I know everyone is confused and frustrated regarding the delays in entering the beach. We are scheduling re-entry as quickly as possible to allow owners back to assess damage and begin cleanup.
The schedule was developed based on road access (debris, water),and safety and damage assessments. We had to clean debris off roads and have power lines secured. We have scheduled access away from work that continues to be done by electric crews and the national guard. There are over 178 national guard on the beach working 24 hours a day. The national guard is using heavy equipment to remove the feet of sand on palmetto Blvd and cross streets in the first 11 blocks. We are having to accommodate, feed, provide facilities etc. for these recovery workers.
We had power partially restored today. Jungle, dock site, and yacht club roads all had power restored. That is great news! With the restoration of power we can work on getting our water and sewer system online.
The sewer system was inundated with storm water and the wastewater plant and holding ponds are full. Until we can get our 15 wastewater lift stations working to pump the wastewater and the irrigation system that disperses the treated wastewater on the golf course repaired, we cannot have additional wastewater put into the system. We know everyone wants to clean, repair and resume their lives, but our utility system cannot handle it until repairs are made.
We have water connections on the beach side that are broken in the first 7 blocks of Palmetto. Once the sand is removed, we can access these water meters to shut them off. Also we have a 6″ water line break on Jungle Shores we are working on getting repaired and/or isolated. So even with power, we do not have water in most places and the sewer system is not ready for additional loads. Until these issues are resolved we cannot allow residents to stay.
Even with these repairs, some residents will still not be allowed to stay because they either will have no water, wastewater or their damages are too severe.
Although most properties have minor or no damage, our neighbors on the beachfront in some areas were not so fortunate. We are sending them pictures and working to get them onto the beach to begin repairs. We are also answering requests for information as quickly as possible.
Please keep in mind we are working as quickly as possible to get everyone home.
I commend our staff and volunteers who have put aside their needs to address those of the Town. It is truly astounding that with a staff of 35 we have owners coming back within 3 days of a devastating storm.
Iris