Milton Recovery-Venice: Debris collection, boil water advisory, points of distribution and more
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
DEBRIS COLLECTION
Following Hurricane Milton, the City of Venice has activated its emergency contract with commercial debris hauler Crowder Gulf. This debris hauler has already mobilized six crews throughout the City, clearing roadways and staging for debris removal. Please be mindful of these teams as they work to make areas accessible and safe for the public.
Residential vegetative and construction debris collection will be the next phase, and the City will announce when these efforts are underway. You may begin preparing your debris now by separating white goods from construction and demolition, and vegetative debris.
At this time, FEMA has authorized the pickup of storm debris on public residential streets ONLY. The City is planning to request approval from FEMA to collect debris from manufactured home communities and mobile home parks, condominiums, and private streets. The City will announce if and when this approval is granted.
Remember to use caution when operating chainsaws or other equipment and to stay hydrated. Debris collection always takes some time and multiple collection passes will be made.
BOIL WATER ADVISORY IN EFFECT
A reminder that although potable water has been restored to all City of Venice customers, all residents are STILL on a boil water notice until samples can be tested and cleared.
All customers are required to boil water, or use bottled water, for drinking and cooking purposes until the boil water advisory has been rescinded after a minimum of 72 hours. When you boil water for eating and drinking, bring it to a rolling boil for 3 full minutes and then let it cool. Another advisory will be distributed once the water has been cleared for consumption.
Wastewater service is being restored as quickly as possible; however, it is contingent on power restoration. Please limit water usage to prevent wastewater overflows. If you would like to report damage or overflows, please call the Venice Utilities Department at 941-486-2770. It is not necessary to report lift station alarms or water service disruptions.
CITY PARKS CLOSED
Due to tree debris, hanging and leaning trees, power lines, twisted metal and fencing, roofing materials and nails, and other hazardous materials in City of Venice parks due to the storm, ALL City parks are closed to the public until further notice.
A reminder that Humphris Park at the South Jetty and the Venice Fishing Pier sustained damage in both Milton and Helene and are closed.
POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION
Supply Points of Distribution are set up at four locations to provide water, food and tarps for those impacted by Hurricane Milton. These sites are open 2-7 p.m. today, Friday, Oct. 11, and will operate 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for several days as recovery efforts continue.
• Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice
• San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port
• Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Road, Englewood
• Glebe Park, 1000 Glebe Lane, Sarasota
Neighborhood Points of Distribution are organized by Sarasota County and operated by the National Guard.
STARLINK AVAILABLE
The City of Venice IT Department has set up Starlink near the Venice Museum (opposite side of the NPOD at the Community Center) to provide limited FREE internet connection for those impacted by the storm.
Internet access is reachable from the first few rows of the north Venice Cultural Campus parking lot directly in front of the museum at 351 Nassau St. S.
Please limit usage time if other people are waiting. Internet access will be available 24/7.
CITY HALL TO REOPEN
Venice City Hall, Public Works, the Venice Police Department lobby, and the Venice Museum & Archives will reopen to the public on Monday, Oct. 14, with regular operating hours.
VENICE AIRPORT
The Venice Municipal Airport will be closed until Monday, Oct. 14, at noon. A damage assessment inspector is on the premises evaluating conditions and marking off areas unsafe to enter. Additionally, crews are onsite removing debris from the airfield. We ask tenants for your continued patience while we create a safe airport environment for you to return to. As soon as it is safe to do so, staff will set up a time to escort tenants to inspect their aircraft and hangars.