As this week’s issue went to press, island residents were prepping for a wet and windy week, and watching anxiously to see how Hurricane Milton would affect this area.
While Vero Beach was not in the direct forecast track of Milton, local officials began taking the “better safe than sorry” approach on Monday, cancelling school Tuesday through Thursday, and closing county beaches, parks and some government offices as of Tuesday evening until staff can complete post-storm damage assessments.
“We need to go out and evaluate any erosion issues or whatever else that may be happening to make sure they are safe for people,” said County Administrator John Titkanich.
Indian River County, the City of Vero Beach and the Town of Indian River Shores all executed local emergency declarations, and almost all of Florida was under a statewide disaster declaration.
These paved the way to bring in resources and qualify for potential reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency – if there are any FEMA funds left to be had after Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
While the track of Hurricane Milton and its eventual strength were still, to a certain extent, to be determined, one thing was for certain as the tropical system approached – this area does not need more rain right now.
At least one county facility, Dick Bird Park near Oslo Middle School, had to be closed on Monday due to flooding. The barrier island had received nearly two inches of rain Sunday into Monday, and was set to get more even before the hurricane makes landfall on the Gulf Coast.
“Stormwater is a concern,” Vero Beach Public Works Director Matt Mitts said. “Our crews have been cleaning and clearing storm drains and the stormwater system is functioning as best as it can. The ground is already saturated, however. We will announce any special debris pickup procedures following the storm based upon the amount of debris generated by the storm.”
City and county officials emphasized that Vero residents should keep up with any announcements made by the county. On Monday, the county activated the Emergency Operations Center and opened up an information line at 772-226-4000 to answer questions during normal business hours.
“Please stay calm,” Sheriff Eric Flowers urged local residents at a Monday afternoon pre-hurricane briefing.
“There’s plenty of gas, there’s plenty of supplies. We will make sure that everyone is safe while you’re out there. So please take your time, take care of each other and let’s get through this together and be prepared for this as one unified Indian River County.”
Flowers said bridges would only be closed if conditions become unsafe, and based upon where things stood Monday night, he did not yet see a need for any curfews.