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Gov. Scott Visits Hurricane Irma Shelter and Discusses Recovery Efforts in Monroe County

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MARATHON, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke and American Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern visited Florida families and volunteers at a Hurricane Irma shelter in Monroe County. Governor Scott and Acting Secretary Duke also met with state and local officials to discuss ongoing Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts in the Florida Keys.

Since Hurricane Irma impacted our state, Governor Scott has visited communities in the Florida Keys, Southwest Florida and Northeast Florida to discuss response and recovery efforts with local leaders and thank first responders and volunteers. See updated statewide Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts HERE.

 

AHCA Suspends the License of the Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills

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Tallahassee, FLA. – Today, the Agency for Health Care Administration issued an emergency suspension order on the license of the Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills. On September 13, the Agency issued a temporary moratorium on admissions for the facility, which stopped new patients from being admitted. On September 13, the Agency also initiated an investigation of the facility and the preliminary results have shown that a permanent emergency suspension of licensure is warranted and necessary. Today’s action will suspend their ability to operate a nursing home, and prohibit the facility from admitting any patients.

Per the AHCA investigation’s initial findings, residents of the facility did not receive timely medical care because the trained medical professionals at the facility overwhelmingly delayed calling 911. Also, these patients were not timely evacuated to the air-conditioned hospital located across the street. These patients ended up at the hospital with body temperatures of, for example, 109.9 degrees Fahrenheit, 108.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 108.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and 107 degrees Fahrenheit – far too late to be saved. The facility also made many late entries into patients’ medical records. The “late entries” were recorded hours after a nurse visited the patients, and therefore, portray an inaccurate depiction of the situation at the facility.

Agency Secretary Justin Senior said, “As more information has come to light on this egregious situation, this facility absolutely cannot continue to have access to patients. This facility failed its residents multiple times throughout this horrifying ordeal. It is unfathomable that a medical professional would not know to call 911 immediately in an emergency situation. The facility also entered late entries into medical records claiming safe temperatures for patients while those same patients were across the street dying in the emergency room with temperatures of over 108 degrees Fahrenheit. No amount of emergency preparedness could have prevented the gross medical and criminal recklessness that occurred at this facility. For that reason we will suspend their license and completely terminate them from the Medicaid program. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect patients in Florida – especially those who are frail and can’t take care of themselves.”

Between 1:30AM and 5:00AM on September 13, several residents suffered respiratory or cardiac distress, and at least eight of those patients ultimately died as a result of not receiving the medical attention they deserved. On September 13, the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills added many late entries to patients’ medical records. This includes a facility nurse recording a patient’s temperature at 101.6 degrees, but the patient was actually no longer at the facility, and had a recorded temperature 108.3 by the hospital. In a second, and very egregious case a late entry was added that stated the patient was resting in bed with respirations even and unlabored, however, this resident had already died before this entry was made.

Governor Rick Scott said, “The action AHCA took today to close the Hollywood Hills Rehabilitation Center sends a clear message – if you do not protect the patients that are entrusted in your care, you will be held accountable. The more we learn about this facility’s reckless behavior, the more concerning it becomes that the Hollywood Hills Rehabilitation Center made the decision not to immediately call 911 or evacuate to one of the state’s largest hospitals located across the street – which never lost power. We will not stop demanding answers to these questions on behalf of every family who lost a loved one.”

This facility’s license to operate a nursing home in Florida is immediately suspended based upon the facts presented to the Agency. Their Medicaid participation has been terminated. A copy of the facility’s suspension order is attached. AHCA is currently conducting an investigation. The Hollywood Police Department and FDLE are also conducting a criminal investigation.

Capital Health Plan Celebrates 35th Anniversary With Remarkable NCQA Ratings

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Capital Health Plan Celebrates 35th Anniversary With Remarkable NCQA Ratings

~ CHP continues to be recognized as a national leader in quality health care ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Capital Health Plan (CHP) celebrates its 35th anniversary this year with impressive ratings by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Each year, NCQA rates health plans across the country, bestowing CHP with superior distinction for more than 10 years now.

Since NCQA began comparing and ranking health plans in 2005, CHP has consistently been recognized as the top plan in Florida and amongst the highest rated plans in the nation. According to the committee’s Private Health Insurance Plan Ratings for 2017-2018, CHP’s private Commercial plan is rated 4.5 out of 5. According to its Medicare Health Insurance Plan Ratings for 2017-2018, CHP’s Medicare plan is rated 4.5 out of 5. No other health plan in the state of Florida achieved ratings this high for both their Commercial and Medicare plans. 

“Our consistently exceptional ratings reflect CHP’s commitment to delivering quality care to our local community,” said Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, Chief Medical Officer for Capital Health Plan. “We work to prioritize the needs of our members in an effort to continually improve services and promote health.”

Ratings are calculated based on combined scores of Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®), Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) and NCQA Accreditation standards. Scores include the results of consumer surveys and compare the success of various plans in preventing and treating medical conditions. 

“While it is wonderful to be recognized as a leading health plan, the greatest measure of success is the strong support we’ve had from our members,” said John Hogan, CEO of Capital Health Plan. “We are honored to be the Big Bend’s local, trusted health care partner, and we’re thankful for our physician partners who have been so instrumental in our success over the years.”

Since opening in 1982, CHP has been committed to offering affordable, comprehensive health care to the area. In 35 years, they have grown to more than 135,000 members – with an extensive physician network and two exclusive CHP health centers that provide preventive, primary, and specialty care services.

“Every year we are growing and finding new ways to refine our services to deliver the best value for our customers and the communities we serve,” said Ken Boutwell, Chairman of the Board. “We are proud of how far we have come and we look forward to what the future has to offer.”

For more information about Capital Health Plan, visit www.capitalhealth.com.

National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and recognizes clinicians in key clinical areas. NCQA’s HEDIS® is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s website (www.ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more informed health care choices.

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam to Serve Breakfast at Jacksonville Elementary School

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tomorrow, Sept. 21, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will visit Beauclerc Elementary School in Jacksonville to serve breakfast to students. This week, Commissioner Putnam announced that all students in 48 Florida counties affected by Hurricane Irma, including Duval County, could access free school meals until October 20.
Event:
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Serves Breakfast at Beauclerc Elementary School
Date:
Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017
Time:
8 – 9 a.m.
Location:
Beauclerc Elementary School, 4555 Craven Rd W., Jacksonville, Fla. 32257 (media must check in at front office)

Veteran Adviser, Lobbyist Richard Reeves Establishes Government Affairs Firm

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Veteran Adviser, Lobbyist Richard Reeves Establishes Government Affairs Firm

~ Brings decades of experience on both sides of aisle to help promote issues in Tallahassee ~

TALLAHASSEE – Just as the Florida Legislature prepares to return to Tallahassee to ramp up for the 2018 legislative session, veteran government and political operative Richard Reeves has established RLR Consulting to advise clients on a wide range of government affairs services.
Reeves, who has counseled public officials at the top levels of government on both sides of the political aisle, will work with public agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to advance their initiatives in the state capital.
“I have a proven track record of working successfully with individuals and issues across the political spectrum, and I look forward to promoting good public policy before the legislative and executive branches,” Reeves said.
Over the course of almost three decades, Reeves has served in ranking positions in government, worked in private-sector lobbying, and held top roles in several statewide political campaigns.
He began his career in Florida politics working for then-U.S. Rep. Bill Nelson during his 1990 gubernatorial campaign. In 1995, he served as assistant to then-Insurance Commissioner Nelson and was responsible for all external and legislative affairs. Reeves went on to serve as director of Nelson’s 1998 re-election campaign, and then two years later took on the role of finance director for Nelson’s successful U.S. Senate campaign.
In 2001, Reeves formed his own public affairs firm specializing in education, workforce development, insurance, utilities, and appropriation issues. In 2004, he served as a finance consultant for future U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s successful campaign for Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. In 2013 he joined the Capital Insight lobbying firm, which merged with Gray Robinson last year. Prior to establishing RLR Consulting, Reeves served as senior director of government affairs for Gray Robinson.

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Continued Hurricane Irma Response Efforts

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MARATHON, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott is meeting with state and local officials in Monroe and Lee Counties to discuss Hurricane Irma response and recovery efforts. The Governor also visited a Hurricane Irma shelter in Monroe County with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke.

EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

  • As per standard practice, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) will be activated to Level 2 at 6:00 PM tomorrow, September 21st. At Level 2, emergency support functions critical to the recovery process will continue daily operations as the state continues to closely coordinate with federal and local partners.

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

  • Flood warnings are in effect across the state. To see the most current advisories in your county, click HERE.

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The current power outage as of 12:00 p.m. is more than 75,000 accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE. Since the height of power outages, 6.7 million on Monday, power has been restored to more than 6.6 million accounts, which is how utility companies measure each Florida home or business. More than 98 percent of all outages have been restored by more than 30,000 restoration personnel across Florida – the largest power restoration undertaking in history for a single state.
  • Do not try to handle downed power lines. Contact your local utility company to report it.
  • Tampa Electric
    • Tampa Electric has restored power to the 730,000 customers affected by the storm.
  • Florida Power and Light
    • In total, 4.4 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has been restored to 4,399,770 customers.
  • Duke Energy

o     More than 1.3 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 1.25 million customers.

  • Gulf Power
    • Gulf Power has restored power to the 13,000 customers affected by the storm.
  • Florida Electric Cooperatives Assoc.
    • More than 760,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 757,695 customers.
  • Municipal Utilities
    • More than 800,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 792,000 customers.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • FWC has more than 160 officers statewide focused on hurricane response, including responding to flooding events, security patrols, welfare checks, road debris clearance, and supporting humanitarian efforts such as handing out cases of water and meals ready to eat (MRE’s).
  • FWC assisted FHP clearing downed timber from their Marathon office, assisted Red Cross by escorting a convoy from Marathon to Key West, and ferried power company crews back and forth from the shore to the barge to repair power poles/lines on the waters.
  • FWC officers assisted Harris Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) personnel in refueling a site in an orange grove that was flooded and inaccessible to typical fuel trucks. Officers helped access the site with trucks and a tractor in order to reconnect radio access for the Lake Worth and Miami dispatch centers, a key office and public safety issue.
  • FWC is working with the United States Coast Guard and local governments to expedite the removal of derelict vessels, especially those hindering navigation, impacting commerce and posing a threat to the environment by assessing all vessels in coastal counties impacted by Hurricane Irma.  FWC displaced vessel survey efforts are underway statewide as well as waterway marker assessments in Lee, Collier and Monroe counties.  
  • As a result of the Governor’s Executive Order, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is waiving certain driver license and motor vehicle service fees for individuals impacted by Hurricane Irma.
  • To assist with area law enforcement and traffic safety, FHP has 40 troopers assigned to Collier County, 12 troopers assigned to Monroe County, six troopers assigned to Key West Police Department, six troopers assigned to Everglades City Police and four troopers assigned to Marco Island Police Department.
  • Troopers are escorting 1,375 utility trucks to areas including Collier, Desoto and Lee counties to expedite work restoring power to residents.
  • FHP continues to provide multiple escorts to the Florida Keys to ensure the quick delivery of relief supplies, such as food to local supermarkets, portable toilets, water and resources with the Red Cross.
  • DHSMV has deployed six Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) Mobiles to provide credentialing services to customers impacted by Irma in Lee County. Yesterday, DHSMV issued 204 driver licenses/ID cards, reinstated or updated 74 credentials, issued 276 motor vehicle registrations and updated the emergency contact information for 151 customers. FLOW mobiles are in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs and North Fort Myers.

 MILITARY SUPPORT

  • There are 1,200 Florida National Guard members activated and continuing to assist with recovery efforts across the state.
  • Florida Guardsmen are actively operating at Points of Distribution (PODs) throughout Florida to ensure supplies are being quickly provided to those who need them.

SHELTERS

  • 29 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than 1,800 individuals. 3 special needs shelters are open with a total population of 104 individuals. This number is being updated throughout the day. Visithttp://floridadisaster.org/shelters/summary.aspx to find information on shelters in your area.
  • To find information about available shelter information by county, visit floridadisaster.org/shelters. FEMA is also hosting shelter information on its mobile app which can be found at fema.gov/mobile-app.

RECOVERY BRANCH

  • An aggressive recovery effort is ongoing, working with FEMA to identify and activate federal grant programs that can benefit Floridians and their communities.
  • President Donald Trump’s Administration expanded Major Disaster Declaration for Florida requested by Governor Scott includes individual assistance for Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Union, and Volusia counties.
  • Emergency Protective Measures (Category A and Category B) funded through the Federal Public Assistance Program is available for all 67 counties.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging individuals and families to be alert for false rumors, scams, identity theft, and fraud. For resources on how to protect yourself and your loves ones from disaster fraud, visit https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-irma-rumor-control or call the @FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
  • Residents who sustained losses in the declared counties can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Residents who suffered damages from the storm may register now, and if their county is later included in the declaration, the application will be processed automatically.
  • Residents are also encouraged to download the FEMA App to begin the registration process. Simply click on Disaster Resources.
  • If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY); if you use 711 Relay or Video Relay Service call 1-800-621-3362.
  • The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
  • FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers have opened in St. Augustine and Boynton Beach, and a center will be opening in Riverview in Hillsborough County by the end of the day. More centers will continue to open in affected communities where survivors can apply for assistance and meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.
    • To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center visit www.fema.gov/DRC, use the FEMA App or text DRC and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). 
  • FEMA’s Operation Blue Roof Program is now available to eligible homeowners impacted by Hurricane Irma. Operation Blue Roof provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. For more information, click HERE.  
  • Outreach teams from FEMA are canvassing Florida communities affected by Hurricane Irma. The teams are working in federally designated counties to help residents register for disaster assistance and to quickly identify and address immediate and emerging needs. The teams can also provide application updates and referrals to additional community resources for remaining needs. For more information, click HERE. 

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • Tolls in Florida will be re-instated on Thursday, September 21st.
  • Tolls will remain suspended on the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike south of the interchange with S.R. 874 (Mile Post 0-17) to assist Monroe County residents with recovery efforts.
  • FDOT debris removal crews continue to work statewide and are supporting Monroe County in the clearing of county roads.
  • Governor Scott announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved a $25 million Emergency Relief (ER) Quick Release Grant to support response and recovery efforts for Florida’s roadways and transportation system. This federal funding will be used to conduct emergency repairs on impacted roads, embankments, bridges or other infrastructure and help restore traffic on major roadways to ensure Florida residents and visitors can travel safely.

FUEL

  • Governor Scott is taking aggressive efforts to expedite refueling statewide. For more information, please click HERE.
  • Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, Port of Jacksonville, and Port of Tampa are actively accepting fuel. The Florida Highway Patrol has troopers dedicated to escorting fuel resupply trucks as needed.
  • Since September 6th, Governor Scott has taken the following actions to expedite fuel delivery to gas stations:
    • Directed the Florida Highway Patrol to escort fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
    • Directed law enforcement to provide escorts to fuel station employees in evacuation zones so stations could stay open as long as possible before landfall to serve Floridians;
    • Waived the import taxes on fuel entering the state;
    • Waived weight and driver restrictions for highways so water, food, fuel and emergency supplies could be quickly brought to Florida and moved throughout the state;
    • Governor Scott and executive office staff have held daily calls with all fuel supply stakeholders, including Florida Ports;
    • Vice President Pence announced that the federal government has waived the Jones Act upon Governor Scott’s request which waives additional rules and regulations to allow more fuel to get to Florida fast. This waiver ensures that all options are available to distribute fuel to Florida. The last Jones Act waiver was issued in December 2012, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy;
    • Following the Governor’s request, 12 states joined Florida in waiving weight and driver restrictions to move goods more quickly into the state, including fuel; and
    • Following the Governor’s request, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency fuel waiver which allows more fuel to quickly enter the state. For more information, please click HERE  

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

  • Governor Rick Scott is directing Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Secretary Justin Senior and Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Jeffery Bragg to issue emergency rules to keep Floridians safe in health care facilities during emergencies. Pursuant to the emergency action, within the next 60 days, all assisted living facilities (ALFs) and nursing homes must obtain ample resources, including a generator and the appropriate amount of fuel, to sustain operations and maintain comfortable temperatures for at least 96-hours following a power outage. This is based on standards already in place at all hospitals in Florida. For more information, click HERE.
  • The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and the Florida Department of Health is conducting frequent and vigorous outreach to facilities every day, which includes daily calls with hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In-person wellness checks are being conducted for facilities when contact cannot be made or any facility that reports distress. See full release HERE.
    • Assisted Living Facilities: 66 are utilizing generators, 2,813 have power, 113 have reported as being closed, 178 have reported post-storm evacuations;
    • Nursing Homes:  2 are utilizing generators, 680 have power, 5 have reported being closed, 39 have reported post-storm evacuations
    • Hospitals: None are utilizing generators, 308 have power, 6 have reported being closed, 5 have reported post-storm evacuations
  • Information regarding the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills is available HERE.
  • The state is holding daily calls with assisted living facilities and nursing homes to ensure they have everything they need to serve those in their care. The state is aggressively working to ensure utility companies restore power to these facilities as quickly as possible.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has activated a program called the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Definitive Care Reimbursement Program to help hospitals and medical facilities providing care to patients affected by Hurricane Irma, more information HERE. 
  • Up-to-date information on boil water notices is available online HERE.
  • Disaster Medical Assistance Teams have been deployed to provide healthcare services to communities in need.
  • Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health staff are conducting assessments throughout the state and epidemiology staff are monitoring emergency department surveillance to identity carbon monoxide poisonings relating to generator use.
  • DOH is urging residents to avoid flood waters. Flood water may contain waste from sewage systems and septic tanks, agricultural and industrial waste and other bacteria. There may also be unseen hazards under the water in areas that received storm surge or freshwater flooding. Flood waters can also mask debris, downed power lines and other hazards.
  • DOH is mobilizing additional resources to Collier County, in particular Everglades City, including 1,000 mud boots, portable shower facilities, and Tdap vaccines.
  • OneBlood is urging all those who are able to visit a local blood center and donate blood to do so. They have an urgent need for platelets and O negative blood.
  • APD has created a Recovery Toolkit with vital resources for customers, waiver support coordinators, and providers recovering from Hurricane Irma. It is posted on the home page of apdcares.org.
  • DCF requested and FNS granted a mass replacement for 40 percent of SNAP benefits to customers approved as of September 10 in affected counties. For more information, visit the ACCESS Florida webpage. DCF is processing the replacement and benefits should be available on EBT cards by September 22.
  • DCF requested and FNS granted a waiver of the reporting requirement so that households in counties affected by Hurricane Irma have until September 29 to report SNAP food loss and request replacement of benefits.
  • DCF and USDA provided $133 million in Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to help replace food destroyed by the storm or due to power outages. This funding will help nearly 1.5 million households across 52 counties. More information is available at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/

 VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

  • Volunteer Florida and the Department of Management Services are seeking state employee volunteers to transport food to affected areas in Southwest and Northeast Florida beginning Friday, Sept. 15. For more information, visitwww.dms.myflorida.com and click “Hurricane Irma: Volunteer to Help.”
  • Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support individuals who are impacted by Tropical Storm Irma. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide financial support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text SUNSHINE to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10. Volunteer Florida has also engaged with Facebook to activate a donation portal online.
  • Volunteer Florida’s AmeriCorps teams, including Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Teach for America Jacksonville, Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie County, Northwest Florida State College, Heart of Florida United Way, Metropolitan Ministries, Florida State Parks, City Year Jacksonville, Arc Jacksonville, Polk Education Foundation, Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend, Peacemakers Family Center and the City of Orlando have provided disaster response services to Floridians. Over 385 AmeriCorps members provided disaster response service to over 8,600 individuals.
  • AmeriCorps members have served in shelters, special needs shelters, answered local citizen information lines, supported crisis hotlines, volunteer reception centers, engaged in school clean up activities in Duval County, and Florida State Park cleanup in 24 Florida State Parks. Members have also conducted post landfall damage assessment, supported Florida’s Volunteer and Donations Hotline and supported citizen needs of the American Red Cross.
  • Over the weekend, Volunteer Florida grantee Peacemakers Family Center worked with the Miami Dolphins to host a post- Irma food giveaway. Over 130 volunteers packed and distributed 27 pallets of food and 24 pallets of water. 1,500 vehicles passed through the distribution area, representing 6,000 individuals served.
  • 15 AmeriCorps members with Volunteer Florida grantee City of Orlando deployed to the Orange County EOC to assist 350 students in need
  • 14 AmeriCorps member with Volunteer Florida grantee Polk Reads deployed to the Polk County Volunteer Reception Center to serve Floridians in Central Florida
  • In Central Florida, AmeriCorps members from the Heart of Florida United Way volunteered at the 211 Crisis Hotline, answering over 300 calls
  • Volunteer Florida Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) of the Villages have served over 300 people in two shelters. In conjunction with the Villages Public Safety Department, 26 CERT members checked on more than 356 homes on 15 streets.
  • In Collier County, CERT teams walked door to door and passed out water and tarps and did wellness checks. They are also assisting with POD (Point of Distribution) in an effort to get essentials items into the community.
  • In what is the largest response in the history of the Florida Division, the Salvation Army currently has field kitchens located in Ft. Myers, Naples, Miami, northeast Florida, Sebring and Marathon with the capacity to produce 10,000-20,000 meals each. Additionally, 61 Mobile Canteens with the capacity to prepare 1,500 meals a day are currently serving hot meals across the state.
  • To date, The Salvation Army Florida Division has prepared and distributed 551,058 meals, drinks, and snacks, and have made 6,319 emotional and spiritual comfort contacts with the support of more than 8,258 volunteer hours.
  • To date, more than 34,392 meals have been delivered through the Red Cross.
  • 160 Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles are surveying impacted areas in the Keys distributing food to community members.

EDUCATION

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has accepted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) request to allow all students in 48 counties designated in the FEMA Major Disaster Declaration access to free school meals through the National School Lunch Program.
  • Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida Virtual School (FLVS) will provide remote access to educational resources to all Florida students who were displaced by Hurricane Irma. Additionally, FLVS will provide access to digital educational materials to help the hardest hit school districts as they work to return to normal operations.
  • Please visit www.fldoe.org/irma/ to view all school closures.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • 101 Florida State Parks have reopened for day-use only, 66 parks remain closed to ensure visitor safety. Park service staff have formed teams to respond to impacted parks and re-open them as quickly as possible. A full list of closures can be found at https://floridastateparks.org/content/storm-information.
  • At DEP’s request, crews from Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as Miami Dade and Jupiter, have been deployed and are currently working on repairs along the 117-mile main line from Key Largo to Key West. 
  • DEP continues to coordinate with the EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard to assess facilities and respond to pollution incidents and other storm impacts.
  • DEP staff have completed initial inspections to document damage to structures and the beach-dune system in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Brevard, St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Volusia, Flagler, Sarasota (R-1 to R -44), Pinellas, Manatee, Franklin and Gulf counties. Staff continue to work in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. DEP’s Beaches Program staff have completed more detailed engineering surveys and damage assessments in the northeast region, and are now in the field in the central, southeast and southwest regions. 
  • DEP continues to coordinate with US Army Corps of Engineers, FDOT, US Coast Guard, FWC, and FEMA on debris removal statewide. DEP contractors have mobilized to the St. Johns River region. Debris can be reported here.
  • Dune and beach fortification activities in St. Johns and Flagler counties that had begun in the week prior to Hurricane Irma have resumed. Fortification efforts in Volusia County were completed. To date, more than 30,000 cubic yards of sand have been placed in these areas.
  • DEP has established a mutual aid system to coordinate responses between utilities, the department, and other responders. This system is active and continues to coordinate and respond to the needs of drinking and waste water facilities throughout Florida. This includes ensuring generators for lift stations, wastewater plants and other vital infrastructure operations, providing pumps for flood control measures and deploying crews to assist with drinking and wastewater facility repairs.
  • DEP has issued an emergency order to ensure recovery efforts are not hampered or delayed. DEP has expanded that order for power plants to cover the entire state to assist any facility recovering from the storm and a new order to waive certain rules for fuel facilities impacted by the storm statewide. Both orders apply only to impacted facilities and have provisions to guard the environment while assisting in quick recovery of critical infrastructure. DEP expanded that order again to benefit beach fortification and repair efforts. 

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

  • To protect homes and businesses in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes area, the South Florida Water Management District continues moving as much water as possible out of the region.
  • SFWMD is continuing generator and fuel tank level inspections at all structures, and debris removal operations continue.
  • SFWMD continues flood control operations in other impacted regions, including the Big Cypress Basin. More information can be found here.
  •  The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) continues to focus on water control structure operations, flood response activities and waterway assessments.
  • The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) continues to assist Indian River County lower water levels to mitigate flooding at Blue Cypress Lake.
  • The SJRWMD continues to manage the Upper St Johns River Basin to help mitigate flooding.
  • The SJRWMD continues to manage flood control structures at the Ocklawaha Basin to protect private residences. This includes closure of the Apopka Dam.
  • SJRWMD staff are working to inspect all levees within the District; to date, 75 percent have been inspected.
  • The SJRWMD is assisting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with debris removal within district boundaries.

 

BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, & ECONOMIC STABILIZATION

  • Governor Rick Scott announced the state has been awarded federal Dislocated Worker Grants to provide temporary employment to Floridians affected by Hurricane Irma. The Dislocated Worker Grants, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, provide disaster relief employment in the form of temporary jobs that support storm response and recovery efforts. For information regarding National Dislocated Worker Grants, visit your local CareerSource Center at http://www.careersourceflorida.com/your-local-team.
  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma to provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. To complete an application by the Oct. 31, 2017, deadline, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. For more information contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) at 850-898-3489 or email[email protected].
  • DEO has launched the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Program to provide assistance to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a result of Hurricane Irma. To file for DUA or for more information go to www.FloridaJobs.org or call 1-800-385-3920.
  • The Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center business damage assessment surveying tool has been activated for businesses to report damages resulting from Hurricane Irma. Businesses are encouraged to visit http://flvbeoc.org/index.php. Click on Hurricane Irma.
  • A private sector hotline is available at (850) 410-1403 to respond to calls from businesses and private sector support organizations.
  • Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is encouraging lodging operators’ enrollment in the FEMA Transitional Shelter Assistance Program for displaced persons. All lodging operators are encouraged to sign-up at http://ela.corplodging.com.​
  • DEO has received approval by the United States Department of Labor to implement the Disaster Dislocated Worker Program to assist with cleanup and in providing humanitarian assistance. ​
  • DEO and FSBDCN are working with the Small Business Administration (SBA) in the opening of Business Recovery Centers (BRCs). SBA announced the opening of two BRCs in Duval County and Pinellas County on September 18, 2017 to help businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma.
    • The BRC in Duval County will be located at Beaver Street Enterprise Center, 728 Blanche Street, Bldg. 2, Jacksonville, FL
    • The BRC in Pinellas County will be located at EPiCenter-Pinellas County Economic Development Center, 13805 58th Street North, Clearwater, FL.

INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

  • At the direction of Governor Scott, Insurance Commissioner Altmaier issued an Emergency Order suspending and activating certain insurance rules and statutes for the health, safety, and welfare of Florida’s policyholders. Among other provisions, the Order provides an additional 90 days to policyholders to supply information to their insurance company; prohibits insurance companies from canceling or non-renewing policies covering residential properties damaged by the hurricane for at least 90 days; and freezes any and all efforts to increase rates on policyholders for 90 days. The Order can be found HERE.
  • Floridians affected by the storm must now begin the process of surveying damages to their property and belongings. If you need help finding your Florida’s property insurance company’s website and contact information, click HERE. For a list of licensed insurance agents in Florida, click HERE.
  • Consumers with questions about their policies and those who need help filing a claim should call the CFO’s free Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236.
  • It is important to document all damaged property and belongings. A free smartphone app developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners called “MyHome Scr.APP.book” is available to assist with photo documentation.
  • Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has opened three Catastrophe Response Centers have across Southern Florida. At these centers, policy holders can file claims, confirm coverage and receive advance payments for additional living expenses when appropriate. For more information, click HERE.
  • For information on financial services providers, see below:
    • For a list of Florida’s financial institutions and their websites, click HERE.
    • Find your bank’s contact information, click HERE.
    • Find your credit union’s contact information, click HERE.
    • Find your mortgage servicer’s contact information, click HERE.
    • If you don’t have your mortgage servicer’s information with you, you can search the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) or call toll-free at (888) 679-6377 to find the company that services your mortgage.
    • Visit the Florida Office of Financial Regulation’s Hurricane Irma resources HERE.

Gov. Scott Directs FWC to Ease Regulations, Waive Fees for South Florida Commercial Fishing Industry Following Hurricane Irma

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MARATHON, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to implement several changes to help South Florida’s commercial fishermen recover from the effects of Hurricane Irma and get back to work. The elimination of these regulations combined with the waiving of fees will allow more commercial fishermen in South Florida, especially the Florida Keys, get back to work by easing certain tag requirements and allowing more cooperation in the industry. The Governor has been laser focused on ensuring that the entire state recovers from Hurricane Irma, as well as the Florida Keys, which was one of the hardest hit areas. The Governor has set a goal of October 1st to have the Keys open for business. 

Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma affected nearly our entire state, and we are aggressively working to make sure the every family and industry has the ability to recover quickly. This week, I’ve travelled across the state to tour damage and hear directly from families and communities on what we can do to help. The Florida’s commercial fishing industry plays a large role in our economy, and I am proud the FWC can waive fees and reduce regulations so they can get back to work.”

Brian Yablonski, Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said, “FWC has been on the front lines of Florida’s preparedness, response and recovery to Hurricane Irma. By partnering with the Governor and helping get South Florida commercial fishermen and women back on the water, we are demonstrating our commitment to Florida’s full recovery. As a Commission, we are glad to reduce these regulations and waive fees so this important livelihood can begin to move forward.”

This action includes extending the renewal period for some commercial fishing permits set to expire Sept. 30, 2017 and relaxing regulations for commercial lobster harvesters in Collier, Dade and Monroe counties by not requiring traps to be tagged until Dec. 1, 2017. This allows commercial fisherman to replace traps that were lost in the storm while waiting for no-cost replacement tags. Fees for replacement tags have also been waived. The orders also allow for authorized commercial fishers to cooperate with each other to retrieve trap gear from the water and return it to the owner. The commercial harvest of spiny lobster has a dockside value of more than $40 million dollars per year.

EO 17-42 – Hurricane Irma: Regulatory Relief for Commercial Fishers Statewide http://myfwc.com/media/4293035/EO17-42.pdf 

EO 17-43 – Hurricane Irma: Regulatory Relief for Commercial Spiny Lobster Trap Fishers in Collier, Dade and Monroe countieshttp://myfwc.com/media/4293038/EO17-43.pdf 

DCF, USDA PROVIDES $133 MILLION IN FOOD ASSISTANCE TO REPLACE FOOD DESTROYED BY HURRICANE IRMA IMPACTS

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TALLAHASSEE – The State of Florida, in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this week provided $133 million in Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for current food assistance recipients in areas most severely impacted by Hurricane Irma. On September 15, DCF received a waiver of regulations from the USDA to make the mass benefit replacement possible.
This effort, coordinated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), helps current food assistance households that lost food destroyed by the storm or due to power outages. The action provides aid to nearly 1.5 million households in 52 counties.
Households received 40 percent of the amount of their regular September benefits amount. Benefits were automatically loaded into each household’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) account and households can use the benefits in USDA authorized retailers.
More information about food assistance is available at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/.

Commissioner Putnam Announces Reopening of State Forests Closed for Hurricane Irma

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Florida Forest Service will reopen 20 of the 30 state forests closed for Hurricane Irma today and Friday, Sept. 22. Certain tracts, roads, recreation areas or campgrounds in these state forests may remain closed until damage from Hurricane Irma is cleared or repaired.

The following state forests open today, Sept. 20:

  • Belmore State Forest
  • Big Shoals State Forest
  • Carl Duval Moore State Forest
  • Cary State Forest
  • Etoniah Creek State Forest
  • Four Creeks State Forest
  • Goethe State Forest
  • Indian Lake State Forest
  • Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
  • Myakka State Forest
  • Newnan’s Lake State Forest
  • Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
  • Ralph E. Simmons State Forest
  • Ross Prairie State Forest
  • Seminole State Forest
  • Welaka State Forest
  • Withlacoochee State Forest

The following state forests open Friday, Sept. 22:

  • Lake George State Forest
  • Matanzas State Forest 
  • Tiger Bay State Forest

State forest visitors should contact their local Florida Forest Service office to ensure the area they plan to visit is open. Citizens are also encouraged to take precautions when visiting areas of state forests that may have storm water or debris from Hurricane Irma.

For Florida Forest Service team contact information regarding state forest campground, trail or road closures, visitFreshFromFlorida.com/State-Forests.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

Gov. Scott: Disaster Relief Employment Available to Floridians Affected by Hurricane Irma

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MARATHON, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the state has been awarded federal Dislocated Worker Grants to provide temporary employment to Floridians affected by Hurricane Irma. The Dislocated Worker Grants, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, provide disaster relief employment in the form of temporary jobs that support storm response and recovery efforts.

Governor Scott said, “As we all recover from Hurricane Irma, we are doing everything we can to help Floridians get back on their feet. This federal funding will provide important employment opportunities to Floridians who may have lost their jobs due to the impacts of this massive storm and will also support ongoing recovery efforts. Now, Floridians can get back to work helping those in their communities. We will continue to work together to make sure everyone has the support they need to rebuild.”

Disaster relief employment pertains to projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims and projects that involve demolition, cleaning, repair, renovation and reconstruction of damaged structures and facilities. Individuals who qualify for disaster relief employment are people who are temporarily or permanently laid off as a consequence of the disaster, dislocated workers, and individuals who are long-term unemployed.

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “DEO is working with local CareerSource Florida workforce boards across the state to connect dislocated job seekers with cleanup opportunities. We will continue to use these grants and all other resources we have available to help communities fully recover from Hurricane Irma.”

For information regarding National Dislocated Worker Grants, visit your local CareerSource Center athttp://www.careersourceflorida.com/your-local-team.

 In addition to the Dislocated Worker Grants, DEO is also providing the following programs to assist in recovery from Hurricane Irma:

  • The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster. The short-term, interest-free loans help bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of insurance claims or longer-term Small Business Administration loans. Go to www.floridadisasterloan.org for more information.
  • DEO is currently surveying businesses in affected counties to determine damage. To access the business survey, please go to http://flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda and select “Hurricane Irma” from the drop-down menu. 
  • The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Program provides assistance to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a result of Hurricane Irma. To apply for DUA, go to www.floridajobs.org or call the Florida Disaster Unemployment Assistance Line at 1-800-385-3920.