Ian Update 38: Scams, burning yard waste, St. Johns River, SNAP, libraries, boat ramps

Posted On: October 2, 2022

Scams

Scammers often pose as relief effort agencies after natural disasters. If you receive an email requesting donations, and you cannot verify the integrity of the message, do not respond or click on links in the message.

When making donations to agencies or applying for disaster assistance, be aware that scammers are on the loose. Make sure the agency you are donating to is legitimate. When applying for disaster assistance, make sure you are dealing directly with FEMA. FEMA will never ask for an application fee.

The Emergency Operations Center is aware that at least one local church was told by a non-FEMA agency that the church needed to pay $599 to apply for assistance. This was a scam. Churches, agencies and individuals should contact FEMA directly. To repeat, FEMA will never ask for an application fee.

Burning yard waste

County officials ask residents to be respectful when burning yard waste until power is restored. Many homeowners are leaving their windows open to get fresh air, and the smoke is entering their homes.

St. Johns River is a no-wake zone

Because of extreme flooding, the entire St. Johns River is a no-wake zone. Any wake at all could send water into homes. Law enforcement has a strong presence along the river and is monitoring conditions. Please be considerate of your friends and neighbors.

DeLand Regional Library

The DeLand Regional Library has regained power and will reopen Monday morning. All library branches will be open tomorrow except Daytona Beach Regional Library and the John Dickerson Heritage Library in Daytona Beach.

SNAP info

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) received approval from the federal government to issue the mass replacement of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for those households that did not receive the early release of benefits on Sept. 27. DCF will automatically upload the benefit to EBT cards on Monday, Oct.3. Individuals do not need to visit a DCF office to apply in person.

Update to The Bridge food service

The Bridge is providing hot lunch and dinner at 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand, to anyone in the community. The center will serve lunch at noon and dinner at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner will be available at 5 p.m. today.
 

County-maintained boat ramps

All county-maintained boat ramps are closed until further notice.

Citizens Information Center

The Citizens Information Center is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to answer questions and provide information. Residents can call 866-345-0345.