The death toll has now reached six due to the tornadoes, as reported by a St. Lucie County spokesperson confirming the latest death on Friday, without identifying the person or their place of death.
The number of fatalities in this wave of tornadoes has risen slowly and tragically since multiple tornadoes struck the region.
After the St. Lucie County medical examiner initially reported four fatalities, a fifth death was confirmed on Thursday during a press conference with Governor Ron DeSantis by Sheriff Keith Pearson.
The latest death was confirmed around the same time St. Lucie County officials were providing their latest update on recovery efforts.
Recovery Updates
In a joint press conference, Public Safety Director Ron Guerrero announced the opening of a multi-agency resource center at the Havert L. Fenn Center, 2000 Virginia Ave, in Fort Pierce.
The goal of the new center is to provide people with a single location to receive assistance from multiple agencies, including the American Red Cross.
It is expected to be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday, and the county plans to provide more information at a later time.
Additionally, Guerrero explained that a rest station is being set up at Spanish Lakes Country Club Village to offer residents in that neighborhood a place to wash clothes, shower, or use restrooms, among other services.
A public information line is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. by calling 772-460-4357.
Acknowledging how many people are eager to help, Guerrero added that they were working with the state on a way for people to donate and for that money to be distributed as quickly as possible.
Sheriff Keith Pearson assured the community that the Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols to ensure the community remains safe.
He also said police are on alert for looting, but so far, no incidents have been reported.
City and county leaders at the press conference outlined timelines for reopening their respective offices, with most scheduled to reopen between Friday and Monday.
Many waste collection services are already operational again, and residents can expect them to return on their normally scheduled collection days.
Yard waste can be placed alongside regular trash, but residents are asked to keep it separated by several feet from normal garbage to allow for easier collection.
However, people do not need to rush to put items at the curb, as the city plans to collect them multiple times.
Image: LaPrensa
