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Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Hurricane Michael

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Governor Scott will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials and state agency leaders to ensure the state is prepared to respond to the potential devastating impacts from Hurricane Michael. On October 7th, Governor Scott declared a state of emergency in 26 Florida counties, and expanded it to include 35 counties total on October 8th. To see his Emergency Order, click HERE.

Earlier today, following Governor Rick Scott’s request, President Donald Trump approved a pre-landfall emergency declaration. This declaration will provide important resources and assistance from the federal government, including personnel, equipment and supplies, as well as making available funding sources for emergency protective measures. The pre-landfall declaration request is for 35 Florida counties. 

See below for more information on what the State of Florida is doing to support Hurricane Michael preparedness efforts: 

STATE PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

  • Hurricane Warning:
    A hurricane warning is in effect for the Alabama/Florida Border to the Suwannee River.
  • Tropical Storm Warning:
    A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Alabama/Florida border to the Mississippi/Alabama border.

Suwanee River to Chassahowitzka, Florida.

  • Tropical Storm Watch:
    Tropical storm watches are in effect from Chassahowitzka, Florida, to Anna Maria Island, Florida, including Tampa Bay.

Mississippi/Alabama Border to the mouth of the Pearl River.
Fernandina Beach Florida to South Santee River South Carolina.

  • Storm Surge Warning
    A storm surge warning is in effect from the Okaloosa/Walton County Line to the Anclote River.
  • Storm Surge Watch
    Anclote River to Anna Maria Island, including Tampa Bay, and Alabama/Florida border to Okaloosa/Walton County Line Florida.

EVACUATIONS

Though the below evacuation orders are current and in effect, everyone should check with their local emergency management office or website for the most up to date information regarding evacuations as they are constantly being updated.

  • Bay County- Mandatory evacuation orders are now in place for zones A, B, and C. Residents living in these areas should evacuate immediately if they have not already done so.
  • Calhoun County – A Voluntary/Phased evacuation has been issued for mobile homes and low lying areas.
  • Citrus County – Mandatory evacuation orders are now in places for zone A and those in mobile homes, RVs and manufactured housing countywide.
  • Dixie County – A Mandatory Evacuation has been issues for zone A, mobile homes and low lying areas.
  • Escambia County – Voluntary/Phased
  • Franklin County – A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for ALL NON-RESIDENTS. Website now just says mandatory.
  • Gadsden County – A Voluntary/Phased evacuation has been issued for mobile homes and low lying areas.
  • Gulf County – A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for the following areas:
    • All Cape San Blas
    • All of Indian Pass Area
    • Simmons Bayou
    • Highland View
    • Windmark
    • In the city of Port St. Joe, all areas from St. Joseph Bay to Long Avenue
    • St. Joe Beach and Beacon Hill – Waterside of Highway 98
    • Those with high profile vehicles, living in mobile homes, low lying areas, or anyone who feels unsafe in their current location

All of these areas must be evacuated within 24 hours of this notice. Critical businesses in those areas may remain open until 12 pm ET Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

A Voluntary Evacuation has been issued for Highway 98 Inland on St. Joe Beach and Beacon Hill.

  • Hernando County – A Voluntary/Phased Evacuation has been issued for coastal zone levels A and B, beginning on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at 8 am ET.
  • Jackson County – A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for mobile homes, manufactured homes and RV Parks.
  • Jefferson County – A Voluntary/Phased evacuation has been issued for mobile homes, coastal areas and low lying areas.
  • Leon County – A Voluntary/Phased evacuation has been issued for mobile homes and low lying flood prone areas.
  • Levy County – A Mandatory Evacuation has been ordered for Levy County residents and visitors in the coastal areas of Levy County. Residents and visitors in these areas should evacuate before 8 pm Tuesday, October 9, 2018. This includes:
    • Cedar Key
    • Yankeetown
    • Fowlers Bluff
    • Fanning Springs
    • Any other area that is prone to storm surge
  • Liberty County – A Voluntary/Phased evacuation has been issued for mobile homes, sub standard housing and low lying areas.
  • Madison County – Voluntary evacuation for mobile homes and unsafe structures.
  • Okaloosa County – A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for all properties south of US Highway 98 as well as all low lying and coastal areas.
  • Pasco County – A Voluntary/Phased evacuation has been issued for anyone living west of US Highway 19.
  • Santa Rosa County – A Voluntary/Phased evacuation has been issued for mobile home parks, campsites, low lying areas and Navarre Beach.
  • Taylor County – A Voluntary/Phased evacuation has been issued for low lying areas and mobile homes.
  • Wakulla County – A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for zone A (coastal low lying areas) and mobile homes. The remainder of Wakulla County will be under a voluntary evacuation order.
  • Walton County – A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for zones A and B.

SHELTERS

  • The state is prepared to support potential sheltering operations in the Florida Panhandle.
  • Currently 34 shelters are open or are being mobilized to open.
  • Visit floridadisaster.org/shelter-status to find information on shelters in your area. This site is being updated as shelters open throughout the day.

UTILITIES

  • Governor Scott has called on every local government to immediately confirm their mutual aid agreements between investor-owned utilities, municipals and co-ops are in place and effective so there is no delay in power restoration for Floridians. These agreements allow municipal utilities to receive aid from investor-owned utilities and co-ops as they work to restore power to customers. Without these agreements in place ahead of time, power restoration will be delayed. To view the full list of Florida utilities with agreements in place, click HERE.
  • More than 17,000 power restoration personnel have been pre-positioned and are ready to respond. 

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • The Florida National Guard currently has activated 2,500 soldiers and airmen for pre-landfall coordination and planning, with an emphasis on high water and search and rescue operations.
  • The Florida National Guard is performing a variety of missions, including staffing the State Logistics Readiness Center in Orlando and running two Logistic Staging Areas in Tallahassee and Eglin.
  • They are well-equipped, with assets including more than 1,000 high water vehicles, 13 helicopters and 16 boats. They are preparing for possible missions to include humanitarian assistance, security operations, and search and rescue.
  • The Florida National Guard will continue to work closely with civilian partner agencies, other National Guard states and active duty counterparts.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is actively monitoring Hurricane Michael and ready to respond. On standby are approximately 135 officers from outside the projected path ready to deploy if needed. This number will go up based on intensity of the storm. They will respond with a variety of specialized equipment, including shallow draft boats, ATVs, airboats and four wheel drive vehicles.
  • FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams are ready to do reconnaissance missions.
  • During patrols, FWC officers are reaching out to residents in the most rural areas of the potentially affected areas to make sure they are prepared for severe weather conditions.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol has pre-deployed 100 State Troopers to the Panhandle and Big Bend area of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Michael.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol has activated 12-hour shifts for Troops A, B, H, I & Q starting tomorrow. The total activation includes approximately 340 state troopers conducting 24-hour enhanced coverage across Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle. As part of this, regular days off are cancelled.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol has prepared a Quick Response Force team comprised of 33 State Troopers to deploy with minimal notice to areas affected by Hurricane Michael.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol is actively monitoring the storm and assisting with emergency management missions.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol is staffing the Bryant Patton Memorial Bridge in Franklin County (St. George Island bridge).
  • The Florida Highway Patrol currently has 24/7 representation within the State Emergency Operations Center coordinating preparation, response and recovery efforts. The Florida Highway Patrol is also staffing numerous County Emergency Operations Centers.
  • Florida Highway Patrol will maintain high visibility on Interstate-10 and associated evacuation routes to assist motorists, clear the roadways of any abandoned or disabled vehicles and will routinely check rest areas to assist residents and visitors.
  • DHSMV’s Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles are on standby to respond to impacted areas as soon as the storm passes.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Mutual Aid team is communicating with law enforcement partners and participating in regular conference calls with the State Emergency Operations Center.
  • FDLE and other statewide law enforcement partners are working 24 hours at SEOC and in the Pensacola and Tallahassee regions.  We have four squads enroute from south Florida to assist with managing the law enforcement response to affected areas by Hurricane Michael.
  • Regional law enforcement coordination teams (RLECTS) are coordinating with urban search and rescue (USAR) teams to get in affected areas as soon as safely possible following the storm.  FDLE is encouraging everyone to get out of harm’s way and follow local law enforcement’s orders to evacuate.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

  • The State of Florida has activated five urban search and rescue task forces and resources to various strategic locations to prepare for response. An additional four task forces from the states of Mississippi and Louisiana will supplement in state teams with operations in the affected areas.
  • CFO Jimmy Patronis has activated or placed on alert seven out of eight state Search and Rescue task forces in preparation for Hurricane Michael’s landfall.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • Governor Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to suspend tolls effective immediately in the Northwest Florida region in preparation for Hurricane Michael. Tolls will be suspended at the following facilities: Mid-Bay Bridge and Spence Parkway (Okaloosa County), Garcon Point Bridge (Santa Rosa County), Bob Sikes Toll Bridge (Escambia County), and Orchard Pond Parkway (Leon County). By suspending tolls, Floridians and visitors will more easily be able to prepare for any potential storm impacts, access important hurricane supplies, and quickly and safely evacuate when necessary.
  • FDOT is currently preparing roadways for impacts from Hurricane Michael.
  • FDOT has suspended all construction operations from the roadways in the counties under the state of emergency.
  • FDOT is coordinating with the Florida Highway Patrol on bridge and roadway closures and detours.
  • FDOT is monitoring roadways for potential evacuations and identifying bridge inspectors statewide.
  • FDOT is preparing all standby generators for traffic signal support.
  • FDOT issued an Emergency Road Use Permit letter to relieve size and weight restrictions for vehicles responding to Hurricane Michael.
  • FDOT participated in the regional coordination teleconference with Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina.
  • FDOT issued Weigh Station Bypass letter to allow emergency response vehicles such as utility vehicles and bucket trucks to bypass all FDOT weigh stations.
  • FDOT is supporting local evacuations and transport of local evacuees.
  • Port of Pensacola and Port of Panama City have closed.
  • FDOT is coordinating with utility companies to coordinate pre/post storm clean-up activities. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

  • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is continuing to monitor the storm and regularly sharing information with waiver support coordinators and providers to ensure the health and safety of the customers the agency serves.
  • APD is also checking on individuals with developmental disabilities who live in their own homes to ensure they are prepared for the hurricane.
  • APD has canceled all guest reservations for the week for William J. Rish Recreational Park in Gulf County. The facility will be closed beginning Tuesday.
  • APD is making Hawkins Park in Santa Rosa County available to utility trucks as a staging area.
  • The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is actively monitoring Hurricane Michael and has activated ESF-8 personnel to staff the State Emergency Operations Center. Florida’s State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip participated in a Florida Hospital Association Planning Call to discuss collaboration and making timely decisions regarding evacuations.
  • DOH has initiated daily county ESF-8 conference calls with County Health Departments (CHDs) to determine local protective actions, status of local health care systems, special needs shelter status, and unmet needs.
  • DOH is starting to support ESF-8 missions for Special Needs Shelters and patient requests.
  • DOH has requested 5 Ambulance Strike Teams and 35 Special Needs Shelter Teams to support relief efforts.
  • To prepare for, respond to, and mitigate any effect of Hurricane Michael, DOH issued an emergency order allowing health care professionals with a valid, unrestricted and unencumbered license in any state, territory, and/or district to render services in Florida during a period not to exceed thirty days (unless extended).
  • DOH is actively identifying pre-positioned federal health and medical assets by type, quantity, and location.
  • DOH is working to forecast long-range public health and medical resource needs and identify potential areas for EMAC and federal resource support.
  • DOH is monitoring and supporting Special Needs Shelter operations through census reporting and resource support as requested by local emergency operations.
  • CHDs are coordinating with their local County Emergency Management to ensure preparations are in place for Special Needs Shelters. Call downs are being conducted to persons on Special Needs Registries to ensure plans are in place for potential evacuations.
  • CHDs are reviewing their local continuity of operations plans to ensure public health activities and CHD services are not interrupted by the storm.
  • CHDs are conducting outreach to health care facilities within the county to ensure they are implementing facility level emergency plans.
  • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is in contact with healthcare facilities to ensure they have the resources they need.
  • AHCA had a joint call with the Florida Health Care Association and all residential and inpatient healthcare facilities including all areas of the panhandle and east to Jacksonville. AHCA and the Florida Hospital Association had a joint call with all hospitals in the panhandle.
  • AHCA has activated the Emergency Status System (ESS) for health care facilities in the panhandle to enter their storm preparedness status including generators and utility company information, emergency contacts, and bed availability.
  • All nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to keep residents in a safe environment in an emergency to ensure the protection of resident health, safety, welfare, and comfort.
    • Facilities are required to have a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan approved and on file with the local emergency management agencies.
    • Nursing facilities all have back-up power that can power medical equipment and refrigeration for medicine and food.
    • Additionally, facilities are required to have an emergency power plan in place to ensure that resident occupied area temperatures do not exceed 81 degrees. These plans include onsite generators, delivered generators, or shifting populations to locations that can maintain comfortable temperatures.
    • As part of licensure, facilities are responsible for the health and safety of their patients.
    • The State is here to serve as a resource to connect facilities to the local emergency management officials to make sure needs are being met.
  • AHCA staff is reaching out to all hospital CEOs and all residential health care facilities in the panhandle.
  • The Florida Department of Elder Affairs is in regular contact with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Planning and Service Areas (PSAs) in the projected storm path. Congregate meal sites remained open today, and home-delivered meal routes continued as scheduled. Clients were provided additional frozen and shelf-stable meals as deliveries will not occur tomorrow
  • AAAs continue to coordinate with their Lead Agencies, local service providers, and local county offices of emergency management as part of their emergency relief measures. Call-downs have already begun to assess client needs before, during, and after the storm.
  • The Department of Elder Affairs has also been communicating with our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) and CARES field offices who anticipate office closures. CARES staff is trained and stands ready to participate by assisting at Special Needs Shelters in affected areas, including with the discharge planning.
  • Before, during, and after the storm, the Area Agencies on Aging will continue to operate the statewide, toll-free Elder Helpline — 1-800-96-ELDER.
  • The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) operates six skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility. All state veterans’ homes are currently operational and remain in constant contact with FLSERT officials.
  • The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports VA Outpatient Clinics in Panama City Beach and Eglin AFB are closed today and tomorrow. VA Outpatient Clinics in Marianna, Tallahassee and Perry has closed. Patient appointments are being rescheduled.
  • The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is working with courts in Florida Panhandle counties to sign blanket travel approvals for all foster parents to evacuate with children in foster care.
  • DCF has ordered an early release of food assistance benefits for those Florida residents in the 35 counties included in the emergency order who would have received normal SNAP benefits between now and 10/28.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reached out to high-priority regulated facilities to remind them of storm preparations they should be making, and has issued two emergency final orders to ensure recovery efforts are not hampered or delayed.
  • DEP has activated and is closely monitoring StormTracker, a reporting tool for water and waste water facilities to provide updates on their operational status.
  • An online tool for the public to report the location of storm debris in waterways has been deployed.
  • The current condition of the state’s beaches has been assessed, which will expedite post-storm assessments.
  • 235 Disaster Debris Management Sites have been pre-authorized for the counties addressed by the Governor’s Executive Order.
  • Florida State Park closures can be found at floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates
  • DEP’s Florida Park Service has opened areas to dry camp for self-contained rigs – usually parking lots without utility connections – at some state parks for evacuees on a first come, first served basis with waived overnight fees. A list of open parks and contact information to check for availability can be found at floridastateparks.org/get-involved/storm-assistance.

 BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY                            

  • To help residents and emergency personnel stay connected following the storm, Comcast is opening its network of more than 8,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout the Florida Panhandle, including Tallahassee, Panama City, Panama City Beach and surrounding areas and the Dothan, Alabama area, to anyone to use for free, including non-Xfinity customers.
  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) continues to encourage businesses to visit FloridaDisaster.biz for disaster preparedness tips and register to receive updates as the storm progresses.
  • The state has opened the Private Sector Hotline at (850) 815-4925. The hotline is available for business inquiries about the storm, preparedness information and post-impact information.
  • DEO continues to coordinate with CareerSource Florida, local workforce boards, and other public-private partners.
  • VISIT Florida has activated the Expedia/VISIT Florida Hotel Accommodation Web Portal to support evacuation orders.
  • Airbnb Open Homes is now active in Alabama, Florida and Georgia in response to Hurricane Michael. Over 150 Airbnb community members have opened their homes at no cost to evacuees and first responders thus far. Visit  airbnb.com/HurricaneMichael for open homes.
  • Members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in the Tallahassee area are providing meals and lodging for first responders.
  • The Florida Retail Federation and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association continue to share disaster preparedness information with their business affiliates.
  • The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) offers a Hurricane Guide with information about hurricane preparedness, what to do as a storm approaches, disaster recovery, and helpful hurricane-related resources. DBPR has shared the Guide on social media and it is available at myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/documents/HurricaneGuide_web.pdf.
  • A team from FEMA including experts from Homeland Security, the EPA, the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Army Corps of Engineers is now in Florida and providing federal assistance

EDUCATION

  • The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is in contact with school districts, state colleges and universities for updates and to determine needs before, during and after emergency events. All school districts, colleges and universities are monitoring Hurricane Michael and collaborating with local emergency preparedness officials to make decisions that ensure student and staff safety.
  • The following school districts have announced closures:
    • Baker will be closed Wednesday (10/10) and Thursday (10/11).
    • Bay will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • Bradford will be closed Wednesday (10/10) and Thursday (10/11).
    • Calhoun will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Thursday (10/11).
    • Citrus will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • Dixie will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Thursday (10/11).
    • Escambia will have early release Tuesday (10/9) and remain closed Wednesday (10/10).
    • Florida A&M High will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12).
    • Florida State University Schools (Florida High) will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12).
    • Franklin will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12).
    • Gadsden will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12).
    • Gilchrist will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • Gulf will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12) and will re-open after Fall Break, on Wednesday, 10/17.
    • Hamilton will be closed Wednesday (10/10) and Thursday (10/11).
    • Holmes will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Thursday (10/11).
    • Jackson will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • Jefferson will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • Lafayette will be closed Wednesday (10/10) and Thursday (10/11).
    • Leon will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12).
    • Levy will be closed Wednesday (10/10) and Thursday (10/11).
    • Liberty will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Thursday (10/11).
    • Madison will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Thursday (10/11).
    • Okaloosa will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • Santa Rosa will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and remain closed Wednesday (10/10).
    • Suwannee will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Thursday (10/11).
    • Taylor will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Thursday (10/11).
    • Union will be closed Wednesday (10/10) and Thursday (10/11).
    • Wakulla will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12).
    • Walton will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Thursday (10/11).
    • Washington will have early release Tuesday (10/9) and remain closed Wednesday (10/10).
  • The following state colleges and universities have announced closures:
    • Chipola College will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • Florida A&M University will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12).
    • Florida Gateway College will be closed on Wednesday (10/10).
    • Florida State University will be closed Tuesday (10/9) – Friday (10/12).
    • Gulf Coast State College closed at 5 p.m. Monday (10/8) and remain closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • North Florida Community College will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday (10/9) and remain closed Wednesday (10/10) and Thursday (10/11).
    • Northwest Florida State College will be closed Tuesday (10/9) and Wednesday (10/10).
    • Pensacola State College will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday (10/9) and remain closed Wednesday (10/10)
    • Tallahassee Community College will be closed Tuesday (10/9) through Friday, 10/12.
    • The University of West Florida will close at noon Tuesday (10/9) and remain closed Wednesday (10/10).
  • The following Division of Blind Services (DBS) and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offices are closed through Friday (10/12):
    • Alachua (DVR): 2610 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville
    • Alachua (DBS): 3620 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville
    • Bay (DVR & DBS): 2505 West 15th Street, Panama City
    • Citrus (DVR): 204 South Apopka Avenue, Inverness
    • Columbia (DVR): 1389 U.S. Highway 90 West, Lake City
    • Dixie (DVR): 25821 SE 19 Highway, Old Town
    • Escambia (DVR & DBS): 600 University Office Boulevard, Pensacola
    • Gadsden (DVR): 305 West Crawford Street, Qunincy
    • Hernando (DVR): 7361 Forest Oaks Boulevard, Spring Hill
    • Hillsborough (DVR): 9215 North Florida Avenue, Tampa
    • Hillsborough (DVR): 510 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon
    • Hillsborough (DVR): 1702 South Alexander Street, Plant City
    • Hillsborough (DVR, DBS & Migrant Worker): 1313 Tampa Street, Tampa
    • Jackson (DVR): 4743B Highway 90 East, Marianna
    • Leon (DBS): 4972 Woodville Highway, Tallahassee
    • Leon (DVR & DBS): 1320 Executive Center Drive, Tallahassee
    • Leon (DVR): 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee
    • Manatee (DVR & DBS): 600 8th Avenue West, Tallahassee
    • Okaloosa (DVR): 119 Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach
    • Pasco (DVR): 4440-5636 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey
    • Pasco (DVR): 15000 Citrus Country Drive, Dade City
    • Pinellas (DVR): 701 94th Avenue North, St. Petersburg
    • Pinellas (DVR): 525 Mirror Lake Drive, St. Petersburg
    • Pinellas (DVR): 11351 Ulmerton Road, LargoSuwannee (DVR): 1431 North Ohio Avenue, Live Oak
  • The following Office of Early Learning office is closed through Friday (10/12):
    • Leon: 250 Marriott Drive, Tallahassee
  • The following Board of Governors office is closed through Friday (10/12):
    • Leon: 107 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee
  • Districts are opening shelters as needed; for a list of Florida shelters, visit floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters.
  • FDOE will be posting up-to-date information regarding closures and meeting cancellations at fldoe.org/hurricaneinfo.

INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

  • The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is prepared to order property insurers to submit claims information from Hurricane Michael, if necessary.
  • Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier and CFO Jimmy Patronis conducted a conference call with representatives of various insurance companies that have policies in force within the regions forecasted to be impacted by Hurricane Michael to ensure those companies:
    • Have resources positioned and available to respond to consumers’ needs
    • Assess damage and pay claims quickly
    • Report any challenges or issues as quickly as possible
    • Report claims to the OIR on time and in accordance with the reporting schedule that will be issued later today
  • OIR has fully activated its Incident Management Unit and has representatives at the State Emergency Operations Center. OIR will be actively working throughout this storm with consumer advocates, industry stakeholders and entities licensed under OIR’s regulatory authority.
  • OIR is preparing to order property insurers to submit claims information from Hurricane Michael.
  • In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order, OIR has notified all health insurers, managed care organizations and other health entities of their statutory obligation to allow for early prescription refills during a state of emergency.
  • The Florida Department of Management Services, Division of State Group Insurance, has arranged for early prescription renewals for members of the state group insurance program.
  • The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services has resources for consumers seeking assistance with the claims-filing process or to file insurance complaints HERE.
  • CFO Jimmy Patronis activated his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST) to get ahead of and stop post-storm fraud.
  • CFO Jimmy Patronis’ Division of Consumer Services has resources for consumers who need help with financial hurricane prep HERE and those seeking assistance with the claims-filing process or to file insurance complaints HERE.

STATE OFFICE CLOSURES

  • State offices will be closed today through Thursday in the 35 counties included in Governor Scott’s emergency order.
  • DMS will stay in contact with all state offices and has asked them to report closures in WebEOC.

VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

  • As the state’s lead agency for coordinating volunteers and donations before, during and after disasters, Volunteer Florida has established resources for individuals and groups who would like to support Floridians affected by Hurricane Michael.
  • Those interested in volunteering can visit VolunteerFlorida.org and register on the volunteer database.
  • At Governor Scott’s direction, Volunteer Florida has activated the Florida Disaster Fund, the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. To donate, visit,volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf.
  • As disaster response organizations, like the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, evaluate their needs and asses their resources, qualified volunteers will be contacted.
  • The Salvation Army is working with state and local emergency management throughout the Florida Panhandle.
  • The Salvation Army has established a command center in Tampa and is prepared to mobilize incident management teams to the Florida Panhandle to serve impacted areas after the storm makes landfall.
  • Personnel and mobile feeding units are on standby ready to move in after the storm. The Salvation Army’s mobile feeding units can serve 500-1,500 meals per day.

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER/ CONTACTS

  • The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a level one, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.
  • The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number is 1-800-342-3557.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Michael.
  • Visit floridadisaster.org/info to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.