- November 7, 2024
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Bridges to the barrier island in Flagler County remained closed the morning of Saturday, Oct. 8, as crews worked to clear debris from Hurricane Matthew and make the area safe for residents to return.
As things are, Flagler County spokeswoman Julie Murphy said at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oceanshore Boulevard is not drivable. Chunks of roadway have been washed into the ocean.
“There is no driving up or down A1A throughout Flagler County,” she said. “We want to make sure residents don’t cross barricades, because there’s always a possibility that another chunk of the roadway that’s been weakened could drop into the ocean.”
Officials as of 10:30 a.m. Saturday did not yet have a timetable for when residents will be able to return to the communities on the barrier island.
Palm Coast officials have said city of Palm Coast residents who evacuated are permitted to return home. The following was posted to the city's official Facebook page Saturday morning: "Anyone living in The City of Palm Coast may return home. Please be aware that there are many power lines and trees down and that many traffic signals are not working. Please use great care."
There have been no major injuries reported as a result of Hurricane Matthew as of 10:30 a.m. Saturday. First responders did rescue a couple from a barrier island home that was being flooded with water, Murphy said.
There has been flooding along the coast, particularly in the Marineland Acres area, and there have been reports of trees falling on houses throughout the county.
FPL had resorted power to about 4,740 Flagler County residents as of 11:00 a.m. Saturday while about 51,570 remained without power.
Residents with FPL accounts can check their power status here: https://app.fpl.com/wors2/WorsController?command=welcome&message=displayerror
The Publix Super Market at Island Walk at 250 Palm Coast Parkway NE was open as of 11 a.m. Saturday, and is taking debit and credit cards.
The Dollar Tree at 5100 S.R. 100 is also open and taking debit and credit cards.
The Target at 5100 S.R. 100 is open and taking debit and credit cards.
The Winn-Dixie at 1260 Palm Coast Pkwy SW is open, but taking cash only.
Flagler County Schools will remain closed Monday and Tuesday, according to the school district.
Three schools — Bunnell Elementary, Rymfire Elementary and Buddy Taylor Middle School — are being used as shelters.
“Hopefully we’’ll be able to get everybody back into their homes as soon as possible,” Murphy said.
