CLOSURES
Seminole County Government
- Parks, Trails, and Recreation:
- Trails still closed:
- St. Johns Trailhead of the Flagler Trail.
- Boat Ramps still closed:
- Mullet Lake Boat Ramp (due to ongoing cleanup actions)
- Wilderness Areas still closed:
- Lake Jesup Wilderness Area
- Unstaffed Parks still closed:
- The fishing dock at Overlook Park
- Trails still closed:
Last Updated: December 3, 2024 3:21pm
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
Residents are encouraged to report property damage that occurs during hurricanes.
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Report damage using Damage Assessment Form
Damage assessment forms are critical for FEMA purposes. They help officials understand the severity and magnitude of damage to property, get assistance, and direct building inspectors to the appropriate areas.
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 10:13am
CURBSIDE GUIDELINES:
- Please separate vegetative disaster debris (branches, tree trunks, limbs, etc.) and construction and demolition disaster debris (building materials, large items) into two distinct piles at the curb. These should be items that were lost as a result of the hurricane.
- Ensure that the piles are kept off streets, sidewalks, and storm drains, and are positioned away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, or other structures.
- If possible, cut branches and logs into 4-foot sections.
- Try and combine your pile with your neighbor’s to create larger piles and expedite collection.
- Avoid using plastic bags for vegetative debris. Pile your debris. You may also place in bins, paper bags, or bundles.
SCHEDULE:
- Please be patient - contracted debris haulers (trucks with grapples/claws to pick up piles) will collect as much as possible during working hours.
If you prefer, you may bring it to the Landfill (1930 E Osceola Rd, Geneva).
Following storm debris removal from contracted debris haulers (trucks with grapples/claws to pick up piles), small materials such as leaf litter and twigs may remain. The heavy machinery used by these haulers is unable to collect smaller materials. This small debris left behind should be treated as normal yard waste. Please place in paper bags or designated bins for your regular yard waste pickup.
For information about regular Solid Waste services, including trash/recycling collection and yard waste, click here.
Last Updated: November 7, 2024 1:56pm
FEMA Assistance
A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open at the Seminole State College Automotive Training Center. Residents will receive assistance with registering for individual FEMA disaster aid or updating their current applications.
Disaster Recovery Center
Seminole State College Automotive Training Center
100 Weldon Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32773
Regular operating hours are Monday - Saturday, 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.
The final day for the Disaster Recovery Center is Saturday, December 7.
FEMA has declared Seminole County as a designated disaster area following Hurricane Milton. Residents can apply NOW for Individual Assistance through FEMA.
For more information or to start the application, go to disasterassistance.gov
Call the FEMA Helpline, toll-free at 1-800-621-3362, 7a.m.–10p.m., 7 days a week.
FEMA Resources
- Mental Health Resources
- Disaster Survivor's Checklist
- Lista de Cotejo Para Sobrevivientes de Desastres
IRS RELIEF
The IRS is providing relief for individuals who suffered damage or loss during Hurricane Milton. Learn more or apply here.
SBA ASSISTANCE
Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance is available. Learn more about eligibility and apply for an SBA disaster loan at sba.gov.
D-SNAP ASSISTANCE
SNAP recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement at myflfamilies.com/milton.
REBUILD FLORIDA PROGRAM
Seminole County homeowners who have damage from Hurricane Helene and Milton can apply for assistance with the Rebuild Florida Program. This program prioritizes the most vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, those with disabilities, and families with children under the age of eighteen, and is designed to ensure homes are decent, safe, and sanitary after sustaining hurricane damage.
To apply, residents can visit Ian.RebuildFlorida.gov. For additional information or help filling out an application, impacted homeowners can fill out the Contact Form for the Reduild Florida team to reach out to assist, or they can contact the call center at 1-800-915-6803, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Time for assistance.
Last Updated: December 3, 2024 3:11pm
FLOODING SAFETY
- Turn Around, Don't Drown: Do not drive or walk through flood water. Vehicles will not protect you. They can be swept away or may stall.
- Keep Out of Flood Water: It can be contaminated with waste or chemicals that can cause health hazards. Dangerous objects and debris or animals (rodents, snakes) could also be hidden in the water. Do not play or float in flood water. Plus, as little as 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet.
- Prevent Electrical Hazards: Turn off electrical power, gas, and propane. NEVER touch a fallen power line. If you believe someone has been electrocuted, call 911.
- No Wake: Motorists should not drive through water fast enough to create wake. Please drive slowly. Motorized boats are not safe to operate on roadways. If you need assistance to pass through flooded areas, first responders stand ready to assist with appropriate vehicles.
RESOURCES
- Little Wekiva River near Altamonte Springs
- St. Johns River at Lake Monroe (Sanford)
- Little Econ River near Oviedo
- Residents can visit msc.fema.gov to find out if their home is in a flood zone.
HOW TO READ HYDROGRAPHS
Hydrographs show how the river levels have changed over time at a specific location. Check the time along the bottom to see the current river level and predicted levels.
LEVELS:
- Action Stage: Time to prepare
- Minor Flooding: Minimal property damage
- Moderate Flooding: Some property damage and evacuations
- Major Flooding: Damage to structures and roads, significant evacuations
- Record Flooding: The highest level on record
Last Updated: October 13, 2024 10:53am
UNMET NEEDS
An unmet need is a gap between verified disaster-caused damages and obtainable aid (such as insurance assistance, Federal and State assistance, and personal resources). Non-government agencies and volunteers can assist those incapable of making homes livable or passible with muck out, dry wall repair/replace, tarp roof, debris removal, fence repair, wheelchair ramp repair, basic other home repairs, minor roof repair, and similar projects.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Eligible individuals who may receive assistance with these types of projects include residents of Seminole County with special needs, disabilities, seniors, and low- to fixed-income households.
MAKE A REQUEST
Call the Office of Emergency Management at 407-665-5102 or the Citizens Information Hotline at 407-665-0000 to register the unmet need.
Last Updated: October 15, 2024 10:26am
MOSQUITO CONTROL
AERIAL SPRAYING
After Hurricane Milton, standing water left by flooding has caused a significant increase in mosquito breeding. With over 800 mosquito service requests currently in the system for Seminole County Mosquito Control, aerial spraying is a critical step in reducing high mosquito populations and protecting public health. Aerial spraying quickly and safely reduces the number of adult mosquitoes in large geographic areas, when conducted according to regulation. The risk of a mosquito-borne disease outbreak is greatly decreased when mosquito populations are reduced.
The State of Florida, under the Mosquito Control Incident Response Team (MCIRT), which is a specialized unit within the Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART), conducted aerial spraying over the highlighted areas on Wednesday, October 30. The Seminole County Mosquito Control team continues to respond via ground, with fogging and spraying methods.
For a mosquito spray request, please visit: www.seminolecountyfl.gov/mosquito
Additional Information:
- PDF: Aerial Treatment Infographic
- PDF: Insecticide FAQ
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Naled for Mosquito Control, www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/naled-mosquito-control
- Florida State Agricultural Response Team (SART), https://flsart.org/resource/vectorcontrol.jsp
- Florida Mosquito Control Programs, www.FDACS.gov, search "Mosquito Control Program"
Last Updated: October 31, 2024 9:37am
STAY INFORMED
- EMERGENCY ALERTS: Register for emergency alerts through AlertSeminole and get alerts via text, email, or voice call about weather events, evacuations, and more.
- GENERAL TEXT ALERTS: Text "Storm2024" to 888-777 for storm-specific information.
- PHONE: Call the Seminole County Citizens Information Line at (407) 665-0000 with storm-related questions. Hablamos español.
- SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seminole County on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and Nextdoor.
- TV: Watch Seminole Government Television (SGTV) at seminolecountyfl.gov/SGTV, on Spectrum Cable Channel 498, or on YouTube.
- EMAIL NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to the Seminole County Newsletter for email updates.
Last Updated: October 11, 2024 10:05am
PRIVATE WELL WATER SAFETY
If you suspect your water has been contaminated, follow these safety tips:
- Boil tap water and hold it at a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let it cool completely before using to avoid burns.
- Disinfect tap water by adding eight drops of plain, unscented household bleach per gallon of water. If a higher strength bleach is used (8.259 strength), only add seven drops of bleach. Mix the solution and let it stand for 30 minutes. If still cloudy after the second treatment, dispose of water and start the process over one more time.
- Use commercially available bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.
FREE WELL WATER TESTING KITS
Seminole County residents with private wells that were submerged in floodwaters from Hurricane Milton should have their well water tested to ensure safety and water quality. Floodwaters can introduce disease-causing organisms, making the water unsafe for consumption. If your well was flooded, it's essential to check for any mechanical issues and test for contaminants.
If you are concerned your private well may have been contaminated by flooding from Hurricane Milton, your water can be tested at no cost. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County is providing FREE water testing for residents concerned about potential contamination from flooding.
- You can pick up a FREE testing kit at their office, located at 130 San Carlos Ave., Sanford, FL 32771, Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Lab results will indicate if your water is safe.
This is for private wells only. If you are on public utility, there is no need to test your water as that is being done by the facility.
WELL WATER RESOURCES
PDF: Florida Department of Health - Private Well Water
PDF: Florida Department of Health - Agua de Pozos Privados
PDF: Private Well Testing
PDF: How to Collect a Water Sample
Last Updated: October 29, 2024 4:32pm