HURRICANE NICOLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Thank you for your attention to this communication concerning Tropical Storm Nicole:
1. Local State of Emergency and Evacuation Order
On Tuesday afternoon, November 8th, Palm Beach County declared a local state of emergency. This means that, a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for all of the Mobile Home Park Communities (Zone A) and Singer Island Community (Zone B). More specifically, at this time, please be informed that evacuation activities have commenced and it is expected that this restrictive order will remain in place until safe weather conditions are restored. Identification will be required to return to the island. Be mindful of street signs, warning of standing or surging waters.
For more detailed information, please call Palm Beach County Emergency Hotline at 561-712-6400.
2. Sand Bag Distribution
Sand Bag Distribution services are no longer in effect.
3. Garbage and Trash (Bulk and Vegetation) Collection Services
All Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County facilities and operations will be closed
Wednesday. Regularly scheduled garbage, recyclables, yard waste or bulk waste collection
have been suspended for today, Wednesday, November 9th in the City.
"However, in an effort to minimize damage resulting from unsecured vegetation and bulk items. The Goode Companies along with City staff, are working throughout the City today to collect any such debris which has the potential to become projectiles as the wind and rain levels increase."
4. Storm Shelters
Storm Shelters opened at 7 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, November 9th. General population shelters conveniently located to the City are Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School located at 1501 Avenue “U”, Riviera Beach and Palm Beach Gardens High School located at 4245 Holly Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. A pet-friendly shelter is open at the West Boynton Recreation Center located at 6000 Northtree Boulevard, Lake Worth Florida. A shelter for people with special needs requires pre-registration and persons must call (561) 712-6400 to speak with a representative to make arrangements to receive these services.
For more detailed information on storm shelters, please visit discover.pbcgov.org to view a listing of shelters in Palm Beach County.
Academic Institutions
Local schools and colleges are closed due to Tropical Storm Nicole.
5. Travel Arrangements
The Florida Department of Transportation along with the U.S. Coast Guard, are locking down state drawbridges in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties.
Road tolls have been lifted.
Palm Tran will suspend service beginning 12 p.m., Wednesday, November 9th until further notice. This includes regular service, Palm Tran Connection and Go Glades service.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA) cancelled commercial flights around 9 a.m. today, Wednesday, November 9th. The terminal will close after the last departure. PBIA is not a storm shelter. Please check with your airline for details before going to the airport."
6. Governmental Offices
The City of Riviera Beach offices are closed beginning today, Wednesday, November 9th
until further notice.
Palm Beach County offices are closed on today, Wednesday, November 9th and tomorrow, Thursday, November 10th.
The Courts of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County will be closed on today, Wednesday, November 9th and tomorrow, Thursday, November 10th. The courts are als closed on Friday, November 11th in recognition of Veteran’s Day. First Appearance hearings on Wednesday will be held at the normal time, 10 a.m. First Appearances on Thursday will be held at 1:30 p.m.
7. City Services and Operations
Recreational and Leisure Activities: The City has suspended all recreational and leisure activities until further notice. This includes the Veterans Day Celebration which was scheduled for Friday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Bicentennial Park.
Stormwater: The C-17 Canal has been lowered to lessen the risks associated with flooding.
Utilities: No water disconnection orders will be issued this week or next week. In the event there is an emergency utility issue please call (561) 845-4187, which is the 24-hour Utility Special District phone line.
Police Department: Persons may call the Police Department’s non-emergency
phone line at (561) 845-4126 as necessary.
8. Community Briefing Update
Please join the Tropical Storm Nicole Live Briefing Update being aired this afternoon at
4:00 pm by listening via 408-650-3123 using access code 404-476-6605 or viewing via
https://meet.goto.com/404476605. 888-MyRiviera or 1-888-697-4843