For immediate release - October 24, 2005

Lake County EOC issues Oct. 24 afternoon update

TAVARES — The Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation level is lowering to Level III, monitoring, at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24.

“This was a good drill for the Lake County EOC,” said Jerry Smith, Director of the Lake County Emergency Management Division, about Hurricane Wilma. “I’m extremely proud of the participation from the all agencies and municipalities that helped Lake County prepare for the hurricane.”

Points of interest discussed during a final staff briefing Monday afternoon were:

• Reports of storm damage include three downed trees on public roads (all have since been cleared), seven reports of minor flooding and one damaged traffic sign.
• Power outages reported throughout Lake County include 412 Progress Energy customers and approximately 200 Sumter Electric Cooperative (SECO) customers. All power outages are expected to be resolved by 11 p.m. Residents are encouraged to report power outages to their electricity provider. Power outage contact numbers are:
  • Clay Electric (352) 473-2129
  • City of Leesburg (352) 728-9830
  • City of Mount Dora (352) 735-7141
  • Progress Energy (800) 228-8485
  • SECO (352) 793-3801
• As of 2 p.m. Monday, the public shelter at Leesburg Elementary, 2229 South St., is closed.
• Lake County Schools will be open Tuesday as scheduled. The Lake County School Board will meet as scheduled at 6 p.m. Monday at the Lake County Administration Building, 315 W. Main St., Tavares.
• Sandbags are available Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Department of Public Works three maintenance facilities located at: 2310 W. Griffin Road, Leesburg; 609 Disston Ave., Minneola; and 19720 E. Fifth St., Umatilla.
• As of 4 p.m. Monday, updates will be recorded on the Citizens Information Line at (352) 343-9732 and will no longer be staffed with operators.

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Related Links
Lake County Hurricane Guide

Contact information:
Christopher Patton
Communications Coordinator
Office: (352) 343-9609; Cell: (352) 455-0445
cpatton@co.lake.fl.us