Matthew Aftermath

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

Fernandina Beach has survived Hurricane Matthew in much better shape than forecasters and residents had dared to hope.  Utility trucks and emergency vehicles returned to the island this morning and are working to restore power and phone service.  Private vehicles are not yet (11 a.m. Saturday) being allowed to return pending completion of a safety inspection of the Shave Bridge.  Officials are hopeful that may happen later in the day, but returning residents should keep checking the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center before starting their return.

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A brief drive around town revealed no current street flooding in the downtown area or along South Fletcher between Main Beach and Sadler Road.  A large tree is down on Atlantic Avenue between 13th & 14th Streets, which brought down a major utility pole.  Crews are on the scene.  There is also a large tree blocking Ash Street in front of City Hall.  Most of the large live oaks around town appear to have held up well.

Further updates when power is restored.