10/20/2024
Hurricane Milton Updates on Recovery for Volusia County.
Recovery efforts continue and crews are making progress on flooded areas. Our main focus is drawing down water levels in areas that were most affected.
Here is some important information:
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Volusia County residents who were impacted by Hurricane Milton can now apply for federal assistance, as FEMA has officially declared the county a disaster area. This declaration unlocks individual and public assistance, as well as hazard mitigation, to help in recovery. Residents displaced by flooding and damage associated with Hurricane Milton also qualify for reimbursement for housing costs. Residents can submit their applications online at www.disasterassistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362.
𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
For businesses affected by Hurricane Milton, the State of Florida activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.
𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬
There is localized flooding that remains in subdivisions throughout the city, but these are the major roads still closed due to flooding:
Taylor Road (east of Blue Lake)
Orange Camp Road (East of Publix)
West Vermont Avenue
West New Hampshire and Amelia Ave
South Amelia Avenue by the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Aquarius Avenue (accessible only via Taylor Road)
Due to the continued flooding near DeLand Middle School, Volusia County Schools will continue to provide transportation to students walking to school from north of the school through the rest of the week. The pickup and drop off point will continue to be the Sanborn Center, 815 South Alabama Avenue.
𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐮𝐩
Light debris pickup has started, and residential pickup will begin in earnest soon. We anticipate clean up to take several weeks to complete, so please be patient.
1. For hurricane debris, large vegetative debris and construction and demolition debris (household items, drywall, damaged housing components), please keep both piles separate, by the right-of-way and away from utilities, power poles and mailboxes.
2. For all other yard waste like grass clippings, small twigs and leaves, please continue to place those in containers or bag that debris and it will be picked up by GFL per your weekly allowance.
To expedite recovery from Hurricane Milton, Volusia County has opened two vegetative debris disposable drop-off sites. Residents can dispose of vegetative debris, free of charge, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, beginning Thursday, Oct 17. An ID with proof of Volusia County residency is required at both of the following drop-off locations:
Tomoka Landfill, 1990 Tomoka Farms Road, Port Orange
Old Plymouth Landfill, 1991 W Plymouth Ave., DeLand
Contractors are legally required to dispose of vegetative debris properly and must take all debris to the Tomoka Landfill in Port Orange at 1990 Tomoka Farms Road or the West Volusia Transfer Station in DeLand at 3151 E. New York Ave.
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬
There are multiple relief efforts from organizations and churches in DeLand.
1. Stetson Baptist Church is doing a bagged grocery/water distribution from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday on their campus, 1025 West Minnesota Avenue. Distribution will occur from the north side of the property form the entrance off of Spring Garden Avenue.
2. The City Sanctuary Church will hold its second hurricane relief giveaway from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at their property, 401 East Taylor Road. Drinking water, diapers, cleaning products and more will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. The Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center has teamed up with the Catholic Charities of Central Florida and St. Patrick Catholic Church of Mt. Dora to give out drinking water, hygiene products, ready-to-eat meal and more on a first-come, first-served basis. Giveaway will be from 9 a.m. to noon Friday or while supplies last, at the Resource Center, 489 West Mathis Street.
𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲
Unfortunately after natural disasters like hurricanes there are unlicensed individuals who purport themselves as trustworthy contractors and then attempt to take advantage of property owners in need of repairs.
Be cautious with individuals who demand a full payment upfront, lack a written contract, solicit door-to-door, request cash only or use high pressure sales tactics.
To file a complaint of unlicensed activity, people may call 1.866.532.1440.
