Orange County reopening roads after storm impact

As Orange County continues to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Ian, the Public Works Department has reopened previously closed roads due to flooding.

On the east side of the County, Buck Road has been reopened west of Rouse Road. However, there is a weight limit of 10 tons per vehicle.  A traffic shift remains in place along Rouse Road between Buck Road and University Boulevard because of damage caused by water.

Lake Ellenor Drive, west of Orange Blossom Trail and north of Sand Lake Road, is now open to traffic.

Water has receded enough that Phillbrook Court in the Andover Lakes subdivision is drivable.  Rogan Road in the Conway area is also drivable.

Public Works crews continue to monitor conditions on roads and will reopen additional roads when possible.

Federal Assistance

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance can help residents recover after Hurricane Ian.  Residents can apply now by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, dialing 800-621-3362 or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

Facts sheets and additional information:

• How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Ian
  Cómo solicitar asistencia de FEMA después del huracán
• I Applied for Assistance. What's Next?
  Solicité Asistencia. ¿Qué Ocurre Luego?
• Understanding Your FEMA Letter
  Explicación de su carta de FEMA
• How to Write an Appeal
  Cómo Escribir Una Carta De Apelación
• How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision
  ¿Cómo puedo apelar la decisión final?

Additionally, the following resources are available for businesses in need of disaster assistance after Hurricane Ian:

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance
  La Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) Asistencia por desastre
• FloridaJobs

DEBRIS COLLECTION

Orange County Public Works debris removal contractors have been deployed to collect large storm debris in unincorporated Orange County. It is important for residents to know:

• Separate items are to be collected by vegetative debris, construction/demolition debris, appliances, and electronics.
• Do not stack or lean items on or near trees, poles, fire hydrants or other structures. Additionally, do not block roadways or storm drains
• Haulers may not pick up all items at one time.  They will need to make multiple passes through your community to collect all storm debris

Keep sidewalks clear for students walking to school. Please try to limit the obstruction of sidewalks with debris.

(Debris Information Handout – English) | (Debris Information Handout – Spanish)

SHELTER

The shelter at South Econ Recreation Center is still available for individuals who may need to relocate from their homes. The shelter location is managed by the American Red Cross of Central Florida.

For more information, visit ocfl.net/shelters.

PARKS AND RECREATION CLOSURES
South Econ Recreation Center continues as a shelter, and its programs and rentals are canceled until further notice. Moss Park campground remains closed until further notice due to flooding, and Clarcona Horse Park remains closed due to ongoing construction. County boat ramps remain closed until further notice.

COMMUNTY AND FAMILY SERVICES
To date, Orange County Government’s Community and Family Services team has distributed resources to some of the county's hardest-hit neighborhoods.

• +2,700 meals
• +1,000 cases of water

All six Orange County Commissioners have been involved in the relief efforts, along with partners including the American Red Cross, FEMA, Salvation Army, and Second Harvest Food Bank.