City Responds to Debby Damage

Shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, New port Richey officials sent out a press release describing Tropical Storm Debby's impact on New Port Richey.

It is copied below.

CITY OF NEW PORT RICHEY

STATE OF EMERGENCY UPDATE

TROPICAL STORM DEBBY

The County declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, June 24, 2012  and the Governor declared a State of Emergency yesterday, Monday, June 25, 2012.  While the worst conditions from Tropical Storm Debby  itself are over, flooding is still a potentially serious issue and may become worse based on the Cotee River Drainage Basin.  We can expect that the next several days may be rough with some people still experiencing some flooding within their homes.  According to Public Works we had over 15 inches of rain and it is anticipated that we will have 4 to 8 inches in the next several days. It is being said by Eric Keaton of Pasco County that “Tropical Storm Debby has caused flooding above the 100 year flood level”. The city has ramped up its resources to ensure the city is prepared to better serve the community.

On Sunday, June 24, 2012 there was a tornado reported in the Tanglewood Terrace Subdivsion. There were many homes damaged.  Tornado damage within city limits has been estimated at $650K.  There has not been any injuries or fatalities to date.  We have had limited damage to city facilities.  Grey Preserve and Grand Boulevard Parks are closed due to the flooding.  The City also has two lift stations that are inoperable at this time.

There has been a voluntary evacuation order and the power was  shut off at 2:00pm today at the Harborview Mobile Home Park on Louisiana and Congress Avenues.   There will be buses available at Gulf Middle School located at 6419 Louisiana Ave, New Port Richey and will transport to two Shelter facilities:
1.         Chasco Elementary located at 7906 Ridge Rd, Port Richey  (not a "Pet Friendly" shelter).
2.         The Mike Fasano Hurricane Shelter located at 11611 Denton Ave, Hudson  (Mike Fasano is a pet friendly shelter and also a Special Needs facility).

The following areas are flood prone areas within the City Limits:

Streets west of US Hwy 19

All areas along the River

Franko Industrial Park

Pennsylvania Ave. from Van Buren to Adams

Massachusetts Ave. from Van Buren to Congress

Jasmine Acres

Jasmine Heights

Schwettman Oaks

The Wilds Subdivision (South end)

Downtown Overlay (Main St, Etc.)

Tanglewood

The Meadows

Briar Patch

Tropic Shores

Sand bags are available to city residents at 6420 Pine Hill Road (please bring identification to provide proof of living in city limits).  The city will also put information on the city website and place our two electronic message boards in strategic locations in the downtown letting residents know of the situation. 

Important Information:

Sandbags

6420 Pine Hill Rd (city residents) – Public Works Phone Number: 727-841-4536

County distribution locations:

Fire Station #10, 7918 Rhodes Rd, Hudson

Fire Station #17, 2952 Seven Springs Rd, New Port Richey

Fire Station #1, 6907 Dairy Rd, Zephyrhills

Pasco Government Center, Little Rd, New Port Richey

Shelters

Chasco Elementary School, 7906 Ridge Rd, Port Richey

Fasano Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave, Hudson (Also a special needs and pet shelter)

Shelter Transportation Staging Areas

NE Corner of US 19 & SR 52, Hudson

Anclote Elementary, 3610 Madison St, Holiday

Pasco County Mobile Command Post

The county has set up a mobile command post in the parking  lot of the Walmart at 54 & Little Rd

Emergency Phone Numbers (Pasco EOC)

Transportation Needs   727-847-8975

Resident Information Center 727-847-8959 (note there could be a delay in response from this number, they had over 1500 calls on Monday)