Hurricane Irma: Hurricane Watch and Storm Surge Watch In Effect
Update as of 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept 7.
All of the Florida Peninsula south of the Jupiter Inlet, including the City of Hollywood, was placed under a Hurricane watch and storm surge watch as of 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept 7th.
The City of Hollywood is closely monitoring Hurricane Irma and is encouraging residents to prepare for a dangerous, major hurricane with the possibility of extreme wind impacts and storm surge impacts. The City of Hollywood urges residents to take the storm seriously and complete all needed hurricane preparations by Friday evening. Hollywood has joined the State of Florida and Broward County in declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for Hurricane Irma. This designation is required to allow the City to access federal emergency disaster assistance
Garbage/Recycling/Commingled Collections
WastePro, the City’s sanitation contractor, will collect garbage, recycling and commingled waste based on the normal collection schedule through today, Thursday, Sept 7. Regular service will not take place on Friday or Saturday. Residents are asked to secure their gray and blue garbage and recycling carts on their property. Keeping these carts from blowing around in the storm is not only a matter of safety, it also will assist the City in resuming collection services as quickly as possible after the storm passes. It’s also very important that residents refrain from trimming trees or piling up excess yard waste or debris. There will not be any additional collections by WastePro. Residents should plan to store any bulk trash or debris securely on their property within a garage or other area where it will not become airborne during hurricane force winds.
Evacuations/Shelters
A mandatory evacuation is underway in Broward County for Zones A and B. In Hollywood this is the barrier island and areas east of US-1. Under a mandatory evacuation, eastbound traffic onto the barrier island at Hollywood Boulevard and at Sheridan Street will be restricted. Motorists will be detoured at 13th Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard and 14th Avenue and Sheridan Street. Hollywood police officers will be working to ensure these evacuations run as smoothly as possible. The City encourages people in the evacuation zone, mobile homes or low-lying areas to heed these evacuation orders.
The County has opened 14 general population shelters. The closest shelters to Hollywood are:
Watkins Elementary School, 6250 SW 52 Avenue, Pembroke Park
Fox Trail Elementary School, 1250 Nob Hill Road, Davie
Plantation Elementary School, 651 NW 42 Avenue, Plantation
A complete list can be found on the County’s website: http://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/EvacuationShelterInformation.aspx
Remember, shelters are a refuge of last resort and provide only very basic services. The first, best place to evacuate is to the home of a friend or relative outside the evacuation zone. If you do plan on going to a shelter, you will need to bring everything necessary to be comfortable including bedding, toiletries, snacks, etc.
City Preparations
Emergency Operations Center Activation
The City’s Emergency Operations Center is at a level 2 activation and is scheduled to be fully activated Friday at 7 a.m. The City has activated its Hurricane Call Center. This call center can be reached by calling: 954.967.4EOC (4362). Broward County is also operating its Hurricane Hotline which is 311 or 954.831.4000.
City of Hollywood Public Utilities crews have been clearing storm drains, readying auxiliary pumps, checking pump stations and ensuring backup generators are fueled and functioning. The City’s Public Works Department is readying barricades and preparing City facilities. Movement of lifeguard stands to secure them in designated areas on the beach has been completed. Parks and Recreation has secured all parks, removing shade coverings and securing facilities. Hollywood Police and Fire/Rescue are preparing high profile vehicles and boats for emergency operations and will facilitate the evacuations.
All City Administrative facilities and Parks and Recreation Community Centers are closed and will remain closed throughout the weekend. Facilities will reopen for normal operations as conditions permit. Additionally, city sponsored special events will be cancelled through the weekend. Calendar updates are posted on the City’s website, www.hollywoodfl.org.The City-owned golf courses, Eco-Grande, Hollywood Beach and Orangebrook along with the David Park Tennis Center are now closed and will not reopen until the storm has passed. The City Marina office and fuel pumps are closed . All boat owners have been advised to properly prepare and secure their vessels.
Parking Garages
City of Hollywood Parking Garages located in the downtown area were opened for residents to park free of charge on a first come, first served basis within available spaces. The garage entry/exit arms were removed to allow access. Vehicles will be allowed to remain in the garage until the storm has passed. At last report, all garage spaces were filled.
All City Administrative facilities and Parks and Recreation Community Centers are closed and will remain closed throughout the weekend. Facilities will reopen for normal operations as conditions permit. Additionally, city sponsored special events will be cancelled through the weekend. Calendar updates are posted on the City’s website, www.hollywoodfl.org.The City-owned golf courses, Eco-Grande, Hollywood Beach and Orangebrook along with the David Park Tennis Center will be open through Thursday and then will close until conditions allow for reopening. The City marina will be staffed through Thursday. On Friday, the marina office and fuel docks will be closed. All boat owners have been advised to properly prepare and secure their vessels.
Be Prepared, Be Safe
The City wants to encourage everyone to complete their Hurricane preparations over the remainder of today and tomorrow. Evacuate if you are in an evacuation zone, mobile home or low-lying area. Continue monitoring the storm on various news outlets and check the City’s website www.hollywoodfl.org , facebook page and twitter feed for updates.
- All residents and business owners should check their hurricane kits, review their hurricane plans and remain informed.
- Make sure your emergency equipment, such as hurricane shutters and battery-powered radios, is in good working order.
- Ensure you have enough supplies, such as non-perishable food, water and medicine, for each person in your home to last for at least three days. This includes supplies and food for your pets.
- Ensure arrangements are made for any family members with special needs who may need to be evacuated.
- Take steps to properly secure your home and outdoor items such as patio furniture, potted plants, grills, etc.
- The City does not have sand bags for general distribution. If you think you need sandbags to protect your property, the following locations had sand bags available as of 9 a.m. Thursday morning. Please call ahead to check availability:
Florida Silica and Sand Co.
8500 NW 36th Avenue
Miami, FL 33147
786-655-4343
Pops Nursery
2807 N. University Drive
954-432-7302
Nu Turf
2801 North Dixie Highway
Pompano Beach, FL
954-543-5222
Stanford & Sons Trucking
1081 NW 12th Terrace
Pompano Beach
954-783-6922
Bring your own bags
Hollywood residents and business owners who have questions about government services before, during and after the storm can go to the Hurricane information section of the City's website, www.hollywoodfl.org/hurricane.
