Impact: State of Emergency Ordered for Florida 5/14/08

State of Emergency Ordered for Florida

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
May 14, 2008

 

Brevard County, Florida -- We are under a State of Emergency, as ordered by Governor Charlie Crist, who ordered this today. The reason being because of the local fires in both Brevard and Volusia Counties.

 

 

 

In Palm Bay, Florida- coverage all over the news, shows the fire right beside a local school. And since today is a School today, parents are being asked to pick up their Children from there today. The fire sits in the back ground, beside the bike racks, where the Children park their bikes that they ride to and from School. It is also said to have affected two Palm Bay Schools, and BaySide and WestSide and students were evacuated to Southwest Middle School. With the smoke in the air, remember breathing becomes a problem as well. For Brevard County Florida, the Palm Bay Schools are closed for May 13th, thus far. Residents will need to watch the news daily, to find out day to day.

A local fire fighter in Daytona, has been reported as injured, and is so far the only one. They are claiming that the fire in Daytona, which is Volusia County is 55% under control. Only 55%. At any given moment, they can loose this percentage because of the dry air, dry plants, and the winds, and of course, the continued need for rain. Still from the satellite, high above, it looks like storm clouds are covering the Volusia County area, heading out to the Ocean- but it is in fact smoke clouds. Also in Volusia County, a local pet shelter (Halifax Humane Society) has moved over 200 animals to the Volusia County Fair Grounds. So, if you have lost your pet, do not go to the local shelter, go directly to the local fair grounds.

 

In Palm Bay, the local Red Cross is opening a Shelter at Our Lady of Grace Church at 300 Malabar Road, they want to be prepared, especially if the weather shifts. Also in Palm Bay, a the fire marshal held a conferences, labeling the fires as arson. No names were given, and no known suspects as of yet. However there is a $10,000 reward, regarding the fires in Palm Bay. Anyone who has any information is asked to get in touch with the local authorities immediately, or call Crimeline with any information you may have.

Interstate 95 is still shut down in sections, and visibility is still nil. Traffic is being diverted all over Brevard County from 95, Local Authorities are requesting you use A1A as your alternate route. 524's also being diverted and they are requesting that you use an alternate route for that as well, requesting that you use Clearlake Rd. For those coming into Florida, entering Brevard and Volusia Counties, be forewarned of road closures. The smell of the smoke is still thick in the air in many of places, making it hard to breathe, and even harder on those with Asthma. The humidity, the lack of rain, and the shifting of winds is only making the situation worse, with no promise of remorse. Fire fighters are coming from area's all over to help the three area's as this ongoing struggle continues. Coverages of these local fires can be found on every local TV station, along with the ticker at the bottom giving you detailed updates and news. Many homes have been burnt at this point, unfortunately.

            

The Red Cross also opened a shelter in Daytona last night at the Hampton Inn. (Located at 1715 West International Speedway Blvd, in Daytona Beach.) Last night, only two residents used it, though. Today, many more people have been evacuated from many surrounding area's. Some have went to other friends and families, to wait out this tragedy. Others promise to arrive at the Shelters.
US Highway 1 is still closed because of dense smoke in the area. It is closed in both directions because of fire conditions and emergency equipment in the area, as stated by local Sheriffs.
For residents needing to get back into their homes, once they have been evacuated, special conditions are being considered-for example, if you need your medical supplies, and any other important items at this time. Authorities will try to help you in this matter, at this point and time.

Please remember to be patient when trying to telephone a friend or loved one, when calling those affected by this tragedy. Be patient, many residents are watering their roofs, and roofs of their neighbors to help prevent future break outs, and of course, some have been evacuated. There are not enough people to help keep these conditions under control. If you would like to volunteer, please feel free to contact your local authorities.





For the locals, to be kept up to date, tune in to your local TV or radio station, as they are keeping this information running at all times, to see to it you are informed. If local programming does resume, the ticker will still be in progress until this tragedy ends completely.

Sources include: Florida Today, Fox 35 News, NBC WESH 2 News, CBS & ABC.

Published by Deneale K. Williams