“We certainly feel like we were hit the hardest,” said Commission Chairman Colten Wright at a press conference inside the county’s Emergency Operations Center.
The county is working with the state and FEMA on a disaster declaration, Wright said. County Administrator Brad Baker said structural damage figures will support a request for assistance. Residents can help by reporting property damage through the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser’s website.
About 85% of Florida Power and Light customers in the county were still without power Sunday, Baker said. FPL expects to have 95% of its Santa Rosa County customers restored by Monday evening.
Baker asked residents for patience, as they should not expect power within 48 hours after the county experienced catastrophic damage.
“That’s just not a realistic expectation,” Baker said.
Cut-and-toss operations should make 95% of county roads passable by midday Monday, Baker said, with the south end already above 90% passable. Crews made heavy pushes Sunday in Bagdad and Pace. He cautioned that passable does not mean cleared.
The curfew implemented by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday remains in effect for the time being, due to debris and downed power lines.
Public Safety Director Tom Lloyd said the county is beginning to move from response to recovery, asking residents to stay off the roads when possible. Emergency responders are seeing an increase in 911 calls involving breathing problems.
Residents with non-emergency questions should call the county’s citizen information line at 850-983-4636.
The county has ordered points of distribution for water and supplies, but they will be set up only in areas without access to retail stores. Locations will be announced once sites are cleared of debris.
Churches and civic groups that want to volunteer can contact BRACE, which is coordinating volunteer efforts in Santa Rosa County. For more information, call 850-739-3981.
