Ian Update 47: Hurricane Ian aftermath

Posted On: October 4, 2022

County staff briefed the Volusia County Council today on the post-hurricane situation and the numerous recovery and rescue efforts that have been undertaken since Hurricane Ian arrived on Sept. 29.

“County employees brought their A-game, leaving their homes and families and even putting their lives at risk to help residents and visitors,” said Community Information Director Kevin Captain. “We couldn’t be prouder of our dedicated team.”

Before, during and after the storm, Volusia County’s Emergency Operations Center has been the hub for countywide emergency response and information as staff from municipalities and agencies have gathered there to share information and coordinate responses. Additionally, county staff has provided information to more than 6,000 residents since the Citizens Information Center opened Sept. 25.

Emergency Management

The Emergency Management Division stepped up to the plate, fielding numerous calls for assistance; coordinating response efforts; preparing for St. Johns River flooding in Astor and Osteen; and coordinating recovery efforts through local, state and federal agencies.

Staff is coordinating with FEMA to open a Disaster Recovery Center at the Florida Department of Health – Volusia, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach, soon.

By the numbers

The numbers tell a story of quick and efficient response.

• County staff working in the Citizens Information Center has provided information to more than 6,000 residents since Sept. 25.
• Public Works and Corrections provided nearly 13,000 sandbags to residents. This does not  include the tens of thousands of sandbags distributed by municipalities.
• The county partnered with Volusia County Schools and the American Red Cross to open five shelters, one of which – the Ocean Center – is still operational with nearly 200 occupants
• Community Information issued 47 news releases, provided six live news conferences, and posted 66 items on social media that reached more than 1 million viewers.
• The Volusia Sheriff's Office, Volusia County Fire Rescue, Beach Safety and other agencies have performed 951 high-water rescues.
• Animal Services worked with the Halifax Humane Society and Southeast Volusia Humane Society to evacuate 90 cats and dogs from rising waters at the Edgewater Animal Shelter.
• Emergency Medical Services has responded to a high volume of calls and assisted with the evacuation of 65 Seaside Health and Rehabilitation residents.
• Volusia County Fire Rescue has taken a high volume of calls – 676 to be precise – including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, downed trees and powerlines. Crews also performed numerous boat reconnaissance operations and rescues.

Ongoing damage assessment

Preliminary numbers from the Property Appraiser’s Office indicated that residents and businesses have suffered more than $156 million in damage. That number will rise as appraisers continue to assess damage

across the county.

Volusia County’s coastal and beach assets suffered widespread damage including:

• Numerous seawall failures and significant erosion
• Major repairs needed to 15 of the 33 beach ramps
• The closure of 91 of 140 beach walkovers due to damage
• Significant damage to Frank Rendon Park, Lighthouse Point Park and the Ponce Inlet jetty

There was minimal damage to water and sewer treatment plants across the county. Public Works staff reported one water main break in Orange City that resulted in a boil water notice for 53 residents, one gravity sewer main break in DeBary, and two lift station overflows with less than 1,000 gallons each. The Stone Island pump station has been shut down due to flooding.

About 247 miles of county-maintained roads, or one-quarter of the county-maintained road network, experienced water over the road, and multiple road segments remain impassable due to flooding. Road and Bridge crews have performed multiple emergency repairs to culvert pipes and washouts to restore access to residents.

Daytona Beach International Airport is conducting damage assessments on the airfield. Staff has repaired damage to the perimeter fence, and water that once covered that long-term parking lot has receded.

Forty-seven of the 59 county-maintained parks remain closed, and all 13 county-maintained boat ramps are closed. All county trails are closed until they can be cleared.