Flagler County evaluates damage, bans alcohol sales

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Flagler County is putting together a list of opening businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

“It’s one of the first steps of the recovery process here in Flagler County,” said Flagler County Administrator Craig Coffey. “We encourage our business owners to reach out to us so we can let everyone know Flagler County is open for business.”

The county is specifically monitoring grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and home improvement stores. The county urges business owners to call 386-313-4098 and provide your store name, location, and opening date and time.

County officials are already aware of the following openings:

Winn Dixie, 1260 Palm Coast Parkway SW, Palm Coast

Town Center Publix, 800 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast

Beach Village Publix, 414 Beach Village Dr., Flagler Beach

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More than 50,000 Flagler County homes and businesses were still without power Monday morning in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Flagler County has been battered with more than a foot of rain and hit with wind gusts topping out at 83 mph at 3:10 a.m., according to county government officials.

Areas of the county received between 6 and 8 inches of rain, according to WFTV meteorologist Eboni Deon.

All government offices will remain closed on Monday except those assisting in emergency services. Schools will be closed both Monday and Tuesday, and a curfew is in effect until noon Monday. Some homes on the barrier island have been affected by the storm surge, officials said.

The Hammock Dunes Bridge and the State Road 100 Bridge are both closed, and the county has banned the sale of alcohol in all bars, restaurants and stores.

Flagler County said they will continually update their social media pages with the latest information.

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A Flagler County man was arrested Monday morning for burglarizing the home of a neighbor who had evacuated to avoid Hurricane Irma, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said.

Andrew Gross, 36, threw a brick through the glass door of his neighbor's home on Red Barn Drive and stole jewelry, deputies said.

"This is not the way we look out for our neighbors," Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. "The entire state is dealing with the effects of Hurricane Irma. This is a time to come together as a community and help each other."

Cox Media Group