FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — UPDATE: Flagler County officials rescinded an evacuation order Thursday that was put in place ahead of Hurricane Milton.
The county said "due to ongoing concerns" a curfew will remain in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday to 7:30 a.m. Friday.
"We are prioritizing the safety of our community. The curfew is a precautionary measure that allows first responders to operate without interference and protects residents from potential dangers associated with flooding, downed powerlines, and debris," said Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord.
While the evacuation order was lifted, officials remind residents that flooding and storm surge conditions may still be present into the evening Thursday along the Intracoastal Waterway and over the coming days in the Crescent Lake and Dead Lake areas.
The county still has thousands without power after Milton blew through the area. Residents are still being asked to limit their water usage because the municipal sewage systems are overloaded.
Officials are expecting the peak ocean surge to take place around 2 p.m., with the Intracoastal surge peak happening around 7 p.m.
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Flagler County officials declared a local state of emergency and issued a mandatory evacuation order for some residents ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall in Florida.
For residents not under evacuation, a curfew will go into effect Wednesday night. Here is what to know.
The county is ordering evacuations beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday for the following areas:
- Residents living in mobile homes and RV’s countywide
- Properties directly bordering Crescent Lake
- Neighborhoods in the Dead Lake area, including Bull Creek Campground, Park Place Avenue, Canham Street, Cheryl Elaine Drive, Leissa Court, Johnny Court, and Matt Court
- Properties in Flagler Estates and off of Methvin Road
- Properties off Strickland Road, including those on Shedd Lane, Natalies Lane, Dylan Trail, Boice Lane, Lola Lane, Wasick Lane, and Carter Trail
Coastal / Island Communities
- The entire island from the St. Johns County line to the Volusia County line
- Marineland through Flagler Beach
Mainland Communities
- Only the following communities South of SR-100 (Moody Boulevard)
- Neighborhoods off John Anderson Highway
- Neighborhoods off Palm Drive
- Bulow RV Park & Homes, off Old Kings Road
- Polo Club West / Sweetbottom Plantation properties along Lexington Court / Ashland Way and that back up to the Bulow Creek
- Only the following communities between SR-100 (Moody Blvd) and Palm Coast Parkway
- Neighborhoods off Lambert Avenue
- In Marina Del Palm the properties along the Intracoastal Waterway / basin
- In Palm Coast Plantation:
- Properties off South / North Riverwalk Drive
- Only the following communities North of Palm Coast Parkway
- Properties within Princess Place
Shelter
Flagler County shelters opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday for residents in evacuation areas.
- Rymfire Elementary School, 1425 Rymfire Dr., Palm Coast
Officials said the shelter is pet-friendly, and has a section for the general population and people with special medical needs.
The following pets are allowed: Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents and turtles. There is a four-pet maximum. Pet owners are encouraged to bring current vaccination records and supplies, including crates, cages and medications.
The shelter will also accommodate residents who are from an area under an evacuation order and has no other place to go.
For a list of what to bring to shelters, CLICK HERE.
Flagler County Transportation is offering assistance to residents in need of transportation to the shelter, call (386) 313-4200 before 7 p.m. Wednesday. Uber is also offering free rides to shelters. Use the Uber code: MILTONRELIEF1 for a free ride.
Curfew in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday - 7:30 a.m. Thursday
For residents not under evacuation orders, a curfew will go into effect across Flagler County from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 7:30 a.m. Thursday.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said the curfew aims to prevent criminal activity at closed businesses and within evacuated neighborhoods and other areas. The curfew also aims to ensure the mobility of emergency response vehicles.
Sheriff Rick Staly said the curfew is issued by the county and is expected to be one night, thought it depends on the amount of flooding and damage.
In a statement shared with First Coast News Wednesday at 4:45 p.m., the city of Bunnell said "residents are advised to limit the use of water," as unnecessary water usage could lead to lift station failure. The city said the system is overtaxed by not only the rainfall, but water going down drains from all businesses and houses on the city sewer system.