Oct 17 2018
Update on the Cape as of Wednesday Morning, Oct. 17
I’m still in Tallahassee but wanted to update you with the latest info for those of you not on Facebook:
From Vince Bishop, Fire Chief, South Gulf County Volunteer Fire Dept.,
This is Vince on the North Side; We have 24 hr law enforcement patrols now to help keep the properties safe. The started went out on Station 2 generator, but it was only down for a day. Thanks to Allix North and the Gulf County maintenance shop for rounding up a replacement. I saw a lot of DOT heavy equipment staged at the Stumphole, so that road should be better soon.
If you travel out here, be sure to bring flat fix, tire patch kits, battery powered air compressors, and spare tires. There are lots of nails and screws around. I’ve had four flats already. Bring lots of hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently. Sewers do not work and many septic tanks breached.
Both stations have plenty of food and drinking water. Station 1 has power, we should get some power north of rocks today. Big problem area is going to be water for washing and flushing. We have medics at station 1 and 2.
Sewer north of stump hole is not working. Do not flush if you have sewer!! Sewage is backing up into undesirable areas. If you are on septic and you know your septic is OK, you can flush. At this point no water or power North of Stumphole. Scallop Cove will have electricity, hopefully by tomorrow afternoon. No water north of stump hole for possibly a month, longer. First Aid available at Station One and Two on North and South Cape. Stay safe. Drinking water available at both locations.
Everyone stay safe.
From Gulf County Sheriff’s Dept. Wednesday Morning
GULF COUNTY HURRICANE RECOVERY UPDATE
GAS AND DIESEL is now available at the Gulf County Health Department at 2475 Garrison Avenue from 7 AM – 7 PM. Cash and credit accepted, however there will be no change available for cash purchases. There is a 15 gallon limit on gas at $3.00 per gallon and a 30 gallon limit on diesel at $3.40 per gallon. Those getting fuel must have an approved gas can. Motorists must approach the Health Department from Madison Street and enter through the south entrance.
For medical needs, go to Sacred Heart Hospital or the Wewahitchka Health Department. We have ambulance strike teams and medical strike teams to assist you.
Those returning home to Gulf County or coming to evaluate property damages will have more time to do so following a change in curfew hours. Sheriff Mike Harrison has adjusted the curfew hours to 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. EST. Under the curfew no one is permitted to be on the roadways.
In the coming days criminals and unlicensed contractors will be looking for a quick way to make easy money, oftentimes defrauding individuals affected by the surrounding catastrophe. Here are a couple of pointers to remember when choosing a contractor: Make sure the contractor has a valid and active license in their respective state or county, contractors can be licensed with a county, with the State or both, request a Certificate of Insurance from a contractor to show they are adequately insured as a contractor, vet the potential contractor BEFORE work begins, pay a contractor after work has been completed and consulting their insurance company about any potential claims, vet potential contractors by visiting 
www.myfloridalicense.com. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said Sheriff Mike Harrison.
Citizen Information Line is still activated. The number is 805-536-4432 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please note the area code is 805. Please read the most recent updates on the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or the Gulf County Emergency Management Facebook page prior to calling.
Dr. Curry has set up a number for her established patients in Gulf and Franklin Counties, 850-739-1608.
PanCARE Operations in Port St. Joe Clinic will be open Wednesday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
Wewahitchka Health Department, ambulance strike teams and medical strike teams are available on site to assist you.
The Air Force Aid Society has authorized evacuation assistance for Air Force active duty, retirees, Air Force Reservists and Air National Guard members who have been evacuated from the Mexico Beach, Panama City and Tyndall AFB. These individuals can go directly to the Aid Society office at their location and should do that if it is close. If they cannot reach an Air Force Aid Society office, they can call the Red Cross Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337.
The Piggly Wiggly located at 125 W Hwy 98, Port St Joe is open for business.
Monetary donations to reputable charities are highly recommended as the immediate food, ice and water needs of the community are being met. Donations needs are as follows: diapers, baby wipes, baby formula (dairy and non-dairy), feminine products, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, charcoal, proteins such as canned meat, beef jerky, peanut butter, and pet food.
Donation drop off locations are: The Old Wewa Gym at 825 South Highway 71, Wewahitchka and 300 Allen Memorial Way, Port St. Joe. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 12 noon for pickup and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for deliveries.
The Samaritans Purse that has mobilized and is currently set up at 436 S. Highway 71 in Wewa. They have reached out and are ready to start serving Gulf County. Attached is a fact sheet who they are as an organization. Samaritans Purse has personnel ready to assist with the following efforts. They offer chainsaw work, debris removal, tarping, and mud-outs. The cannot offer services to rental properties, however, they can assist with packing up personal belongings.
The Gulf County Building Department is beginning to conduct Damage Assessments throughout the county. To assist with this process, the Building Department asks anyone returning to their residence, mark their address somewhere on the property. This can be done by spray painting the address on a structure that is still standing on the property or putting the information on the
street in front of the property. Magic markers or other marking devices will also work.
The only road closed now is SR- C30E (Cape Sand Blas Road) – from Stump Pole North.
Mobile Distribution Sites for food and water. NOTE these are mobile and may change, but are available currently for residents who cannot get to the Points of Distribution Sites at Wewa High School or Port St. Joe Elementary School
1. St Joe Beach Volunteer Fire Dept. 7912 Alabama Ave
2. White City Volunteer Fire Dept. 6987 FL-71
3. Overstreet Volunteer Fire Dept. 314 Firehouse Rd
4. Dalkeith Volunteer Fire Dept. 2731 Co RD 381, Wewa
5. Creek Stop and Deli 3050 FL-71, Wewa
6. Gulf County Fire Station #1. 404 Williams Ave, Port St. Joe
7. Highland View Volunteer Fire Dept. 133 Park, Port St. Joe
FUMC Care Closet will be open Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this week. ALL items are FREE. 510 East 4th St, Port St. Joe.
The VA’s Marianna Clinic located at 4970 US 90 Marianna will begin temporary operations on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 for Veterans needing medical care or mental health services. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
Note the following safety tips; Listen to authorities for information and instructions, be careful during clean-up, wear protective clothing and work with someone else, be safe in the use of ladders and be cautious for nails and glass laying around,, do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water, if it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent shock, document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Please also visit Gulf County, Florida Emergency Management for information.
ffice Facebook page or the Gulf County Emergency Management Facebook page prior to calling.
Dr. Michael Barnes Office in Wewahitchka will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Only established patients will be seen (walk-ins only). The office will be fully operational and patients will be billed later.
Dr. Curry has set up a number for her established patients in Gulf and Franklin Counties, 850-739-1608.
PanCARE Operations in Port St. Joe Clinic will be open Wednesday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
Wewahitchka Health Department, ambulance strike teams and medical strike teams are available on site to assist you.
The Air Force Aid Society has authorized evacuation assistance for Air Force active duty, retirees, Air Force Reservists and Air National Guard members who have been evacuated from the Mexico Beach, Panama City and Tyndall AFB. These individuals can go directly to the Aid Society office at their location and should do that if it is close. If they cannot reach an Air Force Aid Society office, they can call the Red Cross Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337.
The Piggly Wiggly located at 125 W Hwy 98, Port St Joe is open for business.
Monetary donations to reputable charities are highly recommended as the immediate food, ice and water needs of the community are being met. Donations needs are as follows: diapers, baby wipes, baby formula (dairy and non-dairy), feminine products, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, charcoal, proteins such as canned meat, beef jerky, peanut butter, and pet food.
Donation drop off locations are: The Old Wewa Gym at 825 South Highway 71, Wewahitchka and 300 Allen Memorial Way, Port St. Joe. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 12 noon for pickup and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for deliveries.
The Samaritans Purse that has mobilized and is currently set up at 436 S. Highway 71 in Wewa. They have reached out and are ready to start serving Gulf County. Attached is a fact sheet who they are as an organization. Samaritans Purse has personnel ready to assist with the following efforts. They offer chainsaw work, debris removal, tarping, and mud-outs. The cannot offer services to rental properties, however, they can assist with packing up personal belongings.
The Gulf County Building Department is beginning to conduct Damage Assessments throughout the county. To assist with this process, the Building Department asks anyone returning to their residence, mark their address somewhere on the property. This can be done by spray painting the address on a structure that is still standing on the property or putting the information on the street in front of the property. Magic markers or other marking devices will also work.
The only road closed now is SR- C30E (Cape Sand Blas Road) – from Stump Pole North.
Mobile Distribution Sites for food and water. NOTE these are mobile and may change, but are available currently for residents who cannot get to the Points of Distribution Sites at Wewa High School or Port St. Joe Elementary School
1. St Joe Beach Volunteer Fire Dept. 7912 Alabama Ave
2. White City Volunteer Fire Dept. 6987 FL-71
3. Overstreet Volunteer Fire Dept. 314 Firehouse Rd
4. Dalkeith Volunteer Fire Dept. 2731 Co RD 381, Wewa
5. Creek Stop and Deli 3050 FL-71, Wewa
6. Gulf County Fire Station #1. 404 Williams Ave, Port St. Joe
7. Highland View Volunteer Fire Dept. 133 Park, Port St. Joe
FUMC Care Closet will be open Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this week. ALL items are FREE. 510 East 4th St, Port St. Joe.
The VA’s Marianna Clinic located at 4970 US 90 Marianna will begin temporary operations on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 for Veterans needing medical care or mental health services. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
Note the following safety tips; Listen to authorities for information and instructions, be careful during clean-up, wear protective clothing and work with someone else, be safe in the use of ladders and be cautious for nails and glass laying around,, do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water, if it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent shock, document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Please also visit Gulf County, Florida Emergency Management for information.
From Gulf County Sheriff’s Dept. Tuesday Evening
Many of you have asked about road conditions on Cape San Blas. This video was taken Tuesday, October 16th at the Stump Hole. Residents and property owners are encouraged to use a four-wheel drive truck when driving out to the Cape. Crews are working hard to fix the roadway but damages are extensive.
There are TWO areas with wash outs that will be challenging for a car to travel. Gulf County Sheriff’s Office is here to help. Please use your best judgement when traveling in the area.
https://www.facebook.com/gulfsheriff/videos/306909479893936/
Posted by a Cape San Blas Property Owner Tuesday Night:
Just got back and want to give some insight. I’ve been in the dark for 36 hours so I’m sorry if I’m repeating.
First, if you don’t have to be there do not go. I’m serious! There are a TON of workers and we are nothing but IN THEIR WAY! If they didn’t have to bother with directing traffic, stopping machines to let us through, etc they would get done twice or three as fast. If you go be quick and get in and out or get in and stay at your house! Do not try to go through the rock wall more than you absolutely have to! FL DOT is on scene, Duke is crawling around like ants, and national guard are trying to keep everyone and everything safe and running. More personal are showing up by the hour.
Second, make sure basic questions are answered before you leave home and decide to do this. It’s the Beach, it’s hot muggy and gross. There is no ac. Sometimes there’s a breeze. How are you going to do without showering? Where are you going to use the bathroom? And can you support your own power, food, and other needs?If you don’t know the answer to these questions don’t go. Nights are hot and muggy.
Third, nothing prepared me for that rock wall. No picture I saw painted the picture well enough. It literally looks like bombs were dropped on it. It’s getting better by the day, but regardless, it’s not great. And no…. you cannot get an RV through. We can barely get dads 4WD Honda Ridgeline through without scraping the hell out of it. Let DOT work and it’ll get better.
Fourth…. oh my gosh I love this community. You guys have supported us like no one else could. It’s amazing and overwhelming how much stuff you have provided. Thank you!
If you must go, do. If you don’t absolutely have to give the workers some time to work.
PS- get ready for all the smoke alarms. If a house has any form of humidity the smoke alarms are going off. They’re still echoing in my head and I’ve been home since 7. They’ll all eventually die but super annoying if you have to sleep near one of the homes.
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