The City will distribute timely updates. We encourage you to monitor our social channels and consider downloading our mobile app, Sanford Connects to keep up with the most recent information.
Due to record rainfall and excessive flows to the Water Reclamation Facility near Lake Monroe,
treated reclaimed water overflowed from the City’s facilities into the lake and river. Until further notice, no swimming and fishing, along the south shore of Lake Monroe from Sanford’s Mellonville Avenue to Seminole County’s Lake Monroe Wayside Park. This is in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health Seminole County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The ban on swimming and fishing will continue until conditions warrant lifting.
Stay out of floodwater.
- Floodwater can contain many things that may harm health, including germs, dangerous chemicals, human and livestock waste, wild or stray animals, downed power lines, and other contaminants that can make you sick.
- Wash your hands with soap and water if you have been in floodwater. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.
- Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
- Don’t drive in flooded areas—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
- If you have to be in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket—especially if the water is rising.
Disaster Recovery Center for Seminole County
Current Information
Household Yard Waste
Effective Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Waste Pro will resume regularly scheduled residential yard waste collection.
For storm debris collection details, please call 407.688.5080 Option 4.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
DO NOT put vegetative debris in plastic bags. Make piles, use bins, or paper bags.
Separate vegetative waste (branches, logs, palm fronds, leaves) from construction and demolition debris (building materials, other large items) in two piles at the curbside.
Keep your storm debris piles off the roadway, sidewalks, stormwater drains, away from fire hydrants, and mailboxes, etc. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Public Works Department at 407-688-5080 or through the City’s mobile app Sanford Connects. Thanks to FEMA, please see this graphic that demonstrates specific details. We thank you for your cooperation.
Things to remember while cleaning up:
PLACE ALL STORM DEBRIS ON THE PUBLIC “RIGHT-OF-WAY”.
- The public right-of-way is the area of residential property that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch, utility pole, or easement.
- Debris should be placed in the right-of-way, next to the street, but not in the street. Please be careful not to block storm drains, sidewalks, meter boxes, or fire hydrants.
- Do NOT set debris against any water meter vault, above-ground utility, trees, or poles. Doing so makes it harder for cleanup crews to scoop up the items.
- Different types of debris will be picked up on separate passes.
SEPARATE DEBRIS INTO CATEGORIES / PILES:
- Household Garbage: Bagged trash, discarded food, packaging, and papers. All garbage should be placed curbside the night before pickup as directed by the City.
- Construction Debris: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, mattresses, plumbing materials.
- Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, cuttings.
- Household Hazardous Waste: Oils, batteries, pesticides paints, cleaning supplies, aerosol sprays compressed gas.
- Appliances (‘White’ Goods): Refrigerators, dryers, washers, freezers, air conditioners, stoves, water heaters, and dishwashers. Secure appliance doors with duct tape.
- Electronics: Televisions, computers, radios, stereos, DVD Players, telephones.
Last updated 10/03/2022, 4:40 pm
Sanford Residents Impacted by Hurricane Ian
Residents are encouraged to report property damage that occurs during Hurricane Ian.
- Report damage using Damage Assessment Form at http://seminolegis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/GeoForm/index.html?appid=4cd66224451147d9bf1bc8e3568b649b
Damage assessment forms are critical for FEMA purposes. They help officials understand the severity and magnitude of damage to property, get assistance, and direct building inspectors to the appropriate areas.
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs.
If you do not have insurance, or if insurance does not cover losses caused by Hurricane Ian, you may apply for FEMA assistance.
- Take photos of your damaged home and belongings.
- Make a list of damaged/lost items.
- If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company first.
For more information, visit the FEMA Individuals and Households Program at https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program or call FEMA at (800) 621-3362.
Links and additional information are also available at PrepareSeminole.org
Sanford Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Ian
If your business experienced damage due to conditions brought on by Hurricane Ian, http://www.FloridaDisaster.biz will redirect you to the Florida Disaster webpage. Locate the “Hurricane Ian Business Damage Assessment Survey” to begin the survey process. This survey form by Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FLDEO) will be used to assess and inform resources to affected businesses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration or SBA, website https://www.sba.gov, announced the addition of Seminole County to the disaster declaration for Hurricane Ian.
The SBA has a specific Hurricane Ian disaster assistance webpage, https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-ian which provides details about SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Ian.
To apply for disaster loan assistance open https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and click “Apply for Assistance” to begin the application process.
Another SBA resource is the Economic Injury Disaster Loan or EIDL at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/economic-injury-disaster-loans. This assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
The City will have Sandbags available at 800 West Fulton Street. Please be sure to bring your own shovel and gloves. The limit is 15 bags per person.
SANDBAG DISPOSAL:
- If your sandbags contacted flood water, we consider them contaminated as that water may have contained sewage, oil, or chemicals. Contaminated sandbags should be handled with Personal Protective Equipment (eyewear and gloves) and be taken to the Seminole County Landfill (1930 E Osceola Rd, Geneva).
- Uncontaminated bags may be stored on your property for reuse in later events if properly dry. If wet, the bags will start to deteriorate over time and mold can form. Uncontaminated bags can be emptied on your property and the bags disposed of in your normal trash. Uncontaminated, full sandbags may also be delivered to Seminole County Landfill.
Last updated 10/02/2022
Schools
Seminole County Public Schools have completed their initial assessments of all campuses and facilities, and they find them all safe and ready for the return of students and staff on Monday, October 3rd. The School’s Transportation Department completed a safety sweep of district routes today, October 2nd. If any bus stops and/or routes need to be adjusted, our team will contact all impacted families on Sunday to make them aware and all bus stop/route changes will also be posted on our district’s website on Sunday evening. Excused absences will be given to students whose families face varying challenges including flooding and/or lack of power, but all other families are encouraged to help their students restore their routine by getting reengaged in learning and attending school.
City Hall
City Hall and these City Facilities will reopen for their regularly scheduled hours beginning Monday, October 3rd:
- Public Safety Complex
- The Sanford Museum
- Jeff Triplett Community Center with afterschool programming
- The Sanford Senior Center
- The Larry A. Dale Aquatic Center
- The Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center
Other facilities will reopen as soon as they have been inspected and are deemed safe.
The Sanford Trolley service will also begin running on Monday, October 3rd.
Sunrail resumes all service on Monday, October 3rd between the DeBary and Meadow Woods, however, a dedicated bus transfer service will be available from Meadow Woods to the Tupperware, Kissimmee/Amtrak, and Poinciana stations. LYNX bus service will align with SunRail’s train schedule and consist of four vehicles running a dedicated inbound/outbound route.
Last updated 10/02/2022, 2:51 pm
Garbage and recycle collection are back on regular schedule. Please separate household garbage and recyclables from all other debris.
WASTE PRO is collecting as much BAGGED YARD WASTE as possible each Wednesday. HOWEVER, due to the extent of yard waste and limited resources, they may be unable to provide collection to each home every Wednesday. They are working diligently picking up yard waste as quickly as possible. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.
STORM DISASTER CONTRACTOR will begin collection of canned, bulk, and loose storm debris on Monday, October 10th. For details, please call 407.688.5080.
COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY event scheduled for October has been CANCELLED until further notice.
Cleanup efforts will continue until all yard waste debris has been removed.
Updated 10/06/2022, 3:16 pm
Open Facilities:
City Hall and these City Facilities will reopen for their regularly scheduled hours beginning Monday, October 3rd:
- Jeff Triplett Community Center with afterschool programming
- The Larry A. Dale Aquatic Center
- The Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center with Boys & Girls Club afterschool programming
Closed Facilities:
- The Sanford Museum
- The Sanford Senior Center
- Shuffleboard Courts
- Sanford Marina Boat Slips
- Sanford Day Slips
Special Event updates: Please see our Meetings and Events Calendar here for updated information.
- National Nite Out, scheduled for Tuesday, October 4 is canceled.
- Fast & Furriest 5K, scheduled for Saturday, October 8 is canceled but may be rescheduled soon.
Park Closures:
The following parks or trails are closed due to Hurricane Ian.
- Ft. Mellon Park
- Sanford Riverwalk from Mellonville Avenue to French Avenue
- Terwilliger Trail
- 18th Street Park – Hurricane Ian Recovery Site
- North Shore Park
- Veterans Memorial Park
Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts – City Parks re-opening. Please check the open list here to see if your favorite park is ready. Parks and Recreation have been working diligently to clean and clear your City parks for public use. the following parks are now open:
Reopened Parks
- Jinkins Circle Park
- Magnolia Park
- South Pinecrest Park
- Coastline Park
- Washington Oaks Park
- Bay Avenue Park
- Bentley-Wilson Park
- Centennial Park
- George Touhy Park
- Groveview Park
- Mike Kirby Park
- Mother Ruby Wilson Park at Academy Manor
- Park on Park
- Paulucci Park
- Paw Park
- Pinehurst Park
Crews will continue to work on other park sites. As the parks are cleaned and cleared, the parks will be released for public use. If a park is not on the open list, please avoid these areas as there are still hazards that need to be addressed.
When the public is visiting a park or area that staff is trying to make safe, it hinders operations causing it to take longer to complete and open.
The City’s goal is to clean these areas as quickly as possible so you can have your parks back to enjoy. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. For any park related questions please call 407 688-5103.
Recreation Programs:
The Recreation Department will resume all programs on their scheduled day including:
- Youth afterschool programming at both Jeff Triplett Community Center and the Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center on Monday, October 3rd
- Senior programming at the Sanford Senior Center on Monday, October 3rd
- Adult Softball at Pinehurst Park on Monday, October 3rd
- Adult Volleyball at the Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center on Monday, October 3rd
- Youth athletic programming (Baseball & Soccer) at Chase Park and the Triplett Center on Wednesday, October 5th
- Adult Flag Football at the Tim Raines Sports Park on Sunday, October 9th
NOTE: Sanford Registrations for Youth Basketball, which is a Jr. Magic Partner for ages 5-14, begins on Monday, October 3rd.
Last updated 10/13/2022, 9:01 am
Seminole Boulevard east of French Avenue will remain closed until the lake water levels have dropped below the base of the road to protect it’s stability. In addition, some roads in the Mayfair area will remain closed as the lake levels recede. The City will monitor the situation on a day to day basis and reopen when they become safe.
The National Weather Service estimates the St. Johns River in Sanford will rise another 6” through Thursday, October 6th causing additional flooding near Lake Monroe. Please expect Seminole Boulevard, from Mellonville Avenue to the roundabout at 17-92 to close soon and possibly remain closed for the next week.
The City of Sanford will place millings on Palmetto Avenue at Seminole Boulevard, creating an access bridge for residents, businesses, and the guests of Marina Isle. Residents at The Gateway at Riverwalk and The Park at Topaz Riviera, as well as the businesses and their guests near them will have access to their buildings from Fulton Avenue.
Additional road closures will pop up as we see where the water flows. For example, we expect 1st Street, near Ft. Mellon Park toward Mellonville Avenue, may also experience some flooding and may be closed. We ask everyone to stay out of the flood water due to the unknown wildlife and debris that may harm people, pets, and vehicles.
Updated 10/01/2022, 4:49 pm
IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
- Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.
- Sign up for Alert Seminole. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
- Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
- Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
- Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
- Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
- Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
- Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.
- Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
- Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
- If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
- Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
- Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
- Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
- If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
- If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
- Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
- Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
- Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
- Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
- Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Hurricane Preparedness For Your Yard
Is your yard ready for hurricane season?
When it comes to the cutting of vegetation, garbage and storm debris, there are steps that should be taken before, during and after a storm.
All major cutting of vegetation should be completed long before June 1, the beginning of hurricane season. The City of Sanford arranges for removal of yard debris from routine yard maintenance weekly throughout the year. If you are having trees removed or doing any other major cutting, be sure to have your contractor include the price of debris removal as part of their service.
All major cutting of vegetation should be completed long before June 1, the beginning of hurricane season. The City of Sanford arranges for removal of yard debris from routine yard maintenance weekly throughout the year. If you are having trees removed or doing any other major cutting, be sure to have your contractor include the price of debris removal as part of their service.
- Do not cut down trees or do major yard work.
- Do not begin construction projects that produce debris.
- Mass cutting places a tremendous burden on the collection process and there is not enough equipment or manpower to handle the additional material before a storm makes landfall. You could not only put yourself at risk but your neighbors as well.
- Keep all household garbage, recycling, vegetation and storm debris separate. This is extremely important!
- Place household garbage in CLEAR plastic bags to expedite wet waste removal.
- Be patient!
- Don’t call and ask that trucks be pulled from scheduled routes to pick up your own debris first. Deviation from carefully planned routes causes delays in the entire process.
Separating Your Debris
