St. Lucie County - Tuesday September 27, 2022: St. Lucie County Declared a State of Emergency Tuesday morning as the County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch.
Communications Director Eric Gill said “we’re still kind of on the edge of that cone so we want to make sure that we have all the resources we need in case we take a bigger hit than what’s projected.”
All County Government Offices, along with public schools, will be closed Wednesday when Hurricane Ian arrives. “So that includes all county libraries, parks, attractions, as well as our Tax Collector, Sheriff, the Clerk of the Court, judges, Property Appraiser, and the Supervisor of Elections," said Gill.
Tuesday morning the County also upped the activation status at its Emergency Operation Center to Level 2, one short of the highest level of 1. And officials declared a local State of Emergency, which Gill explained is more of a procedural move, not a danger alarm.
“A local state of emergency really doesn’t impact local residents. It’s a form that lets local governments by-pass spending so that if we need to run out and buy something right now, we don’t have to get three formal quotes because its over $5,000. We can buy it so we need to get this pump in the ground, and move this water.”
A public Information and Help line has also been activated. “So if residents have questions or concerns they can call 772-460-HELP, that's 460-4357."
That line will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM the next few days.