Deltona declares state of emergency as Hurricane Milton approaches

In a recent meeting, the Deltona City Commission declared a state of local emergency in response to Hurricane Milton, which is expected to impact the area significantly. The emergency declaration, made under the authority of Florida statutes, cites the hurricane's sustained winds exceeding 100 miles per hour and the potential for up to 12 inches of rain, posing immediate threats to life and property.

Commissioner Herriot emphasized the need for transparency and accountability regarding the use of city funds during the emergency, recalling past issues with financial oversight. He requested a report on expenditures related to the disaster at the next commission meeting and suggested that the local state of emergency be reissued every seven days to maintain community confidence.

Commissioner McCall urged residents to stay informed through the city’s website and to avoid unnecessary travel to allow emergency personnel to operate effectively. He highlighted ongoing preparations, including food distribution and debris removal, and the provision of sandbags for residents.

Additionally, the city manager announced that Galaxy Middle School will serve as a special needs shelter, while other local shelters will be available at nearby high schools and the Volusia County Fairgrounds. The commission is also considering hiring a disaster recovery consultant to ensure compliance with FEMA policies, which could facilitate reimbursement for emergency expenditures.

As the city braces for the storm, officials are focused on safeguarding the community and ensuring that residents have access to vital information and resources.