Hurricane Irma: Aventura Roads Clear, Kids' Camp Planned

AVENTURA, FL — While city roads are open and clear of debris, many sidewalks are still impassable in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, according to city officials. Meanwhile, Aventura is gearing up to hold a free camp for city children on Thursday and Friday. The storm touched down in Aventura on Sunday.

"Please use caution," City Manager Eric M. Soroka cautioned Aventura residents on Wednesday in providing an update on the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. "Traffic signals may not be functioning. All motorists are reminded to treat non-working traffic signals as a four-way stop. Traffic signals flashing red are to be treated as a stop sign. Flashing yellow traffic signals mean you may proceed with caution." (For more hurricane news or local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Aventura Patch, and click here tofind your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Soroka also warned residents that they may not dispose of their storm debris on public property.

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"Anyone caught doing this will be issued a notice of warning and then a code violation citation," he said.

City officials also paassed along the following information concerning the recovery effort:

Recovery Information

• Please be advised that storm debris that occurred on private property cannot be placed on a public property for removal.
• Residents who have sustained losses can begin applying for FEMA assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. any day of the week.
• If you need to consult an insurance expert, call the Florida Department of Financial Services’ insurance helpline at 1-877-693-5236 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit www.myfloridacfo.com.
• To report specific information about price gouging, please call 1-866-966-7226 or visit www.myfloridalegal.com. Keep your receipt or take a photograph of the displayed charge to support your complaint.
• The Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program is now available to businesses affected by Hurricane Irma. The loan application is available online at www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or call or 1-800-659-2955.

Services and Facilities

For more information call 305-466-8999.
• A free camp will be available for Aventura resident children (ages 5-14) on Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proof of residency will be required, and any of the following documents containing a valid Aventura address are adequate to determine residency: Florida Driver License or Identification Card; voters registration card; electric, telephone or utility bill; mortgage deed or lease. Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Campers must bring snacks and lunch.
• The Community Recreation Center will open today at 5 p.m. and will close at 9:30 p.m. It will resume normal hours of operation on Thursday, September 14.
• The Don Soffer Exercise Trail is open.
• The City of Aventura Government Center is open and has resumed normal hours.
• The Building Department is available to assist residents and businesses with damage related questions.
• The Aventura Express Shuttle Bus service has resumed normal service
• All City parks including Founders Park, Founders Park South and the Community Garden, Peace Park, Veterans Park, Waterways Park, and Waterways Dog Park remain closed. Founders Park, Peace Park and Waterways Park will open on Friday, September 15.
• The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is closed until further notice.
• The Aventura BCycle bike share system remains shut down.
• The Aventura Mall, Whole Foods, Winn Dixie, Publix and Target are open.

Roadways

• All City roads are open and cleared of debris, but many sidewalks are still blocked. The process of clearing the sidewalks and removing debris is underway and should be completed by the end of the week if not sooner.
• FPL is aware of power issues in the City and is working on restoration. Residents are advised to call FPL directly at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243), not the City, check on the status of power outages.

Schools

• Aventura City of Excellence School continues to follow the decisions made by Miami-Dade County Public School (MDCPS) regarding school closures and is closed until further notice. MDCPS is making every effort to have schools open on Monday, September 18, 2017. Please consult the school's website or follow the local news stations.

"We wish to thank the various businesses and individuals that assisted our first responders and other residents that were in need," Soroka added. "The city of Aventura appreciates the cooperation of its residents and businesses as we continue to work to have operations back to normal."

Photo courtesy city of Aventura