shopping Center- 929 Cherry St., Panama City

• Winn Dixie Sherwood- 3157 W. 23rd St., Panama City

• Daffin Park Millville – 320 Kraft Ave., Panama City

• Al Helms Dog (Balboa Park) – 1022 Balboa, Panama City

• Lucille Moore Elementary – 1900 Michigan Ave., Panama City

• Boys & Girls Club – 3404 W. 19th St., Panama City

World Kitchen

• Hiland Park Elementary – 2507 E. Baldwin Road

• Highland Baptist Churck – 2611 US 231

• St. Andrews Baptist Church – 3010 W. 15th St.

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):

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

o 1011 CR 386, Mexico Beach

o 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):

o High Praise Church – 7124 SR 22, Callaway

o 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.

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. to 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

• ADAP

• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A

• Family Planning

• Birth and death certificates

Americares Clinic:

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily

• Primary care services for children and adults, including prescription medication

Emergency Diabetes Supplies

• While supplies last

• Bring a box or prescription for insulin so we can provide the correct type and dose

• Call 850-252-9656 to check supplies

First Baptist Church

823 15th St., Mexico Beach

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A

• First aid, respiratory care, and physician care

• 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

• 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

• First aid, respiratory care, and physician care

DOH-Bay Tetanus Points of Distribution

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Bay County Jail, 5700 Star Lane, Panama City

• Springfield Community Church, 615 Transmitter Road

• Eastern Shipbuilding Nelson Yard, 2200 Nelson Ave, Panama City

• Coram’s- Bayou George, 6204 Highway 2301, Panama City

• Bayou George Christian Church, 7814 Highway 2301, Panama City

SCHOOLS

• Bay District Schools anticipates that students will be back in school no later than the week of Nov. 12 (sooner if possible).

• The colors of the dress code will be temporarily waived, and Bay District Schools asks that students come dressed appropriately for school each day.

• Bay District Schools petitioned the state Department of Education for a waiver of many requirements (including the requirement to use FSA as a promotion requirement).

• All elementary schools will operate on a full school day. Some schools will have slightly-altered school opening/closing times. More specifics will be coming at a later time.

• Tyndall students will attend on the campus with Callaway Elementary.

• Springfield students will attend with Cedar Grove Elementary.

• Patterson students will attend with Parker Elementary students.

• It is expected that this arrangement will last for a significant amount of time because the Tyndall, Springfield and Patterson campuses are heavily damaged.

• All students will receive free breakfast and lunch.

• You are encouraged to register your student at the school closest to where you now live. You are welcome to provide your own transportation to your student's original school, but we will not be able to provide that transportation.

• Locations where you can complete "needs lists" for students who need school-appropriate clothing, will be provided at a later time. We are so thankful to have received a lot of donations and we hope to be able to provide clothing to all students in need.

• School supplies are being provided directly to our schools so there is no need to worry about paper, crayons, markers, notebooks etc. All the supplies will be at the school when your students arrive.

• 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.

If your elementary school is not listed as a school with a shared campus, then it is not a shared campus and students should attend their original campus. However, given the traffic situation and current logistics being faced by many families, we recommend students attend the school closest to the places where they now reside so that transportation can be provided.

Thank you for understanding these temporary changes as we continue to provide for your student’s education. We will provide additional information, such as the school calendar, ACT/SAT and bus routes as they become available. Go to Facebook @baydistrictschools for more details.

DAYCARES

Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida has provided a list of more than 45 daycares that are now open. For a list, go online at www.recoverybaycounty.org.

LIBRARY

• Panama City Beach Public Library will re-open with reduced hours on Tuesday, Oct. 23. Temporary hours are Tuesday, through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call library for more information, 850-233-5055.

• Please do not return books or other library items to any libraries that are closed. Keep them and return when the library reopens. All fines and fees for items returned late or damaged due to Hurricane Michael will be waived.

• PCB Library 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

• Voting stations

• 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.

WATER

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 am – 4 pm. 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

• 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.

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.

Water System

Crews from across the state are working to repair our 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 by calling 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.

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

• Most City of Panama City customers have running water, but the pressure may be low. **When your water is restored, DO NOT DRINK IT! There is a Boil Water Notice in effect for everyone living in Bay County.

• 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 Oct. 16. 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 Oct. 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. 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. (REMOVE) Garbage will be collected in Millville on Monday Oct 22 and in the Cove on Tuesday Oct. 23 or Wednesday Oct. 24. 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.m. to 5 p.m.) 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.

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

o Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)

o Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.

o Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.

o Appliances

When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter.

The City of Springfield will hold a commission meeting Monday to take action on the city’s storm-related recovery process.

UPDATE 10/25/2018 11:14 a.m.:

Essential Information

• The Bay County medical examiner is reporting 20 casualties.

• The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls.

• For up-to-date information, go to www.recoverybaycounty.com .

• A curfew is still in effect for Bay County from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• 100 percent chance of rain on Thursday and Thursday night with 1-2 inches of rain possible across Bay County. Winds are expected at 10-15 mph during the day Thursday, with possible gusts Thursday night of 20 mph. Friday, 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m.

Power Outages

• Bay County has approximately 6 percent of customers without power.

• Gulf Power has approximately .2 percent of customers without power.

• Gulf Coast Electric has approximately 59 percent without power.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Shelters

• Bozeman School – 248 general population

• Breakfast Point Academy – 346 general population

• Surfside Middle School – 170 general population

Salvation Army Feeding Sites

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

• Bayou George First Baptist Church , 6227 Highway 2301, Panama City

• Northstar Church - St Andrews 2379 St. Andrews Blvd., Panama City

• Dollar General -13610 Highway 77, Southport

• Youngston/Fountain Dollar General -12610 U.S. 231, Youngstown

• Walmart Callaway -725 N. Tyndall Parkway, Callaway

• Cedar Grove Elementary School – 2825 15th St., Panama City

• Winn Dixie Lynn Haven – 1812 Lynn Haven Parkway, Lynn Haven

• MLK Rec Center- 705 14th St., Panama City

• Old Kmart Parking Lot- 7040 U.S. 98, Panama City

• Jinks Middle School- 600 W 11th St., Panama City

• Parker Fire Department- 4534 E. Business Highway 98

• Walmart Panama City- 513 W. 23rd St., Panama City

• Walmart Lynn Haven- 2101 S. Highway 77, Lynn Haven

• Springfield Elementary- 520 School Ave., Panama City

• Cove Shopping Center- 929 Cherry St., Panama City

• St. Andrews Bay – Piggly Wiggly- 8012 Highway 2301, Panama City

• Winn Dixie Sherwood- 3157 W. 23rd St., Panama City

Transitional Housing Assistance

• FEMA may provide rental assistance for qualified applicants, call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov .

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 nonprofit 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.

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.

MEDICAL SERVICES

DOH-Bay Tetanus Points of Distribution

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Bay County Jail, 5700 Star Lane, Panama City

• Springfield Community Church, 615 Transmitter Road

• Eastern Shipbuilding Nelson Yard, 2200 Nelson Ave., Panama City

• Coram’s- Bayou George, 6204 Highway 2301, Panama City

Dental Services

Panama City Smiles has a dental bus set up 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

• 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.

• Youngstown, 12427 Highway 231, 10 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m.

Mental Health and Substance Use Services

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

• 6:30-11:30 a.m. daily

• Current patients and guest dosers

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

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

TRANSPORTATION

All Bay Town Trolley routes are open (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and are open 10 a.m. to 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

ELECTIONS

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

• Supervisor of Elections Office, 830 W. 11th St.

• Lynn Haven Elementary School Cafeteria, 301 W. Ninth St.

• Panama City Beach Senior Center, 423 Lyndell Lane

• Palo Alto Church of Christ, 3119 N. U.S. 231

• Parker United Methodist Church, 908 S. Tyndall Parkway

• Stanford Station Shopping Center (Near Hobby Lobby), 746 W. 23rd St.

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 Services

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 Road, 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 located on site:

• Lynn Haven, 2319 S. Highway 77, Lynn Haven, FL 32444; Monday-Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Marianna, 4396 Lafayette St., Marianna, FL 32446; Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m./Saturday 10 a.m. to noon; closed Sunday

• Panama City GMF, 1336 Sherman Ave., Panama City, FL 32401; Monday-Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Panama City Northside, 1315 W. 17th St., Panama City, FL 32405; Monday-Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Sneads, 2042 Green Ave. Sneads, FL 32460; Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to noon; closed Sunday

• Eastpoint, 353 US Highway 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328 Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to noon; closed Sunday

Additionally, the following Contract Postal Units are open for business:

• Alyssa's Postal Market 4586 Chumuckla Highway, Pace, FL 32571; Open: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday

• Bay Point Improvement Association, 3900 Marriott Drive Suite B, Panama City, FL 32408; Open: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday

• Bellview CPU 2400 W. Michigan Ave., Pensacola, FL 32526; Open: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; closed Sunday

• Mexico Beach CPO 625C 15th St., Mexico Beach, FL 32456; Open: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to noon; closed Sunday

• Paxton CPO 21892 U.S. Highway 331N, Paxton, FL 32538; Open: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.; Sat 9-11a.m., closed Sunday

• Rosemary Beach Property Owners, 28 Main St., Inlet Beach, FL 32413; Open: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to noon; closed Sunday

• Seaside CPO, 2235 E. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459; Open: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to noon; closed Sunday

• University Of West Florida CPO, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514; Open: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 7:30-11:30 a.m.; closed Sunday

• Watersound Beach Community Association, E. County Highway 30A, Suite 150, Watersound, FL 32413.

• West Beach CPU 268 S. Arnold Road, Panama City, FL 32413; Open: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday

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 minutes to flush the lines. Plumbing lines serving misters, drinking fountains and soda machines should also be flushed for five 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

CITY INFORMATION

City of Mexico Beach

The City of Mexico Beach initiated a series of enhanced checkpoints limiting traffic into Mexico Beach at 6 a.m. 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.

Access to Mexico Beach will be limited to credentialed residents; property owners and property management companies; insurance adjusters; debris haulers and city contractors; approved volunteer teams and charities; and federal, state, and local recovery officials.

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 beginning Tuesday, Oct. 23 in the afternoon.

• 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 22nd 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. to 4 p.m. Hot meals to public, volunteers and first responders;

• Mexico Beach Strong, Love in the Storm, 36th Street & Highway 98; Hours 7:30 a.m. to 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, 7th Street, Shower facilities available

• Tarps are available at First Baptist Church, 823 N. 15th St.

City of Panama City Beach

• 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.

------------------------

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 90 percent chance of rain Thursday.

Tarps are still available for residents who need them at five points of distribution throughout Bay County: Rosenwald Middle School and Panama City Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Panama City; High Praise Church in Callaway; Deerpoint Elementary School in Southport; and at First Baptist Church in Mexico Beach.

Shelters at Deane Bozeman School, Breakfast Point Academy, and Surfside Middle School are still open to the public.

Officials also urge residents to not put storm debris in drainage ditches as crews are working to clear debris ahead of the rain.

----------------------------------

The Boil Water Notice for City of Panama City water customers has been rescinded.

In order to eliminate any residual water from home and business plumbing systems downstream of your meter, residents should run water for approximately five (5) minutes at each tap to flush the lines. The first bin of ice from icemakers should also be discarded.

------------

UPDATE 10/23/2018 6:33 p.m.:

From Recovery Bay:

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

Essential Information

• The Bay County medical examiner is reporting 20 casualties.

• The 211 Citizen Hotline continues to receive non-emergency calls.

• For up-to-date information, go to www.recoverybaycounty.com .

• A curfew is still in effect for Bay County from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• On Oct. 24 Weather: High of 81 degrees, low of 65 degrees. Winds northeast 5-10 mph. Forty (40) percent chance of rain in the evening.

Power Outages

• Bay County has approximately 16 percent of customers without power.

• Gulf Power has approximately 10 percent of customers without power.

• Gulf Coast Electric has approximately 68 percent without power.

VOLUNTEERS

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

Properly Documenting Volunteers (Local Governments)

In the event FEMA declares a disaster and the Public Assistance Program is open to local government applicants, local governments may have a fund-matching requirement.

Properly documented work done by volunteers can be used to meet the matching requirement. For this time to be allowable as a matching contribution, a local government will apply a labor rate to each type of volunteer work that is similar to the rate that a local government employee would be paid, including fringe benefits, for the same or similar work, or the customary rate for that work if done by contractors in the local labor market.

Reference: 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 13.24. FEMA Donated Resources Policy #9525.2

Local governments that keep accurate records of the volunteers, their hours, and the types of disaster assistance work done by volunteers have been successful in counting those contributions toward the local match for FEMA eligibility. Developing a system for recording and maintain the needed information is the crucial first step to success.

• Volunteer Documentation Forms are available at: https://myescambia.com/recoverbaycounty .

• Forward completed forms each evening to: Donatebayco@gmail.com

Bay County EOC, ESF-15 Volunteer & Donations Desk: (469) 349-9532

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Shelters

• Bozeman School – 258 general population

• Breakfast Point Academy – 359 general population

• Surfside Middle School – 171 general population

The current numbers continue to slowly decline. As of today at midnight, the census is down 5 percent, specifically.

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.

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

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

• St. Andrew Christian Care Center – 3101 A West US Highway 98, Panama City, 850-763-2345, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily

• 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

• Truth Baptist Church – 4015 Maynard Drive, Panama City, 850-774-0300, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other day, as food comes

• 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

• 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 (MREs). Please check with your local faith-based organizations and churches for donation and feeding information.

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. For available grants, guidelines and additional information visit www.floridapa.org . The assistance request deadline is Nov. 10.

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)

• ADAP

• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A

• Family Planning

• Birth and death certificates

Americares Clinic:

• 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily

• Primary care services for children and adults, including prescription medication

Emergency Diabetes Supplies:

• While supplies last

• Bring a box or prescription for insulin so we can provide the correct type and dose

• Call 850-252-9656 to check supplies

First Baptist Church

823 15th ST, Mexico Beach

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A

• First aid, respiratory care, and physician care

• Partnership with Heart to Heart International and Sacred Heart Medical Group

Breakfast Point Academy

601 N Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Immunizations including Tetanus and Hep A

• First aid, respiratory care, and physician care

Tetanus Points of Distribution

Hours: 10 am – 3 pm

• Bay County Sheriff’s Office, 3421 Hwy 77, Panama City- First responders only

• Additional sites and locations to be announced

Free Clinics

PanCare

Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• 2309 East 15th Street in Panama City for medical and dental.

• Mobile medical services at Walmart in Callaway, 725 N. Tyndall Parkway

St. Andrews Community Medical Center, 3101b W Hwy 98, Panama City, Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hospitals

• Bay Medical Sacred Heart, 615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City- Emergency Room ONLY

• Bay Medical Beach ER- Intersection of Panama City Beach Parkway (Hwy. 98) and Richard Jackson Blvd.

• Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, 449 W 23rd ST, Panama City- Emergency Room ONLY

• Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf, 3801 E. Hwy. 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. – 5 p.m. (current patients)

• Current Client Refills call 850-522-4485, ext. 1823

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

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 850-273-8255

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

Prescriptions

• Under the Emergency Order, persons can get a 30-day refill of prescriptions.

• To find an open pharmacy near you, got to RxOpen.org.

• Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for persons 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 .

U.S. Postal Services

Priority Mail Express is being accepted for the following 3-digit ZIP Code but is not eligible for a guarantee until further notice. Live animals are not being accepted at this time.

• 324 (zip code)

Retail and delivery operations, as well as drop shipments, are suspended at the following offices, with services available at an alternate location:

• Campbellton, 5265 Highway 231, 32426 — Alternate: Graceville, 5360 Cliff St., 32440

• Fountain, 12606 Silver Lake Rd., 32438 — Alternate: Youngstown, 11805 Highway 231, 32466

Retail services are being offered onsite via a Mobile Retail Unit for the following offices.

• Lynn Haven, 2319 S. Highway 77, 32444

• Panama City: North Side, 1315 W. 17th St., 32405

All operations are suspended at the following office. Retail and delivery services are being offered at Panama City GMF as noted below:

• Tyndall AFB, 730 Suwannee Rd., Panama City, 32403 — Alternate: Panama City GMF, 1336 Sherman Ave., 32401

CLEAN UP

• Bay County is expecting rain. Do not place debris in ditches.

Mold Clean-up

• 8 Tips to Cleanup Mold: https://www.cdc.gov/phpr/infographics/8tipstocleanupmold.htm

• Mold Clean-Up After Disasters: When to Use Bleach: https://www.cdc.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-bleach.html

• What to Wear before entering a Home or Building with Mold Damage: https://www.cdc.gov/mold/What-to-Wear.html

• Shopping List for Cleaning Mold in Your Home After a Flood: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/shoppinglist.html

LIBRARY INFORMATION

• 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.

ELECTIONS

• If you already have a mail-in ballot do not put in the mail. Hand deliver to the Supervisor of Election’s office.

• Six mega voting sites have been set up instead on your assigned voting precinct:

• Supervisor of elections office, 830 W. 11th St.

• Lynn Haven Elementary School Cafeteria, 301 W. Ninth St.

• Panama City Beach Senior Center, 423 Lyndell Lane

• Palo Alto Church of Christ, 3119 N. U.S. 231

• Parker United Methodist Church, 908 S. Tyndall Parkway

• Stanford Station Shopping Center 746 W 23rd Street.

Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 27 for 12 hours each day through Election Day. For more information, call the Supervisor of Election’s office at 850-248-8602, 850-248-8603, or 850-248-8604 or visit www.bayvotes.org

CITY INFORMATION

City of Mexico Beach

The City of Mexico Beach, initiated a series of enhanced checkpoints limiting traffic into Mexico Beach at 6 a.m., 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.

City of Parker

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

• All city limit residents should have water.

• 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 days per week until further notice.

--------------------------------------------

UPDATE: Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 11:23 a.m.

From Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative:

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative reports Tuesday morning that power has been restored to 10,070 members in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Walton and Washington counties. This represents approximately 48 percent of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s total distribution system, which serves 20,815 members.

As of 9 a.m., Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative had the following outage numbers: Bay County: 7,511 (62 percent)

TOTAL SYSTEM OUTAGES: 10,745 (52 percent)

Crews are working across all counties in Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s service area. However, many homes and businesses are damaged to the point that they will not be able to accept service once it becomes available.

There are more than 1,100 crewmen working on the restoration effort. Because all efforts are focused on power restoration, GCEC office lobbies are closed until further notice.

Due to the damage that GCEC offices received during the storm, service to the online bill pay system at www.gcec.com and phone system is intermittent. Repairs are being made to make all communication systems fully operational.

Follow Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative on Facebook for further updates.

Sunday, October 21, 6:34 p.m.:

The City of Springfield will hold a commission meeting Monday to take action on the city’s storm-related recovery process.

The food/supply distribution point continues operating daily at the Springfield Fire Station, 3728 E. 3rd St. from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. While city employees are staffing this site, they are in need of volunteers to help. If you are interested in volunteering, please email MGRICE@Springfield.Fl.Gov. They are not accepting donations of clothing, furniture or household items at this time.

Municipal water service will be restored to 70 percent by the end of today. There have been numerous water main breaks as a result of Hurricane Michael and crews have been rapidly repairing them. 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.

The city’s trash hauler, Mr. Trash, will resume service Monday, Oct. 22.

Residential debris removal will also begin this week. Residents can help expedite debris removal by separating debris at the curbside into four categories:

1. Wood (trees, construction wood – plywood, timbers, etc.)

2. Non-wood construction debris – drywall, plumbing, wiring, etc.

3. Metal – flashing, tin, aluminum, etc.

4. Appliances

When placing debris curbside, do not place it over the water meter.

Sunday, October 21, 6:35 p.m.:

The Parker City Council will hold an emergency meeting to award a contract for debris clearing and hauling at 11 a.m. Monday at city hall. The agenda also includes awarding a contract for the monitoring of debris cleaning and hauling, and the affirmation of the city’s declaration of emergency.

The city’s utility office is now accepting payments daily from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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.

Sunday, October 21, 1:10 p.m.:

From Governor Rick Scott's office:

Sunday, Governor Rick Scott is visiting the Bay County Emergency Operations Center in Southport and a Salvation Army mobile kitchen in Panama City Beach. Governor Scott has been in constant communication with local officials and emergency management in Bay County. The following information has been reported to the State Emergency Response Team and includes specific actions the state has taken to aid the residents of Bay County impacted by Hurricane Michael. A dedicated team of federal and state emergency managers is in Mexico Beach and Bay County to support ongoing locally-led response and recovery efforts. They will remain until all operational needs are met.

FEMA Individual Assistance and Public Assistance was approved October 11. Federal re-employment assistance is also now available for individuals in Bay County.

FEMA has dispatched teams of representatives to assist residents with applications and registrations for individual assistance in areas affected by Hurricane Michael. In Bay County, teams are assisting individuals at shelters, food and water distribution locations, and areas identified by emergency management officials as points of high density and elevated need.

FOOD AND WATER

• There are 10 points of distribution in Bay County.

o 3604 15th St, Panama City

o 1011 943 Co Rd 386, Mexico Beach

o 1900 Michigan Ave, Panama City

o 2101 FL-77, Lynn Haven

o 1125 Cherry Street, Panama City

o 640 S.Hwy 22A, Panama City

o 13410 Hwy 77, Panama City

o 924 Bay Ave, Panama City

o 7124 FL-22, Panama City

o 4800 Co Rd 2321, Panama City

• For a map of open grocery stores and pharmacies click HERE.

• There are 16 Salvation Army Kitchens/Canteens open in Bay County:

o Intersection of Bayou George Hwy 2301 & 231, Panama City, FL 32404

o Callaway Elementary School, 7115 FL-22, Panama City, FL 32404

o Cedar Grove Elementary, 2825 15th St, Panama City, FL 32405

o Cove Shopping Center 929 Cherry St, Panama City, FL 32401

o Hickory Plaza 404 S Tyndall Pkwy, Panama City, FL 32404

o Jinks Middle School 600 W 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401

o MLK Rec Center 705 E 14th St, Panama City, FL 32401

o 7100 US 98, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

o Parker Fire Dept. 4534 E Business 98, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

o Piggly Wiggly 8012 Hwy 2301, Panama City, FL 32404

o 1824 W. 15th St, Panama City, FL 32401

o Wal-Mart 725 N Tyndale Parkway, Callaway, FL 32404

o Wal-Mart 2101 S Highway 77, Lynn Haven, FL 32444

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

o Wal-Mart 10270 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

o Winn Dixie 1812 Lynn Haven Pkwy, Lynn Haven, FL 32444

FUEL

• There are four fueling station set up for first responders and utility crews to rapidly refuel so they can continue working.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Currently, 66.09 percent of cellular service coverage has been restored in Bay County. This does not include mobile cellular assets augmenting the network.

POWER RESTORATION

• 12 push crews are working with utility crews to restore power for utilities that provide service for Bay County.

• Current power outage as of noon is 46,686 or 40% - a 58% improvement since Hurricane Michael made landfall.

• The state has provided 51 generators to Bay County.

SHELTERS

• Currently four shelters are open:

• Dean Bozeman High School 13410 Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32409

• Breakfast Point Academy 601 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

• Surfside Middle School 300 Nautilus St, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

• Breakfast Point Academy 601 Richard Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

• Visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/shelter-status/ to find information on shelters in your area. This site is being updated throughout the day.

• On October 15, FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) was approved for families in Bay County. TSA provides FEMA-funded short-term lodging in hotels and motels for eligible disaster survivors who are unable to return home for an extended period due to disaster-related damages or inaccessibility of their communities. FEMA is currently notifying eligible families in Bay County of their sheltering options under TSA. Families in Bay County looking to confirm their TSA eligibility should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). You can also visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov for more information on TSA and to find participating hotels and motels.

MILITARY SUPPORT

• There are currently 1,062 National Guard troops deployed to Bay County. National Guard troops are assisting with conducting reconnaissance, search and rescue, and road clearance missions.

• The Florida National Guard has also deployed communications support packages to Bay County.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Currently, 714 law enforcement officers have been deployed to Bay County.

• FWC officers continue performing search and rescue, welfare checks, reconnaissance, public safety missions and debris removal assistance in Bay County.

• The Florida Highway Patrol is providing security escorts to emergency response and route clearance teams.

• The Florida Highway Patrol provided security escorts to essential commodity convoys into Bay County.

• The Florida Highway Patrol is supplementing local law enforcement agency efforts with increased patrol of damaged areas.

• The Florida Highway Patrol is providing traffic control and security at points of deliveries (PODs) for essential commodities.

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

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

• All state roads in Bay County are open. US 98 has reopened.

• FDOT has completed all bridge inspections in Bay County.

SAFETY & SECURITY

• 200 urban search and rescue personnel continue to conduct searches in Bay County.

• Four base camps for response and recovery crews are operating in Bay County.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is in contact with healthcare facilities to ensure they have the resources they need.

• The following assisted living facilities have been completely evacuated and remain closed:

o Bee Hive Homes of Lynn Haven, Brookdale Panama City;

o Charter Senior Living of Panama City;

o Lisenby on Lake Caroline, Mathison Retirement Community Inc.;

o Robinsons Residential Care, Summer’s Landing LLC; and

o Southern Assisted Care LLC.

• The following hospitals have been completely evacuated and remain closed:

o Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital;

o Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Panama City; and

o Select Specialty Hospital- Panama City.

• The following nursing homes have been completely evacuated and remain closed:

o Bay Center;

o Community Health and Rehabilitation Center;

o Glencove Health and Rehabilitation Center;

o Lisenby on Lake Caroline;

o Panama City Health and Rehabilitation Center; and

o Sea Breeze Health Care.

• The following hospitals in-patient services remain closed, but their emergency departments are open:

o Bay Medical Center & Sacred Heart Health System; and

o Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center.

• Power has been restored and re-entry has been completed for assisted living facility, Superior Residences of Panama City.

• Facilities report their evacuation status to the Agency through the Emergency Status System. An updated evacuation report can be found on the AHCA twitter page: https://twitter.com/AHCA_FL

• For the comfort of impacted residents, the state has deployed additional showers, cooling stations, laundry stations and toilets to Bay County.

• There are currently six active boil water notices in Bay County. Click HERE for more information.

• Two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are supporting two area hospitals in Bay County.

• 84 ambulances and 5 paratransit vehicles have been deployed to Bay County.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

• An online tool for the public to report the location of storm debris in waterways has been deployed. 456 reports of debris have been received.

• DEP has completed three requests for assistance and has 13 additional requests in progress submitted through Florida's Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN) in Bay County.

• 235 Disaster Debris Management Sites have been pre-authorized for the counties addressed by the Governor’s Executive Order, with 10 in Bay County.

• DEP has deployed wastewater, drinking water and solid waste technical experts to Bay County to ensure their needs are met.

• In collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a mobile sampling lab has been deployed to Bay County to fulfill water sampling needs.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

• The Florida SBDC Network and the U.S. Small Business Administration have opened a Business Recovery Center to assist small businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael. Small businesses can get assistance applying for state and federal business disaster loans. The Business Recovery Center is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at CareerSource, Bay County City Job Center in Panama City.

• DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor met with area businesses and CareerSource in Bay County this week.

• The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association provided clean linens to a shelter in Panama City.

• Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida has been awarded federal National Dislocated Worker Grants to provide temporary employment to Floridians affected by Hurricane Michael. This program is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and provides disaster relief employment in the form of temporary jobs that support storm response and recovery efforts. See the Governor’s press release HERE.

• The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide short-term, interest-free loans to affects businesses at www.floridadisasterloan.org.

• The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is working with CareerSource North Florida and CareerSource Northeast Florida to send mobile units, along with staff and resources, including water, gas, generators, flashlights and satellite phones to allow CareerSource partners in the Panhandle to begin assisting jobseekers and businesses as a part of the recovery efforts.

• Disaster cleanup and other related job openings are now available at http://disasterrecovery.employflorida.com for businesses to post job openings and for individuals to find job opportunities.

• DEO has opened the Business Damage Assessment Survey for businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael. Businesses with damage should complete the survey at https://www.floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments.

• Businesses can also visit FloridaDisaster.biz to view tips for assessing storm damage and to register to receive updates on storm recovery.

EDUCATION

• The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is in contact with school districts, state colleges and universities for updates and to determine their needs and provide assistance.

• The Department is supporting Bay County’s shelter operations at the K-12 public schools serving as shelters.

• The Department is coordinating with Gulf Power and Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative to prioritize schools and college campuses for power restoration.

• Bay County schools will reopen no later than the week of Nov. 12.

• Gulf Coast State College, which is based in Panama City, will be closed until further notice. Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega visited the college last week and met with college leaders and the Board of Trustees to receive a damage update and offer support.

• Florida State University’s Panama City Campus will be closed until further notice.

• The Division of Blind Services and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office in Bay County is closed until further notice, and clients are being directed to open locations for services.

• FDOE will be posting up-to-date information regarding closures and meeting cancellations at www.fldoe.org/hurricaneinfo.

VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

• Governor Scott announced, in partnership with FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the launch of Operation Blue Roof, which temporarily repairs roofs at no cost to families. Operation Blue Roof is available in Bay County.

• Volunteer Florida’s ESF-15 representative from New Mexico has deployed to the Emergency Operations Center in Bay County. The representative is mobilizing registered volunteers and coordinating incoming donations, while serving as a liaison between Volunteer Florida and Bay County.

• Volunteer Florida’s partners with Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) are assisting with sheltering, feeding and tarping in Bay County. These partners include the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, the United Way, Catholic Charities, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and Goodwill.

• More than 20,000 tarps were delivered to Bay County.

• At Governor Scott’s direction, Volunteer Florida has activated the Florida Disaster Fund, the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. To donate, visit, www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/.

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER/ CONTACTS

• The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a level one, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.

• The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number is 1-800-342-3557.

• The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.

• Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Michael.

• Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/info to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.

October 20th 6:30 PM

Here are the highlights from today's update:

2-1-1 Citizen Information Line as on Friday, Oct 19

Over 2,440 (+180 since yesterday) people have contacted the Text MICHAEL to 898-211 queue for assistance and resources (this number includes all states). When individuals initially text MICHAEL, they are given options to receive basic information such as food locations/PODS, FEMA info, shelter locations, etc.

2-1-1 live chat over 460 (+80 since yesterday) people have engaged with a volunteer, trained specialist in our live chat queue. All individuals who have moved into the live chat queue have been greeted and assisted by the specialists.

For families and friends out of the state looking for information, call 850-248-6099.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County and The Florida Department of Health state-wide are asking residents to exercise self-protection and precautions should continue to be taken.

Transportation

Bay Town Trolley has started running the following:

Routes 5, 6, 7, 8

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Every hour on the hour, except Sunday (traffic permitting)

Flag stops (asking the driver to stop) will be allowed along the route

Legal Services of North Florida

• Under Florida Landlord Tenant Law, there is a casualty damage provision. This provision is the controlling law in a natural disaster, even if a lease says something different.

o Landlords DO NOT have the right to terminate the lease due to damage to the unit.

o Landlords DO NOT have the right to kick the tenant out in order to make repairs.

o Landlords CAN NOT put language in a lease to waive the tenants rights under 83.63 Florida Statute.

o Landlords MUST follow Florida Statute if they wish to evict a tenant or terminate a lease due to nonpayment of rent or violation of the lease or statute.

• Residents are encouraged to seek out legal counsel through the Florida Disaster Legal Hotline 1-866-550-2929, their local attorneys or Legal Services of North Florida, home office in Tallahassee 850-385-9007 or the local branch in Panama City at 850-769-3581.

Pet Information

• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the American Humane Society are providing information on pets affected by Hurricane Michael.

• Individuals looking to report missing or stranded pets should contact the Hurricane Michael pet hotline at 1-800-738-9437. It will be operational from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

• If you have a lost animal, please post the animal’s information to facebook.com/groups/animalrescuepc.

• Go to https://adoptme.org/hurricanemichael/ for detailed information on resources such as available veterinarians, volunteering, and donations.

Telecommunication

• Fiber optic cable is critical. It carries traffic from cellular towers that serves first responders and provides life-saving communications. Don’t touch or cut any cables.

• If you have any questions or to report a cut cable call 877-652-2321.

Clean-up Safety Precautions

Residents and others working to clean up debris left by Hurricane Michael could be at risk of sustaining injuries, and the Florida Department of Health is urging residents to practice caution when cleaning in and around their homes. Every person involved in clean up should make sure they have an up to date tetanus vaccination and avoid heat stress when working outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. There may also be unseen hazards under the water in areas that received storm surge or freshwater flooding. Flood waters can mask debris, downed power lines and other hazards.

The department recommends the following tips to help clean up after Hurricane Michael:

• Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during clean-up of sewage and to avoid injury and contamination.

• Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants. Combining certain types of products can produce toxic fumes and result in injury or death.

• Walls, hard-surfaced floors and many other household surfaces must be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach per 5 gallons of water.

• Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected such as wall-coverings, cloth and rugs. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry-clean.

• Drywall and insulation that have been soaked should be removed and discarded so disinfection and drying of the internal wall structure can take place.

• Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, may possibly be air dried in the sun and sprayed thoroughly with a disinfectant. However, these items may need to be discarded.

• It can be difficult to throw away items in a home, particularly those with sentimental value. However, keeping certain items soaked by sewage or floodwaters may be unhealthy. In general, materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be discarded

• Fiberboard, fibrous insulation and disposable filters in your heating and air conditioning system should be replaced.

• Chainsaws should only be operated in safe conditions and by people that are experienced in proper use.

Wound Car /Tetanus

• If you sustain a wound or deep cut that concerns you as you handle debris, seek medical attention. Make sure to ask your doctor if you need a tetanus booster vaccine.

• Due to possible contamination, do not expose wounds to floodwaters.

• Proper wound care is essential for all cuts and lacerations regardless of exposure to floodwaters. Clean wounds with soap and disinfected or bottled water.

• Individuals deployed to work on recovery efforts are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine.

Heat Safety

Everyone participating in post-storm clean up should practice heat safety. A person can experience sunstroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke if exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting.

If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. If symptoms become more severe or last longer than one hour, seek medical attention immediately. If you suspect you may have heat exhaustion, take the following cooling measures:

o Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages

o Rest in an air-conditioned environment

o Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath

o Wear lightweight clothing

o Prevent sun burn by wearing sunscreen of 30 SPF.

To avoid becoming dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who have medical conditions such as kidney and heart disease, who require a fluid restricted diet, or who have problems with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.

Heat Safety Tips During Clean-up

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear a hat or to use an umbrella.

Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day – morning hours between 4 and 7 a.m.

Stay indoors when possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine or find a local cooling center.

Be a good neighbor. Check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

Don’t forget your pets. Make sure they have access to water, ventilation and shade.

For more information about debris clean up safety, visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup/facts.html

Springfield is working on getting pumps for sewer back online. Residents should limit flushing.

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.

Bay County is seeing a high number of injuries relating to storm clean-up. Please take proper precautions to ensure your safety. Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during clean-up to avoid injury and contamination. Items that have come in contact with sewage or floodwaters may be unhealthy. Chainsaws should be operated only by person who experienced in using them. If you get a wound or cut from debris, seek medical attention and ask for a Tetanus shot. These are available at DOH-Bay. When cleaning up mold, don’t mix cleaning products.

====================

October 18, 2018 6:30 PM

Here are the highlights of AlertBay's October 18 update following Hurricane Michael:

There's a new one-stop website for everything related to Bay County's recovery. It's RecoverBayCounty.com.

The curfew for the county is 10 p.m. to 6 a.m..

Alcohol sales are permitted during non-curfew hours.

Bay County has approximately 50,000 customers without power or 48.6 percent.

Bay County remains under a boil water notice.

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.

For emergencies, please call 9-1-1. The 2-1-1 Citizen Information Line handled 1,384 calls on Wednesday, Oct. 17. 2-1-1 also received 2,200 texts and 320 live chats.

Mosquito Aerial Spraying Scheduled for October 20, 2018-- Due to a surge in the mosquito population from flooding caused by Hurricane Michael, aerial spraying for mosquitoes in Bay County has been scheduled for the evening of Saturday, Oct. 20, weather permitting. Spraying is scheduled from dusk to dawn from approximately 8 p.m. through 5 a.m.

City of Parker

As of Oct. 18, most master valves for the municipal water supply are open, with re-pressurization in progress.

This is expected to take one to two days. While this is occurring, residents need to ensure their water mains are

shut off to allow faster re-pressurization and to prevent flooding of compromised water pipes in structures.

A food/supply distribution point has been in place at Parker Elementary School, 640 S. Hwy. 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. – 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, possibly as early as Saturday. 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.

Salvation Army Feeding Sites

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

--The Salvation Army

1824 W. 15th St., Panama City

--Cedar Grove Elementary School

2825 15th St., Panama City

--Winn Dixie Lynn Haven

1812 Lynn Haven Pkwy Lynn Haven FL

--Walmart Callaway

725 N Tyndall Pkwy., Callaway

--MLK Rec Center

705 14th St., Panama City

--Old Kmart Parking Lot

7100 U.S. 98, Panama City

--Jinks Middle School

600 W 11th St., Panama City

Coram's

Hwy 2301 & 231, Bayou George

--Parker Fire Department

4534 E Business 98

--Callaway Elementary/High Praise Church

7115 FL Hwy. 22, Panama City

--Walmart Panama City

513 W 23rd St., Panama City

--Walmart Lynn Haven

2101 S Hwy. 77, Lynn Haven

Walmart Panama City Beach

--10270 Front Beach Road

--201 Paradise Path Mexico Beach (lunch only at 12:00) o Next to Mexico Beach City Hall

--Youngstown/Fountain

2421 Hwy. 20, Fountain

--Springfield Elementary

520 School Ave., Panama City

--Cove Shopping Center

901 Cherry St., Panama City

Shelters

Bozeman School -- 198 general population

Breakfast Point Academy – 561 general population

Surfside Middle School – 171 general population

The special needs shelter run by the Florida Department of Health in Bay County at Deane Bozeman School is now

closed. Persons who qualify for the shelter will now being assessed, treated and transported to locations with

additional resources as needed. DOH-Bay has served more than 100 clients in the Special Needs Shelter since our

response to Hurricane Michael. Clients are now relocated as a proactive measure to ensure the safety of citizens with

special needs that have been displaced from their homes by Hurricane Michael. The decision was made to move these

vulnerable citizens to a safer location before any resources started to run low. Families can call 727-619-0182 for

information about their loved ones.

Elections

The Supervisor of Elections Office opened today, Thursday, Oct 18.

No new mail-in ballots will be sent out.

If you already have a mail-in ballot do not put in the mail. Hand deliver to designated locations still to be

determined at a later time.

Due to the storm, five mega voting sites will be set up instead on your assigned voting precinct, locations to be

determined at a later time.

Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 27 for 12 hours each day through Election Day.