City of Orlando Press Release: Hurricane Irma Update

September 8, 2017 – ORLANDO – At a press conference today at 1:30 p.m., the City of Orlando issued the following information to keep the community informed and up to date on Hurricane Irma preparations:

Orlando Mayor Dyer has declared a State of Emergency in the City of Orlando.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center is currently at a Level 2 Partial Activation. The City plans to go to a Level 1 Full Activation on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 1 p.m.

At that time, the Citizen Info Line will go live. That number is – 407-246- HELP (4357). This is where residents can call to report damage, downed trees, traffic lights that are out and get information from the City on our response efforts.

SOLID WASTE UPDATE:

At this time, residential and commercial trash, yard waste and recycle pick up is operating as normal.

The City will suspend residential garbage, recycling and yard waste pick up starting Sunday, September 10, 2017 through Monday, September 11, 2017.

Following Hurricane Irma, depending on weather and road conditions, the City will work to pick up missed garbage and recycling collections on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. We will continue to provide updates throughout the storm on garbage and recycling schedules.

The City is asking residents to help us prevent flooding by not placing tree trimmings or any type of loose waste or yard debris at their curb that is not scheduled to be picked up by Friday, September 8, 2017. During a severe weather event, these items can clog storm drains which may result in flooding of property and/or the street.

SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION:

The City of Orlando will be distributing sandbags Friday, September 8, 2017 until 7 p.m.. Residents must arrive at one of the sandbag locations by 4:45 p.m.

Due to high demand for sandbags, residents joining the distribution lines after 1 p.m. at 1010 Woods Avenue and Camping World Stadium must bring their own bags to fill (40-pound capacity). A good example of a bag to use could be a pilllowcase.

The sites have a limited supply of bags, so residents are encouraged to bring their own bags to fill (40-pound capacity).

Shovels are provided, but residents are encouraged to bring a shovel and a friend to help fill their bags. Two people filling sandbags will help the distribution process move faster, so more residents can be served

Residents must show proof of residence and will be given 10 bags per address.

Locations for sandbag distribution are as follows –

• Camping World Stadium, access is off Tampa Avenue
• City of Orlando Streets and Stormwater Division, 1010 Woods Avenue

PARKING GARAGE FEES WAIVED:

The City will waive parking fees for the following parking garages beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, for any resident who would like to park a car in a covered garage.

• Central Blvd Garage
• Jefferson Garage
• Orange County Administration Garage
• Library Garage
• Centroplex 1

All cars should be removed by 8 a.m. Tuesday, September 12, dependent on weather and road conditions.

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY CENTER CLOSURES:

All City of Orlando Community Centers, Recreation Centers and Pools will close Friday, September 8, 2017 at 5 p.m. and remain closed through Monday, September 11, 2017.

Additionally all sporting and event activities and scheduled programs have been canceled at the City’s Recreation Centers, Community Centers, Parks and Recreation Facilities starting Saturday, September 9, 2017 through Monday, September 11, 2017.

After school programs at all City neighborhood centers are closed today through Monday, September 11, 2017.

CITY OPERATIONS:

City of Orlando services will remain open on Friday, September 8 and operate normal business hours.

The City of Orlando’s non-essential offices and services, including City Hall, will close Monday, September 11, 2017.

PERMITTING SERVICES:

Permitting will be staffed for emergency needs on Friday, September 8, 2017. The City is asking that all non-emergency permitting needs wait until after Tuesday, September 12, 2017.

STAY INFORMED:

Residents can stay informed and get information on Hurricane Irma from the City of Orlando through Social Media at:

• City of Orlando’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cityoforlando