FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Brie Turek (407) 658-3960
Laura Bornfreund (407) 658-3960

Hurricane Wilma Press Conference
11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24

Dear Friends,

Our latest advisory indicates the eye of Hurricane Wilma has moved across the state and exited near West Palm Beach into the Atlantic Ocean.

At this time, we remain at level one activation, and Fire, Police, Public Works and other City department representatives are monitoring the situation out of the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure we are ready to respond as needed.

Tropical storm force winds have reached more than 25 miles per hour, with wind gusts reaching 42 miles per hour. In addition, the City of Orlando can expect between 3-4 inches of rainfall.

Based on the most recent update from the National Hurricane Center, the most significant time for tornadoes is now through 2:00 p.m. They happen very quickly and without warning. Please heed the advice of emergency officials and stay off of the roads as much as possible, and please weather the remainder of the storm in a secure building.

I would now like to give you a status report from our City public safety departments. We know that there have been inoperative traffic signals due to power outages and downed power signals reported. In addition, extra police officers have been brought in to respond to calls and provide emergency management support.

The Fire Department has additional staff on stand by, as well as several chain saws on hand in case they are needed to remove or clear debris in an emergency situation. In addition, Florida Task Force 4 and the Urban Search and Rescue Team, a collaborative group of the City, Orange, and Seminole counties, are staged with equipment and ready for deployment after the storm.

I have been in dialogue with our community partners including Orange County Public Schools, Convention and Visitors Bureau, GOAA, OUC, and LYNX. The City is ready to support our local agencies however we can, as we operate out of the EOC.

Just a few minutes ago, I returned from completing a preliminary damage assessment and I am happy to say that we were fortunate. I have assembled a group of response experts from our City police, fire, public works, transportation, and code enforcement and have tasked them with assessing damage in Orlando. Immediately following the storm, I will join this group in their initial evaluations.

Once again, I encourage you to continue to pay close attention to local news outlets, our AM Radio Station 1650 and the City web site www.cityoforlando.net for the latest information.

Sincerely,

Buddy Dyer
Mayor  

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