Hurricane Ian Kills 1 In Polk County, Power Nearly Restored

POLK COUNTY, FL — During a news conference on Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reported one confirmed death in Polk County due to Hurricane Ian.

Officials didn't reveal the cause of death, but did say it was directly related to Hurricane Ian's swath through Polk County as a Category 1 hurricane with wind speeds of up to 78 mph.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office were also called to help rescue an elderly man whose pickup truck swept off Avon Park Cutoff Road near Frostproof by rushing floodwaters.

Using a lifted pickup truck borrowed from resident Robert Sconyers, Deputy David Mills was able to float a life jacket to the 77-year-old man who was sitting on top of his pickup truck, about four inches above the rising water. Once the man donned the life jacket, Mills was able to pull him to safety. The 77-year-old man was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In addition to flooding on Avon Park Cutoff Road south of U.S. 98, Polk County officials reported a bridge washed out on Mount Pisgah Road, just north of County Line Road.

There are barricades and warning signs not to travel on this portion of the roadway, but Sheriff Grady Judd said drivers aren't heeding them.

After noticing many downed trees and branches at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Fort Meade, and the cemetery behind it, Sheriff Grady Judd sent a detail from the Polk County Jail to the church to help clean up the debris.

Rainfall throughout Polk County from the hurricane ranged from 2.4 inches in Auburndale to just under 17 inches in Lake Wales.

See related story: Hurricane Ian: 88 Dead, Debate Over Evacuations, 589K With No Power

As of 10 a.m. Monday, 3,725 of Lakeland Electric's 133,517 were still affected by power outages.

Lakeland Electric estimates the majority of customers will be restored by the end of the day and the remainder by Tuesday evening.

Polk County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian are eligible for individual disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Residents can access federal disaster assistance through the FEMA mobile app available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

The app allows residents to upload and share photos of damage, access local resources and toggle between English and Spanish. Assistance can also be requested by filling out an online questionnaire and aid application at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Those with access to the internet are encouraged to apply online.

Small Business Administration disaster loans are now available to businesses and residents in Florida impacted by the Hurricane Ian federal disaster declaration. Applicants may apply here under declaration # 17644.

For help with an SBA disaster assistance application, contact the Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

As Hurricane Ian recovery continues, officials urge residents to review these tips regarding unlicensed contractors. Verify a contractor's license by clicking here.