Fort Pierce - September 28, 2022: The City of Fort Pierce is continuing to monitor Hurricane Ian and preparing for any potential impact.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains for Florida’s east coast. Locally, we are under a Tornado Watch this morning along with a Flood Warning.
With Ian’s more southern track, expected rainfall in our area has increased to a total 6- 8 inches through Sunday, with isolated areas receiving 10-12 inches.
We should experience 30- 35 mph sustained winds along with possible gusts to 55 mph beginning tonight through Thursday.
St. Lucie County opened an information line for residents to call for storm information. It will be answered from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The number is 772-460-4357.
NEW UPDATES
Shelters
St. Lucie County Public Safety Department, along with its community partners, will open three hurricane shelters, including the medical special needs and pet-friendly shelters, beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29.
There are currently no recommended evacuations for St. Lucie County at this time. However, in an abundance of caution, St. Lucie County’s Emergency Management Team is opening shelters for those living in manufactured homes and low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
The following shelters will open in St. Lucie County at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29
· Special Needs Shelter: Havert L. Fenn, 2000 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34982
· Pet-Friendly Shelter: Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, 1801 Panther Lane, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34947
· General Population Shelter: Fort Pierce Central High School, 4101 S 25th St., Fort Pierce, Fla. 34981
Sand Distribution Replenished
The free self-serve sandbag stations are being replenished for residents at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamland Park (S. 25th St.), Pioneer Park (Ave M and N. 29th St.), and Jaycee Park (South Hutchinson Island). Residents should bring their own bags and a shovel. Parks are open daily from dawn to dusk. For more info regarding sand distribution, please call the Public Works Department at 772-467-3794.
Closures
City Hall will be closed to the public, Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29.
St. Lucie Public Schools and district offices will be closed Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29.
State of Emergency Declared
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for all 67 counties on Saturday, September 24. St. Lucie County declared a Local State of Emergency at 9 a.m. on September 27. The City of Fort Pierce declared a State of Emergency at 11:00 AM, September 27.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste collection will continue to run as normal. Please refrain from cutting down vegetation or doing major projects until the system passes. Residents should not place any additional debris at the curb as it may block surface stormwater flow.
Communication
We are committed to keeping our residents safe and informed - all public notices will be provided on the city’s website at www.cityoffortpierce.com, social media channels, and Fort Pierce TV Channel 27. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for St. Lucie County's Alert St. Lucie program to get emergency notifications sent directly to their phone, email, or text: www.stlucieco.gov/Alert