Palm Beach County extends state of emergency amid flooding, plane crash recovery

Palm Beach County officials have extended a local state of emergency for another week as recovery operations continue following widespread flooding and a private aircraft crash that has disrupted communities and forced road closures.

The extension, announced Sunday, November 8, comes as the county's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains at Level 2 activation, coordinating responses to both emergencies.

The EOC has been operating at that level since November 1, when a private aircraft crashed along Military Trail amid widespread flooding across the county.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Palm Beach County on November 4 through Executive Order 26-228 in response to the flooding, allowing state resources to be mobilized to support local recovery efforts.

County officials said emergency management personnel continue working with local, state and federal agencies to assist residents and businesses affected by the two incidents.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has maintained a 24-hour presence at the aircraft crash site since November 1, working alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and the county Medical Examiner's Office.

Other agencies involved include the Florida Department of Transportation, water management districts, Florida Power & Light and private contractors.

Fire rescue personnel are providing excavation support, equipment and staffing for recovery operations, while also assisting with site safety, logistics and medical services for emergency responders.

Authorities have not announced when recovery operations at the crash site will be completed.

Military Trail remains closed between 10th Avenue North and Cresthaven Boulevard as crews continue working in the affected area.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the closure and use alternate routes along 10th Avenue North, Haverhill Road and Cresthaven Boulevard.

The crash has also displaced residents of a nearby mobile home park, prompting the county to establish an emergency shelter at the Greenacres Community Center.

Residents affected by the incident can continue accessing shelter assistance while recovery efforts remain underway.

Meanwhile, county officials are also responding to the effects of widespread flooding that has damaged homes, disrupted businesses and created additional challenges for residents.

As part of the recovery process, Palm Beach County has opened a Business Damage Assessment Survey to document losses sustained by local businesses during the 2026 fall flooding.

Business owners are being encouraged to report their damage through FloridaDisaster.biz by selecting “2026 Fall Flooding” from the available options.

The information collected will help authorities assess the economic impact of the flooding and identify potential recovery needs.

County officials also announced that Washington Elementary School will reopen on Monday, November 9, following disruptions associated with the emergencies.

Residents experiencing flooding inside their homes who need shelter information can contact Palm Beach County at 561-712-6400.

In addition to government assistance, United Way of Palm Beach County has established a Disaster Relief Fund to support individuals and families affected by the flooding and aircraft crash.

The organization said all contributions to the fund will remain within Palm Beach County to assist local residents with recovery and rebuilding.

The emergency response involves coordination among county departments, first responders, state agencies and federal investigators, with officials working to address immediate safety concerns while supporting longer-term recovery efforts.

Palm Beach County said it will continue providing updates on both emergencies as operations progress.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the county's official website, pbc.gov, and its social media accounts for the latest information on road closures, emergency assistance and recovery operations.

Updates are also available through PBC-TV Channel 20.