FAMU Power Restored Late Friday, Clean-Up Continues, Repairs Begin

Work crews began clean-up and repairs at FAMU following violent storms on Friday. Photo: Credit: Benjamin Rapheal, POM Director of Building Maintenance

Power was restored to the Florida A&M University Tallahassee campus Friday evening as employees and contractors continue to assess damage and begin repairs after a violent storm ripped through the Big Bend region.

The main traffic arteries in and around the campus are clear. The University’s Central Plant is back on line, and the air conditioning in stable in most buildings, according to Kendall Jones, associate vice president Facilities, Planning, Construction, and Safety.

Due to the continuing clean-up and damage assessment, President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., reiterated that it’s still unsafe for non-essential faculty and staff to come to campus. They are urged to continue working remotely until further notice. Other Professional Service (OPS) employees are permitted to work at the authorization of their supervisor.

Monday, May 13 marks the start of Summer A and C sessions. Classes will be conducted via remote May 13-17 while the campus cleanup is underway.  Students are advised to contact their course instructors for more details. The add-drop period has been extended to Monday, May 20.

The College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health P4 Comprehensive Exam will be administered on Monday, May 13. Staff will send exam site details directly to test takers.
FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS) administrators will announce re-opening plans on Sunday. The Educational Research Center for Child Development’s (ERCCD) roof was damaged and the facility will be closed at least Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for repairs.

Meanwhile, students stayng on campus this summer were scheduled to move into the Palmetto Phase III Apartments on Saturday. The Residence Dining Hall is serving brunch and light lunch this weekend.

The early Friday storm knocked out electricity, damaged roofs, downed trees and utility lines, blocked roadways, and scattered debris across the campus. At least 15 buildings suffered some form of roof and water damage. The flashing on Lee Hall was also damaged. Additional damage was discovered to the University Commons building. A structural engineer is assessing the missing bricks above the roof line,  Jones said. Roofing contractors are sealing buildings with temporary tarpaulin. The University is preparing requests for proposals to get permanent repairs on the way.