St. Johns County Administrator Hunter Conrad and public safety officers presented the following report during the Tuesday, Oct. 4, County Commission meeting on the local impact of Hurricane Ian.
Tropical storm winds reached the county at 11 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, and lasted until 3:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30. The closest point of Ian's center eye was approximately 83 miles from the coast at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, while still a Category 1 hurricane.
To date, 636 homes were impacted for an estimated damage of $37.8 million for just residential structures. While no homes were destroyed, 33 homes had major flooding of 18 inches or higher and 223 had minor flooding.
Johns County is currently eligible for FEMA assistance under Category A for debris removal and Category B for emergency protective measures. Individual assistance applications can be submitted online at www.diseasterassistance.gov or 800-621-3362. Those who have questions may call county offices for assistance.
The county experienced major flooding in areas along the coast, specifically Porpoise Point and Crescent Beach as well as inland in Flagler Estates. County crews installed pumps to assist in recovery on Porpoise Point where tidal areas continue to flood during high tides. There is considerable dune loss along Crescent Beach. East Deep Creek Boulevard in Flagler Estates was only accessible by boat but no homes were flooded. There were five breeches of coastline at Summer Haven. Currently the county is not eligible for FEMA assistance for roads and bridges and will have to sustain all costs.
The Beach Pier is currently closed pending a structural evaluation and repairs to some planks. Of the 50 beach walkovers, 21 need repairs and will be continually assessed for damages, as well as boat ramps.
The Utility Department reports that 20 lift stations were damaged for an estimated cost of $4 million in repairs. Florida Power & Light has restored all power; there were 40,580 outages during the peak.
Both Republic Services and Waste Management resumed regularly scheduled service on Oct. 3. Residents can submit service requests for downed trees, drainage issues and road impacts at www.sjcfl.us/PRIDE or call Public Works at 904-209-0266.
Impacts on roads and bridges
County Road 13 needs repairs in many areas due to washouts, and cost estimates are being developed.
Old A1A at Summer Haven North needs repair for estimated cost of $18 million and staff is evaluating methods to maintain residential access.
To date, there are no impacts to bridges.
Public Safety Update
The county Fire Rescue Chief Jeffrey A. Prevatt reports that all personnel were called to respond from Wednesday afternoon to Friday during the storm. They made 800 runs during this time and made 26 high water rescues, 19 of which were in the City of St. Augustine, which was ordered to be evacuated. Water rescues are extremely dangerous to first responders and costly to damaged fire equipment, which must be replaced.
This storm was the first time a combined management or unified command of fire, sheriff and police was implemented to respond to emergencies, and it was reported to be very effective.
The Sheriff's Department reports that crime continues even during a dangerous storm and a deputy had to respond to a shooting during Ian.
The department has personnel in Southwest Florida helping Lee County, including a 16 field team living in tents.
