Saturday, September 9, 2017

Message from Lake Worth on Irma

September 8, 2017  9"14pm

Another day over, another day closer to Irma. It is understandable to look at the most recent update and sigh a big sigh of relief but do not become complacent, there is still over 24 hours before contact and a lot can still change. No matter what happens keep up the Lake Worth spirit, look after one another and together we can make it through whatever Sunday brings.

If you have not evacuated at this point it is unlikely you are going to get very far instead make your way to a shelter or to a friend/family member's house that is not in an evacuation area or mobile home (ie. they are based West of Dixie Hwy).

Refuse collection have now concluded within the City. Please bring in your containers and any loose debris and secure them either bring them indoors or tie them down.

The County is instigating a curfew of 3pm tomorrow, the City plans to follow the county lead. Please plan on ceasing all travel until after the storm before 3pm. PBSO will be stopping anyone on the road without a valid legal purpose to travel. If being at home without power is bad think how terrible being in the County jail without power could be.

The City is as prepared as it can be, our EOC will activate tomorrow. Electric utilities, refuse and water are ready for the event and will be on the ground before, during and after the storm working hard to bring a sense of normalcy back to the City. Your City Manager, Assistant City Manager and other key staff will wait out the storm in EOC to direct the relief effort.

Please note that the Electric Utilities emergency phone number is only for electrical related emergencies. They are not able to answer any other questions and need the line to remain clear for electrical matters.

The City follows the County lead we encourage you to download and install the PBC Dart app. The Palm Beach County DART app will help you stay up to date with the County before, during and after the storm. Android - ht.ly/IGpy30eZoKw IOS - ht.ly/jenF30eZoNA All Xfinity hotspots have been opened and made free to the public until after the storm so just look for an xfinity wifi hotspot and connect if needed.

As we go into the storm please remember that State, County and City Emergency officials do not issue any orders lightly, whether a curfew or evacuation order. We understand that these can sometimes be frustrating especially when it may seem like the danger hasn't arrived or has passed but there can be many reasons for the order to be given. The logistics of keeping all residents safe are extremely complex and officials will err on the side of caution as minor inconvenience is better than death. Please follow all safety orders when given and remember that we all want the same thing... life to return to normal, which it will if we work together.

City staff have been working hard to prepare the City in case the storm is to hit Lake Worth. You can expect multiple information releases to come from the City over the next week. If you haven't already please follow the City on Twitter (@LakeWorthPBC & @LakeWorthCasino).

Together we can make it through whatever comes our way, we are Lake Worth!

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