Hurricane Milton Operational Update

The City of Sanford appreciates our residents and businesses for their patience and resilience as we continue cleanup and reopening efforts. We have heard amazing stories of neighbor helping neighbor and strangers lending a hand.  Let’s continue to practice extra kindness with one another during this time. Your public service employees are working around the clock. Together, we can support each other as we move forward.
 
Utilities:
Please conserve water. The City of Sanford’s water reclamation system, just like almost every other municipal system affected by the Hurricane, is at capacity.  Please avoid using dishwashers and doing laundry, flush toilets sparingly when possible, and keep trash out of toilets including hygiene products and all wipes (wet wipes, ‘flushable’ wipes, sanitizer wipes).
 
Flooding and Roadways:
We expect flooding to recede in some areas but rise in others over the next few days.  Do not enter or drive through floodwater.  Exercise extreme caution around floodwater as it can be dangerous with live electrical wires or other hazardous debris or wildlife present and make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.  If you must be on the road, be courteous and provide linemen with extra space to repair electrical, traffic and communication lines. Treat intersections without traffic signals as a four-way stop. Please do not drive through standing water.
 
Damage Assessment:
Residents are encouraged to report property damage that occurred during the storm. Complete the form in the Damage Assessment section at PrepareSeminole.org. These reports help us understand where the damage is located to help ensure FEMA funding.
 
Storm Damage Repair: Homeowners and contractors need to be vigilant about getting repairs made quickly and correctly to storm-damaged properties in the aftermath of a declared emergency.  It is important for citizens to be aware that work done without a permit may not be covered by homeowners’ insurance.  If you have questions, please call the City of Sanford’s Building Division during normal business hours Mon.-Thurs. 7:00 am-5:30 pm and Fridays, 8:00 am-1:00 pm at 407.688.5150. See Information Sheet for guidelines or visit www.sanfordfl.gov
 
 
Helpful Tips from the City of Sanford Building Division: 

• Hire a Licensed Contractor. 
• Apply for a permit at www.citizenserve.com/sanford. 
• What work does not require a permit?
  • Roof Repairs less than 25% of the entire roof
  • Painting, carpeting, wallpaper, tile/wood flooring, drywall, and/or cabinetry
  • Replacement of interior doors
  • Replacement of sinks, faucets and/or toilets with no change in location
• Emergency Permits:  If the repair work is an Emergency, the work can be completed as soon as possible.  The contractor has until the next business day to notify the Building Division of the work and apply for any necessary permits.  Work that constitutes an emergency is considered the following:
  • Electrical repairs where the loss of electricity results in a life safety issue (due to possible medical needs)
  • Mechanical (A/C) System replacement where loss of cooling results in a life safety issue
  • Structural repairs or replacements that affect the immediate structural integrity of the building

 
City Facility Reopening:
The Downtown Sanford Marina is open. The public boat ramps are closed due to high water. The St. John’s River will crest to flooding stages next week. As of Friday, October 11, North Palmetto Avenue and Marina Isle are open for business. Tiger Dams have been placed to minimize flooding to allow access to businesses. Seminole Boulevard is currently closed from Park Avenue to Sanford Avenue. This closure will be extended as the St. John’s River crests next week. Staff will continue to monitor and provide updates.
 
The Mayfair Country Club, Sanford Museum and Larry A. Dale Aquatic Center will resume their regular operational hours on Saturday, October 12.
 
The remaining City Facilities, including City Hall, Cemetery, rental and community centers will reopen on Monday, October 14. Recreation games, practices, programs and activities will resume on Monday, October 14. After School Programming will resume on Tuesday, October 15
 
City Parks Reopening:
Paw Park and James Dunn Park are closed with downed power lines.  The Splash Pad in Ft. Mellon Park will also remain closed through the weekend.  Our Parks and Recreation team will continue their debris removal and safety checks of all of Parks. The following parks are opened:
 
 
Bay Avenue Park
Cemetery
Centennial Park
Downtown
Ft. Mellon Park
Groveview Park (and its courts)
Jinkins Circle Park
Magnolia Park
McKibbin Park
Monroe Hall
Mother Ruby Wilson Park
Paulucci Park
Pinehurst Park
Sanford Riverwalk
South Pinecrest Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Washington Oaks Park
Woodmere Park
Wynnewood Park

 
Solid Waste and Recycling:
Regularly scheduled solid waste and recycling services will resume on Monday, October 14. 
 
Yard Waste:
Storm debris collection specialists are being contracted to collect vegetative debris (such as branches, logs, and leaves). Your patience is appreciated for debris pickup as the demand for limited contractors is stretched across the State of Florida.  Please separate this debris from all other materials, leave it loose (no bags, no containers) in front of your home and ensure the piles are kept off streets, sidewalks, storm drains, and are positioned away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, water meter boxes or other structures. If possible, cut branches and logs into 4-foot sections.  We will update their expected schedule of service when the details are finalized.  Due to contractor services, there will be no regularly scheduled yard waste collection on Wednesday, October 16. 
 
Stay Connected, Stay Informed: 
Follow the City of Sanford, Sanford Police Department and Sanford Fire Department on Social Media. Download the City of Sanford free mobile app “Sanford Connects” visit www.sanfordfl.gov and register with the City of Sanford on Nextdoor. Call the City of Sanford Citizens Information Line (407) 562-2778 for pre-recorded storm-related information. Available 24/7. Register for Alert Seminole at www.alertseminole.org Seminole County’s emergency notification and warning system for all residents.
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