OKEECHOBEE — Preliminary assessments indicate the “one-in-200-year” storm that flooded Okeechobee County on Nov. 1 left more than $2.1 million in damage to homes, with about 850 structures left to be evaluated.

She said there are about 400 mobile homes they have not been able to evaluate.

At the Nov. 5 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission, County Administrator Jessica Bezares updated commissioners on storm damage and ongoing efforts to address it.

She said a shelter for those displaced by storm damage was opened on Nov. 4 at the Okeechobee County Civic Center, 1750 U.S. 98 N., under the direction of the American Red Cross, with assistance from county staff.

 Assistant County Administrator Justin Nelson said Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) projects have been shut down due to the storm and its aftermath. He said they are still evaluating damages throughout the county.

He said the county engineer is evaluating projects. “We’re looking at a pretty significant increase in what still could be coming in,” he said. “We’ve got road and bridge staff, we’ve got contractors working throughout the county. We have multiple pumps running throughout the county.”

Commission Chair David Hazellief said he was very impressed with county staff. He said many had damage to their own homes but still came in to do their jobs. “I think we owe all of our staff, from tractor drivers to the administrator, a round of applause,” he said. Those in the commission room agreed and rose for a standing ovation.

On Nov. 2, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. On Nov. 4, the governor amended the Executive Order for the Fall Flooding to include seven additional counties: Glades, Hendry, Lake, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Seminole & Volusia.

The State of Florida is preparing a submission to FEMA.