Commissioner Sam Kaufman, District II
Released a statement 9/13/17 6:30 PM – Hurricane Irma Recovery.
Hurricane Irma Florida Keys Recovery
"Power – Keys Energy- a set back occurred with work in Marathon. Crews from KW to Lower Sugarloaf. Electricity up to 10% in Lower Keys/Key West. More significant progress expected for tomorrow. Needs are fuel, food, water, ice for KES employees to get the work done.
Water – FKAA – more progress made- fire on stock island- will extend hours for fighting the fire. General for KW – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 P.M. Gaining on fixing the leaks along the system. Pressure- Key Largo to Marathon are higher. Pressure is increasing which is a good sign. Takes time to plug all of the leaks along the pipes. Lots of pipes are leaking on private property. Low on fuel to get the work done up and down the Keys.
CITY OF KW- Food and Water distribution continued today. MAJOR NEED FOR WATER AND FOOD AND FUEL, MORE FUEL TRUCKS ARE ON THE WAY. HELICOPTER LANDING WAS UNAUTHORIZED IN SEARSTOWN WAS NOT ADVISABLE AND SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS- LANDINGS INSTEAD SHOULD TAKE PLACE AT TRUMBO- NOT A HEAVILY POPULATED AREA. GREAT TO HAVE THE SUPPLY,BUT NEED BETTER COORDINATION.
KW REPORTS: Too many people on the island to support for food and water and fuel at the present moment.
FDOT- Law enforcement – need entry at check point. Need for better coordination at work sites with other local agencies. Debris sites are being established and removal underway from primary roadways.
Some issues experienced today with
emergency personnel gaining entry at the check point in Florida City.
RE-ENTRY TIMEFRAME FOR MIDDLE, LOWER KEYS OR KW RESIDENTS- NO REFERENCE TO TIMEFRAMES DISCUSSED OR ANNOUNCED.
EOC HOTLINE OR E-MAIL CONTACT – NO INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED TODAY.
EVERYONE BE SAFE- MORE INFO WILL BE PROVIDED TOMORROW."