Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005
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<<< A Special Message to Coral Gables Residents >>>
Dear Residents:
Once again, South Florida was hit by another powerful hurricane this week. The City of Coral Gables has suffered significant damage and is working on hurricane recovery efforts to assist all residents in need. The following is a recap of what this local government has been doing since immediately after the storm to return the community to normalcy.
Nine Rescue Recon Teams began working after the storm on Monday afternoon to clear debris from primary arteries and secondary roads. All roads are now clear. Residents clearing debris from homes are asked not to place additional debris on the roadways that will create further blockage of traffic.
As of today, power has been restored to some areas of the City, but many homes are still without power. Florida Power and Light has reported extensive damage to its electrical system. Essential transmission lines and substations have been damaged and it is expected that the recovery time will take longer than the previous storms. Residents need to prepare for extended outages which could be up to three weeks in some instances. If power has been restored to your block, but your home is still without power, then call 1-800-4-OUTAGE.
Please remember that the City of Coral Gables is under a curfew and police officers will enforce the curfew. Curfew goes into effect beginning at 8 p.m. until 6 a.m., until further notice. Law enforcement personnel will challenge all persons who are out during curfew hours. Those arrested face fines up to $500 and up to 180 days in jail.
The City of Coral Gables is collecting garbage where possible and will continue doing so where road access is available. All garbage routes, however, are off schedule. Recycling is suspended until further notice. Debris removal will begin today. Contractors assisting the City will only pick up tree debris that is placed on swale areas. Residents should not place household trash out for pickup until further notice.
If a City tree has fallen on your private property, the City of Coral Gables will assist you with debris removal of the public tree. A Right-of-Entry-Agreement must be signed before City contractors will enter private property. For more information on this, please contact 305-460-5401. Please be careful in your efforts to clear your yard of debris as many accidents occur during this phase of recovery.
The majority of traffic lights in the City of Coral Gables and throughout the County are not working. If you need to be on the road, please treat any down traffic lights as a four-way stop. These intersections will be enforced. Do not attempt to speed through down traffic lights, as many accidents occur at these intersections.
Parking enforcement has been terminated and all City parking garages remain open to the public for more protected parking, with the exception of the parking garage located immediately behind the Police/Fire Station, where all spaces are needed for emergency vehicles.
The Trolley service along Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Biltmore Way/Miracle Mile routes is working with adjusted stops.
All municipal facilities from the City of Coral Gables will open tomorrow. The Youth Center will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. until the curfew is in effect. It will return to normal hours after the curfew is lifted. The tennis center at Salvadore Park and Biltmore are open during daylight hours. However, the Venetian Pool is closed until further notice.
Your local businesses are doing their part to service the community. Publix Supermarkets are open on LeJeune Road, Monza Avenue and Douglas Road (but no ice is available). Check out the cafeteria at a hospital closest to you. Some restaurants are open with limited menus: Cascade and 1200 at the Biltmore Hotel, Fritz & Franz (60 Merrick), Giardino’s (30 Giralda Ave.) and Venivici (2312 Ponce). Other restaurants may also be open for business, so check in your neighborhood.
Please remember to stay safe when using power generators and candles. Do not connect a power generator directly to your home unless completed by a certified electrician. Also never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. When using candles, please do not leave them unattended or near children.
Today, members of the City Neighborhood Information Center Teams will be visiting homes and businesses in the next few days to provide you with direct information about our efforts for hurricane recovery. Please share with them any issues or concerns that the City needs to address. Also, if you know of a resident with special needs or the elderly, call 305-460-5401 or 305-460-5402 for assistance. For information in Spanish, the number to call is 305-460-5491.
Lastly, please stay safe and be patient as the City recovers, once again, from Hurricane Wilma.
Sincerely,
David L. Brown
City Manager
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