ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION

Event Information

Fri 9/12/2008 11:53 AM

BREVARD DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER TO CLOSE FRIDAY, RE-OPEN MONDAY AS SBA DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTER

ORLANDO - The Disaster Recovery Center in Cocoa will close Friday at 6 p.m. and re-open on Monday as a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Center, state and federal officials announced. The center is located at:
Cocoa Agricultural Center
3695 Lake Drive
Cocoa
The center is one of two recovery centers in Brevard County that has been serving people affected by Tropical Storm Fay and associated flooding. Survivors can still go to the remaining Brevard DRC near Lamplighter Village (503 N. John Rodes Blvd. in Melbourne) for help. The Melbourne center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice. Recovery specialists can also be reached by using the FEMA Helpline option at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or the TTY line for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired at 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to midnight daily until further notice. On the Web, disaster information remains available 24 hours a day at www.fema.gov. Homeowners, renters and businesses in declared counties should use the same toll-free lines or website to register for FEMA disaster assistance programs. When the Cocoa center re-opens on Monday, homeowners, renters and business owners can apply there for low-interest disaster loans. The center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. SBA's disaster loans are the primary form of federal assistance for non-farm, private sector disaster losses. Disaster loans from SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations fund repair and replacement of disaster damaged real and personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 or visit online at www.sba.gov or email SBA's customer service center at SW.webmis@brevardcounty.us.. For statewide disaster information and to find out how you can Get A Plan! for disasters, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Event Information

Fri 9/12/2008 10:24 AM

NEWS: Water Sample Collection for Drinking Water Wells Update

For Immediate Release
September 12, 2008
Contact: Brevard County Health Department 321-633-2100

**TROPICAL STORM FAY INFORMATION SHEET **
WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION FOR DRINKING WATER WELLS UPDATE

Brevard County - If your private drinking water well has been flooded or if you have experienced a change in water quality as result of Tropical Storm Fay such as color, taste or odor, it should be tested for bacteria and possibly disinfected after the floodwaters recede. Questions about testing and disinfection should be directed to the Brevard County Health Department at 321-633-2100. The Brevard County Health Department will be accepting samples for bacteria only. Directions on how to collect and transport the samples will be given with the sample bags. Samples can ONLY be received in proper sample bags which may be picked up at the following location Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm:
Brevard County Health Department
Environmental Health Services
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Bldg A, Room 116
Viera, FL 32940
All water samples must be returned to the Brevard County Health Department's Environmental Health Services Monday through Thursday between 8am and 5pm. A $15.00 fee will be assessed for each sample. If you cannot get to this location to pick up sample bags, please call 321-633-2100 for sample bag delivery by mail or other sampling options. The only way to verify that the water is safe to drink is to have it tested. Although chlorine bleach is effective against microorganisms, it will not remove chemical contamination that may have gotten into your well. For further information, please contact the Brevard County Health Department or visit www.floridashealth.com or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Event Information

Fri 9/5/2008 1:24 PM

SR 46 TO REOPEN THIS AFTERNOON

****************TRAFFIC ALERT**************
At 5:00 pm today all lanes of SR 46 will reopen to traffic in the area of Lake Harney. Drivers need to use caution in this area. There are "pockets" of standing water that remain on the road. Drivers need to reduce their speeds and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them. Commercial traffic is still restricted on the section of SR 46. FHP is asking all commercial traffic to avoid SR 46 between Brevard and Seminole County. They can use SR 44 or SR 50 as an alternate east-west route.

Event Information

Fri 9/5/2008 1:09 PM

SAND BAG INFORMATION

The City of Palm Bay is offering Sand Bags to the public, FREE of charge until our supplies are depleted........ Sand Bags can be picked up at:
Public Works Department
1050 Malabar Rd SW
Palm Bay, FL 32907
8:30am - 5:00pm
Monday - Friday

Quantities are limited to 15 bags per household
Proof of Palm Bay residency is required
CLICK HERE for a list of Sand Bag Vendors
CLICK HERE to learn how to effectively use Sand Bags
CLICK HERE for other Brevard County Information

Event Information

Fri 8/29/2008 3:38 PM

Reminder: ROAD CLOSURE SR 46

REMINDER:

SR 46 remains shut down in the area of Lake Harney. The water continues to rise and is flowing over both the eastbound and westbound lanes of SR 46. Forecasters expect the water to continue rising until Saturday. Waters are not expected to start receding until Monday. Drivers need to use the detour routes through the weekend and possibly through next week. DOT will need to inspect the road once the water leaves the roadway, to see if it is damaged. Drivers can call 511 to check road conditions for the holiday weekend.

****************TRAFFIC ALERT**************

At this time SR 46 is shut down in the area of Lake Harney. The roadway is under water. Drivers need to be prepared to stop and make a u-turn at this location. FHP is asking drivers to avoid SR 46 between Brevard and Seminole County. They can use SR 44 or SR 50 as an alternate east-west route. The closures are:
As you travel westbound from Brevard County the road is closed at Hatbill Rd.
As you travel eastbound from Seminole County the road is closed at Jungle Rd.
All large trucks need to use SR 44 or SR 50. The roadway may be damaged, once the water recedes.

Event Information

Fri 8/29/2008 3:21 PM

Cocoa shelter closes

The Red Cross-operated shelter at Cocoa West Community Center, 230 Burnett Road, has closed and is now in stand-by mode. The shelter can be reactivated at any time if needed. There are currently no shelters open in Brevard County, with the exception of the animal shelter at Wickham Park.

Event Information

Fri 8/29/2008 2:54 PM

Updated Road Closure List

click here for locations

Event Information

Fri 8/29/2008 1:34 PM

Lake Poinsett area residents warned of rising water levels

Brevard County Emergency Management is using a reverse-notification telephone system to warn residents in the Lake Poinsett area of the rising water levels in Lake Poinsett, part of the St. Johns River, due to additional daily rainfall. Residents are being advised to prepare their homes for potential flooding and to be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Sandbags may be purchased from local hardware stores, and a shelter will be made available if needed. A list of sandbag vendors with current availability will be posted at www.embrevard.com.

Event Information

Fri 8/29/2008 12:54 PM

Current Sandbag Availability in Brevard

click here for locations

Event Information

Fri 8/29/2008 11:33 AM

Well Water Sample Testing Update

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brevard County Health Department
321-633-2100

August 27, 2008

**TROPICAL STORM FAY INFORMATION SHEET **

WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION FOR DRINKING WATER WELLS UPDATE

Brevard County - If your private drinking water well has been flooded or if you have experienced a change in water quality as result of Tropical Storm Fay such as color, taste or odor, it should be tested for bacteria and possibly disinfected after the floodwaters recede. Questions about testing and disinfection should be directed to the Brevard County Health Department at 321-633-2100. The Brevard County Health Department will be accepting samples for bacteria only. Directions on how to collect and transport the samples will be given with the sample bags. There are no fees for this testing for areas with drinking water wells impacted by Tropical Storm Fay through Friday, September 12, 2008. Samples can ONLY be received in proper sample bags which may be picked-up at the following locations:
Permanent Location
Brevard County Health Department
Environmental Health Services
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Bldg A, Room 116
Viera, FL 32940

Friday, August 29, 2008 from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Holiday weekend hours: Saturday, August 30, 2008 thru Monday, September 1, 2008 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 thru Friday, September 5, 2008 from 8:00am to 5:00pm
Monday, September 8, 2008 thru Friday, September 12, 2008 from 8:00am to 5:00pm

Five Temporary Locations (available until further notice)
Palm Bay Police Department Lobby
130 Malabar Road SE
Palm Bay, FL 32907

Town of Grant Valkaria
5120 US Highway 1
Grant Valkaria, FL 32949

Town of Malabar
2725 Malabar Road
Malabar, FL 32950

Disaster Recovery Center
Tent on East Side of John Rodes
503 North John Rodes Boulevard
Melbourne, FL 32934

Disaster Recovery Center
Grant Street Community Center
2547 Grant Street
Melbourne, FL 32901

All water samples must be returned to the Brevard County Health Department's Environmental Health Services permanent location (address and hours given above). If you cannot get to any of these locations to pick up sample bags, please contact us at 321-633-2100 for sample bag delivery by mail or other sampling options. The only way to verify that the water is safe to drink is to have it tested. Although chlorine bleach is effective against microorganisms, it will not remove chemical contamination that may have gotten into your well. For further information, please contact the Brevard County Health Department or visit www.floridashealth.com or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Event Information

Fri 8/29/2008 10:15 AM

Deadly Rip Currents Likely Along Florida's Beaches During the Labor Day Weekend

Brevard County Fire Rescue spokesman Orlando Dominguez states: "Knowing in advance that strong rip currents will be present during this holiday weekend, it is paramount that all beach visitors adhere to the following safety tips: First, all beach visitors should check with lifeguards regarding rip currents before entering the water. Second, if you will be going in the water, swim in front of a lifeguard. Even strong swimmers may be affected by rip currents. Lastly, before heading out to the beach, please call the Brevard County Ocean Rescue Hot-Line: 321-637-5777 to check on beach conditions and lifeguard status."
Local media contact: Orlando Dominguez, 321-863-3734

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

From: DOH COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 4:46 PM
Subject: Deadly Rip Currents Likely Along Florida's Beaches During the Labor Day Weekend
THE STATE OF FLORIDA
STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM

CHARLIE CRIST
Governor
CRAIG FUGATE
Director, Florida Division of Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Public Information-ESF14
(850) 921-0384
August 28, 2008

Deadly Rip Currents Likely along Florida's Beaches During the Labor Day Weekend
Strong Rip Currents are Expected by Sunday and Monday as Swells from Gustav Reach the Gulf Beaches
TALLAHASSEE - Tropical Storm Gustav is forecast to rapidly strengthen in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Friday and Saturday before entering the Gulf of Mexico as a major hurricane. Gustav is also expected to increase in size once the cyclone reaches the Gulf of Mexico, and these expanding wind fields will produce sea swells that will reach Florida's Gulf of Mexico beaches by early Sunday. Additionally, onshore winds along Florida's Atlantic beaches are forecast to strengthen this weekend, which will create a moderate to high risk for rip currents. A rip current is a channel of water that rapidly flows away from the shoreline. By heeding the advice of local officials and lifeguards, residents and visitors to Florida's beaches can reduce their chances of injury or loss of life. "Hurricanes produce hazardous marine and boating conditions, including rip currents, well away from the storm's eye. These conditions can injure or drown those who enter the surf zone. We're urging all beachgoers and mariners to heed warnings from local authorities and lifeguards during the Labor Day Weekend," said Division of Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate. Marine interests should exercise caution when venturing from port and beachgoers should avoid entering the surf along the Atlantic and Gulf beaches on Sunday and Monday. Emergency Managers urge all residents and visitors to understand their limitations, be aware of rip currents, and learn how to get out of them safely. Some important safety tips to keep in mind if you witness a person stranded in the water: Get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, or an inflatable ball. Yell instructions on how to escape. The best method is to swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current. "If red flag warnings are posted, play it safe and stay out of the water," added Director Fugate. For additional information on rip currents, please visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov . For hazard awareness, safety tips, and to GET A PLAN! online at the Florida Division of Emergency Management's website at: www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Event Information

Thu 8/28/2008 10:28 AM

Updates: Damage, Animals

The latest update for Brevard County damage assessment from Tropical Storm Fay shows approximately 2200 homes and businesses impacted. The dollar value is approximately $60 million.

As a result of Tropical Storm Fay, Brevard Animal Services & Enforcement is currently sheltering 21 horses, 1 pony, 9 sheep and 7 chickens at Wickham Park, as well as 4 dogs and 2 cats at the South Animal Care Center. BASE yesterday rescued a dozen fish from drowning (in air) and returned them, as well as a four-foot alligator, to a pond on Burnett Road in west Cocoa.

Event Information

Thu 8/28/2008 7:17 AM

ROAD CLOSURE SR 46

REMINDER: SR 46 remains shut down in the area of Lake Harney. The water is flowing over both the eastbound and westbound lanes of SR 46. Drivers should expect to use the detour routes through the weekend. DOT will need to inspect the road once the water leaves the roadway, to see if it is damaged.
****************TRAFFIC ALERT**************
At this time SR 46 is shut down in the area of Lake Harney. The roadway is under water. Drivers need to be prepared to stop and make a u-turn at this location. FHP is asking drivers to avoid SR 46 between Brevard and Seminole County. They can use SR 44 or SR 50 as an alternate east-west route. The closures are: As you travel westbound from Brevard County the road is closed at Hatbill Rd. As you travel eastbound from Seminole County the road is closed at Jungle Rd. All large trucks need to use SR 44 or SR 50. The roadway may be damaged, once the water recedes.

Event Information

Wed 8/27/2008 5:35 PM

**Update South Beaches Water Usage**

Brevard County beachside residents from Pineda Causeway to Driftwood Plaza (just south of Melbourne Beach) are no longer being asked to limit their water usage. The sewage system is no longer overwhelmed due to flooding from TS Fay.

Event Information

Wed 8/27/2008 2:30 PM

Parks & Recreation Department
Public Information Release
Jeff Whitehead, Golf Operations Manager
Office: 321/633-2046
Email: jeff.whitehead@brevardparks.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2008

Brevard County Golf Courses Re-Open

Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department has opened The Savannahs Golf Course to all golfers. The Habitat Golf Course is open for on the Back 9. Spessard Holland Golf Courses will open to all golfers on Thursday, August 28. If you have any questions or need additional information, call the Golf Courses:

Event Information

Wed 8/27/2008 12:31 PM

For Immediate Release
August 27, 2008

Contact: ESF 8 Desk
321-637-6675

**TROPICAL STORM FAY INFORMATION SHEET **

WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION FOR DRINKING WATER WELLS UPDATE

Permanent Location
Brevard County Health Department
Environmental Health Services
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Bldg A, Room 116
Viera, FL 32940

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 thru Friday, August 29, 2008 from 8:00am to 5:00pm Holiday weekend hours: Saturday, August 30, 2008 thru Monday, September 1, 2008 from 9:00am to 12:00pm

Five Temporary Locations (available until further notice)
Palm Bay Police Department Lobby
130 Malabar Road SE
Palm Bay, FL 32907

Town of Grant Valkaria
5120 US Highway 1
Grant Valkaria, FL 32949

Town of Malabar
2725 Malabar Road
Malabar, FL 32950

Disaster Recovery Center
Barefoot Bay Community Storefront
935 Barefoot Bay Boulevard, Unit 5
Barefoot Bay, FL 32976

Disaster Recovery Center
Grant Street Community Center
2547 Grant Street
Melbourne, FL 32901

Event Information

Wed 8/27/2008 10:19 AM

SPACE COAST CHAPTER RED CROSS - MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jane Bowden
Space Coast Chapter American Red Cross
Chair PR Task-force
Office: (321) 890-1010
Cellular: (321) 806-0172
Email: janbow6@yahoo.com

American Red Cross - Activity In Brevard

(Brevard) August 27, 2008. The Red Cross Shelter at the Cocoa West Community Center on Burnett Road in West Cocoa, remains open as a precautionary measure against the possibility of rising flood water in the area. It is being operated by the Space Coast Chapter. The county wide outreach operation to help people living in the affected areas is ongoing. Today a fleet of 5 Emergency Response Vehicles will continue to deliver water and clean up kits throughout Brevard. They are also being used to transport Red Cross workers who are interviewing people in need Red Cross emergency help. Any one needing immediate help should call 1866-GET-INFO.
                      -end-
Note to editors: Our Emergency Response Vehicles leave the chapter at regular intervals. If you would like to film or photo one of them in action please call me and I will arrange it for you. Pictures are available to the media on Flickr/Red Cross. Some of the volunteers working at the Chapter have come in from out of State to help. What we need now is your help to get some more disaster volunteers signed up and trained. I have some who were involved with TS Fay who you could interview. Please call me if you can help us put the word out.

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to the victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Space Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross serves Brevard county. The chapter's employees and volunteers provide disaster assistance to anyone affected by a disaster whether large or small.. Every day, the chapter serves as a vital communication link between members of the armed forces and their families in our community. Lifesaving classes such as First Aid/CPR, Automated External Defibrillator Training, Water Safety and HIV/AIDS are available throughout the service area on a regular basis. For more information, visit www.spacecoastredcross.org

+ Before, During, After
Antes, Durante, Despues

Jane Bowden
Chair PR Task-force
Space Coast Chapter
American Red cross
1700 Cedar St
Rockledge
FL 32955
Tel 321 890 1002
Cell 321 806 0172
Thank you for supporting your American Red Cross

Event Information

Wed 8/27/2008 9:58 AM

Road Closure/Opening Updates

Event Information

Wed 8/27/2008 9:31 AM

Monesia T. Brown, Director, Agency for Workforce Innovation, will be touring the county with Brevard Workforce Development Board staff, and will talk about the USDOL Grant just awarded to fund temporary jobs for TS Fay recovery.

Media availability in Brevard:
11 a.m. to noon at the Grant Street Community Center/Disaster Recovery Center
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brevard Emergency Operations Center

For Immediate Release:
OPA News Release: [08/25/2008]
Release Number: 08-1214-ATL

Contact:
Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
(202) 693-5052 or (202) 693-4676

Event Information

Tue 8/26/2008 7:23 PM

****************TRAFFIC ALERT**************

At this time SR 46 is shut down in the area of Lake Harney. The roadway is under water. Drivers need to be prepared to stop and make a u-turn at this location. FHP is asking drivers to avoid SR 46 between Brevard and Seminole County. They can use SR 44 or SR 50 as an alternate east-west route. The closures are: As you travel westbound from Brevard County the road is closed at Hatbill Rd. As you travel eastbound from Seminole County the road is closed at Jungle Rd. All large trucks need to use SR 44 or SR 50. The roadway may be damaged, once the water recedes.

Event Information

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 2:57 PM

Updated SR 46 Information

The Florida Highway Patrol has advised SR 46 is currently reduced to one lane of travel in the area of Lake Harney due to flooding. Drivers need to be prepared to stop at this location and FHP is asking drivers to avoid SR 46 between Brevard and Seminole County. SR 44 or SR 50 can be used as an alternate east-west route. FHP expects SR 46 will have to be closed later in the evening due to rising water. The closures will be: As you travel westbound from Brevard County the road will be closed at Hatbill Rd. As you travel eastbound from Seminole County the road will be closed at Jungle Rd. Local residents needing to get past the expected closures will be allowed to their residence as long as the road remains passable. All large trucks also need to use SR 44 or SR 50 due to potential damage to the roadway.

Event Information

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:52 PM

Mosquito Spraying

Brevard County Mosquito Control is currently spraying both day and night by ground and air. This spraying is taking place approximately 30 minutes after sunset until 5 am every day except for Saturday. Spraying will continue at a minimum for the next two weeks and the entire county will be covered over the next few days.

Please refer back periodically for additional information.