Idalia update: Storm impacts were minimal

Posted On: August 30, 2023

Volusia County emerged largely unscathed from the impacts of Hurricane Idalia. Volusia County, municipalities, and agencies took fast and effective steps to ensure public safety and inform the public about changing conditions. Emergency Management officials thank residents for taking this storm seriously and making preparations.

“We were fortunate with this storm as we only had to deal with its outer edges,” said Volusia County Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham. “Each storm presents its own challenges, and we all need to be ready for the next one.”

Coastal Update

Volusia County’s Coastal and Beach Safety divisions are assessing damage along the coast. Initial inspections have shown no significant erosion or property impacts.

Beach access ramps will remain closed today. The beach will reopen to driving Thursday morning.

Smyrna Dunes Park and Lighthouse Point Park will open to the public at 1 p.m. today. Coastal parks, restrooms, and showers will be opened as they are inspected.

Bridges

All bridges in Volusia County remain open.

Emergency Operations Center

Volusia County’s Emergency Operations Center will remain under a level 2 activation today and will resume standard operations tomorrow, Aug. 31. The Citizens Information Center will remain open until 7 p.m. tonight. Residents may call 866-345-0345.

Florida Department of Health

Florida Department of Health locations in Volusia County will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 30, and will resume normal operations at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.

Garbage and Recycling Pickup

There will be no special storm debris collection. Residents who have vegetative storm debris should place it for collection by their normal waste collection provider, following their guidelines for yard waste pickup. Guidelines for residents in unincorporated areas allow for the collection of up to 4 cubic yards of vegetative debris a week, with limbs not exceeding 4 feet in length or 1 foot in diameter. Each limb or yard waste container must weigh no more than 60 pounds.

Get Ready for the Next Storm

Information saves lives! Make sure you’re in the know when the next storm approaches.

Download the free Volusia County Emergency Management app in Google Play or the App Store. The app features weather alerts and current conditions, preparedness checklists, links to county sites, locations of the nearest open shelter and sandbag distribution sites, evacuation information, push notifications and more.

Follow Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook, subscribe to the County of Volusia YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/vcyoutubesubscribe, and sign up for emergency notification phone alerts at www.volusia.org/emergency.