Ian Blog: Death toll exceeds 90 in Florida

We're bringing you the most up-to-date information on the impacts left behind by Hurricane Ian as cleanup and recovery efforts continue across the state.

HURRICANE RESOURCES

• Hurricane Center
• Local Forecast
• Radar

Monday, October 3

11:00 p.m.

Coquina Beach will reopen to the public on Tuesday, October 4. The Park will open from Cortez Beach to the concession stand. The southern part of Coquina Beach will remain closed for clean-up.

4:00 p.m.

Lakeland Electric announced they have restored power to 97 percent of their customers. The remaining customers can expect to have their power restored by the end of Tuesday.

12:25 p.m.

According to ABC News, the death toll in Florida from Hurricane Ian increased to 94 on Monday. Four people were killed by the storm in North Carolina.

7:30 a.m.

Sarasota County officials released a list of locations for water and food distribution in the county starting at 8 a.m.

• Englewood Center Plaza, 240 S. Indiana Ave., Englewood
• San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port
• Venice Hyundai, 200 Jacaranda Blvd., Venice
• Venice Community Center, 326 S Nokomis Ave., Venice
• Wellfield Park, 1400 Lucaya Ave., Venice

* Twin Lakes Park – CLOSED Oct. 3

Sunday, October 2

6:56 p.m.

Sarasota County schools announced they will remain closed until further notice while they assess damages and clean up.

5:40 p.m.

Governor Ron DeSantis gave a press conference in Arcadia regarding restoration efforts after Hurricane Ian.

Watch the full video below.

5:31 p.m.

Florida Power & Light Company announced that they have restored service to nearly 80% of their customers that were affected by Hurricane Ian.

4:55 p.m.

The Englewood Center Plaza food and water distribution site at 240 S. Indiana Avenue has exhausted supplies for the day. The site will reopen once it has been restocked.

4:20 p.m.

North Port has restored water service to the city, but officials stated that residents should continue to boil water and limit consumption since the current volume can overwhelm the wastewater system.

1:32 p.m.

The Selmon Expressway will resume normal operations, including toll collection, starting Monday, Oct. 3 at 6:00 a.m.

8:40 a.m.

Highlands County officials said a point of distribution (POD) for food, water and ice will OPEN at 9 a.m. in the Sebring Department of Health parking lot, 7205 S. George Blvd. Traffic will need to turn onto State Road 66 from U.S. 27 then turn onto South George Boulevard and follow all traffic control devices and flagmen through the POD, then exit back out to South George Boulevard to U.S. 27. There will be not entry to the POD from U.S. 27.

A map to the area is below:

WFTS

8:12 a.m.

North Port Officials shared this message about new supplies in the city:
"Supplies have arrived at San Pedro Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail. Food and water will be available Sunday morning. No ice or tarps at this time. We’d like to thank the drivers who overcame serious challenges on the roads to get our community what it needs. The closure of a section of I-75 yesterday backed up traffic significantly, delaying their anticipated arrival."

Saturday, October 1

11:28 p.m.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Florida on Wednesday, October 5.

9:17 p.m.

Florida Power and Light announced they have restored power to all hospitals in their service area as well as 75 percent of their customers. Click here to view FPL estimated restoration times for customers still without power.

8:58 p.m.

The Florida Medical Examiners Commission confirmed there are now 44 deaths related to Hurricane Ian.

8:17 p.m.

Pinellas County officials said Fort DeSoto Park will reopen on Saturday, October 2 at 7 a.m. The campground, Gulf Pier concession, and restroom building will remain closed until power is restored to the area. Gulf Pier itself will reopen with the park.

6:30 p.m.

Florida Power & Light Hurricane Ian Update

According to a statement released today by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the work search reporting, waiting a week, and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians affected by Hurricane Ian in counties where FEMA has declared a disaster.

Reemployment Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance applications are open:

• Today, October 1, through Sunday, October 2

Starting October 3, 2022, CONNECT will be available:

• Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Saturday | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Sunday | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

For more information on the application and eligibility process, visit the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) website.

3:23 p.m.

Pet FBI Executive Director Leslie Poole announced that the Columbus-based nationwide online lost and found pet service organization has established pet relief efforts for displaced animals in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

A text, email, online and social media effort has been activated for anyone in affected areas who have lost or found a pet. Efforts to reunite can be initiated by:

Text: IANPETS to 833.746-0099.

Social media: Reports are being auto-posted to the Gulf Hurricanes IAN – ALL Lost & Found Pets Facebook page (@GulfHurricanesPets)

Search the database/file a report (always 100 percent free of charge): petfbi.org

2:14 p.m.

WM of Manatee County will resume residential service in Manatee County on Monday, October 3, with the collection of garbage and containerized yard waste only.

Residents should separate their garbage and containerized yard waste at the curb from their storm debris.

Recycling collection has been suspended until further notice.

1:55 p.m.

During a press conference in Fort Myers, Gov. DeSantis said the state is working with Elon Musk to position Starlink satellites in southwest Florida and other affected areas still without internet connectivity.

1:36 p.m.

1:35 p.m.

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that within 48 hours of activation, the Florida Disaster Fund raised over $20 million in donations to support communities impacted by Hurricane Ian. To contribute, please visit floridadisasterfund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

1:32 p.m.

Wawa stores announce they are providing free coffee and fountain beverages to all first responders in Florida with gratitude for all they are doing to support and serve our communities during the response and recovery efforts.

For a list of stores that are open and operating, click here.

1:09 p.m.

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency has expanded individual assistance to include Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

If you need assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

12:28 p.m.

Food and Water distribution to take place at the following locations in Wauchula:

• 12:15 p.m. until meals are gone
  
  • Bayside Church, located at 615 Rainey Blvd.
• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  
  • Farmers Market, located at 535 S. 6th Ave.

12:25 p.m.

11:29 a.m.

The boil water notice has been rescinded for the island of Venice. Island residents may now use the water for consumption.

11:28 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:19 a.m.

FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the Seminole Tribe of Florida to supplement tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Ian beginning Sept. 23 and continuing.

RECOMMENDED: How to apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Ian

9:45 a.m.

Sarasota County said it's experiencing supply issues for the Neighborhood Points of Distribution.

8:40 a.m.

FHP said troopers overnight consolidated the I-75 closure at Sumter Boulevard in Sarasota County due to flooding from the Myakka River.

The interstate is now only closed southbound at Exit 193 (Jacaranda Blvd) & northbound at Exit 179 (North Port / Toledo Blade Blvd).

7:45 a.m.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said a notification was sent out around 3 a.m. that indicated a possible levee break in the Hidden River community.

The sheriff's office said it was issued countywide, but the compromise of the levee will only impact homes on the east side of the Hidden River Community, a neighborhood east on Fruitville Road.

Deputies are going door-to-door to let residents in that area know about possible flooding. Deputies advised residents to consider evacuation.

The sheriff's office said for additional clarification this will not impact any other areas in Sarasota County, including Venice or North Port.