Flooding that forced Nov. 3 polling-place changes in Indian River and St. Lucie counties and prompted Tuesday closures of St. Lucie County public schools, county offices and courthouses has now led to a voluntary evacuation in Rockridge. The Indian River County Sheriff's Office announced the evacuation Monday night because of flooding and potential wastewater backups.
The evacuation area extends from 17th Street to 13th Place and from 6th Avenue to IR BLVD. Indian River County Utilities is monitoring conditions and has contacted affected customers. Residents with questions or who want to report their status should call 772-226-4000, the sheriff's office said.
Indian River County's local state of emergency took effect at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, and remains in effect until further notice. County officials cited deteriorating weather, impassable roads and continuing rainfall. Separately, Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-227, declaring a state of emergency for St. Lucie County and six other Florida counties because of widespread flooding and threats to public safety and critical infrastructure.
For Tuesday's election, St. Lucie County Precinct 12 voters will vote at Days Inn Midtown, 3224 S US Hwy 1 in Fort Pierce. Precincts 49, 71 and 51 will vote at Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd. in Port St. Lucie, with access from Airoso Boulevard. Precincts 67 and 86 will vote at Indian River State College's Veterans Center of Excellence, 500 NW California Blvd., with access from Peacock Boulevard. Precincts 83 and 92 will vote at Tradition Town Hall, 10799 SW Civic Lane in Port St. Lucie.
In Indian River County, Precinct 7 voters normally assigned to Sebastian Church of God will instead vote at Sebastian Elks Lodge. Precinct 26 voters normally assigned to Morning Star Church will vote at the Intergenerational Recreation Room, or ig Center, in Vero Beach. Election officials are encouraging affected voters to go directly to their newly assigned locations on Election Day. St. Lucie County voters can visit stlucievotes.gov or call 772-462-1500 for voting or vote-by-mail information.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said numerous roads are flooded or impassable, with more rain expected through Monday night and Tuesday. Deputies and other personnel remain on duty and are coordinating with the Emergency Operations Center. Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, never drive through floodwaters or around barricades, and stay away from downed power lines and standing water near electrical equipment.