irma cleanup and recovery

Here’s the latest on power, City services, and what to do with your debris.
 
Power
The City reports all FPL substations are operational, which “is crucial for a faster recovery.”

• Prioritization is being given to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, police and fire stations.
• The lack of power means many traffic signals are not working and drivers are reminded to treat these intersections as four-way stops.
• If you live in a high rise you may not have water due to lack of power.

To report outages or see the status of power at your home, visit the FPL website.

If you have questions or want to report an issue, call the resident hotline: 305-604-CITY. You can also use the eGov app.
 
City, County and other services

• City Hall will reopen tomorrow, September 13, but will have limited staff.
• Miami-Dade County offices will be closed until Monday, September 18
• Miami-Dade Schools closed until further notice.
• Garbage Pick Up: Resident garbage pick up began today and will resume normal pick up days.
• Recycling: The County's recycling services will resume Wednesday, September 20.
• Transit Services and Trolleys: Miami Beach Trolley operations resumed today and will run until 10 PM. Regular Metrobus service returns tomorrow.
• Garage Facilities: You have until Monday, September 18 to remove stored vehicles in public garages, free of charge.
• Parks and Rec: Many of the City’s parks have reopened. To see which ones are open and check the status of parks and recreation services, click here.
• Beaches are open and lifeguards are on duty. [Updated: County has issued a swimming advisory until water quality checks can be done. Swimming is not recommended at this time.]
• Airport: Miami International Airport has reopened, but passengers are advised to check with their airlines to confirm flight status.

 
Some sense of normalcy is returning… Sidewalk cafés are beginning to reopen and many Publix stores have as well. You can check the status of your local Publix here.
 
Cleaning up
When cleaning up sidewalks around your own home, do not cover storm drains with debris/garbage.
 
To facilitate debris pick up and recycling efforts, the City is asking that you separate debris into three piles on your curbside or swale area (NOT blocking a roadway, sidewalk or storm drain) to ensure your material can be successfully picked up starting tomorrow:

• One pile for heavy brush and vegetation including leaves, plants, trees, branches and woody debris.
• One pile for building material debris including drywall, carpet, furniture, mattresses and plumbing.
• And a separate pile for appliances and electronics such as refrigerators, freezers, computers and other household appliances.
• To expedite the debris removal process, the City askes that you consider consolidating with your neighbors.

Sandbags: The City is asking you to keep your sandbags for the remainder of hurricane season. You will be able to drop them off at the Public Works yard after the season is over.
 

Photo: Ricky Arriola