The U.S. House of Representatives today passed $15.25 billion in emergency funding to address those impacted by hurricanes. The bill includes $7.4 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund, $7.4 billion for Community Development Block grants to be used in the wake of hurricanes and $450 million for the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program.
“With FEMA set to run out of money today, this emergency funding is a strong and necessary step in the right direction,” Rep. Mast said. “Although I’m returning to Florida to be with our community during Hurricane Irma, I will not stop fighting for the resources we need to address this devastating storm.”
According to FEMA’s Administrator Long, the agency is currently spending between $150 to $200 million per day, and had a Disaster Relief Fund balance of $917 million, with $461 million in the Majors account and $456 million in the Base account (as of Thursday, September 7, 2017). Even with the addition of the Congress-passed $7.85 billion, FEMA estimates that it will only be able to continue providing support and relief efforts through September 30, 2017.
Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation will today be sending a letter to leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives calling on them to vote on additional resources for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund.
“With a full legislative agenda pending this month, it is imperative that the House can reassure our constituents and our local governments that there will be adequate funding to address their critical needs during and after this devastating natural disaster,” the letter reads. “Once again, we urge your immediate consideration of additional emergency funding for FEMA to continue servicing disaster events.”
Rep. Mast also addressed the broader package, which includes a 3-month debt ceiling extension and a 3-month continuing resolution:
“It was wrong to attach must-pass funding for FEMA to the debt ceiling and continuing resolution. I do not support raising the debt ceiling without reforming the broken system that has led to out-of-control spending, but this FEMA funding is too critical for Florida to allow this bill to fail, which is why I stayed to vote on it.”
The bill has already been passed by the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk for a signature.
Florida’s Municipal Electric Utilities are Preparing for Hurricane Irma
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) has activated its mutual aid network and is lining up crews to restore power to areas that will be affected by Hurricane Irma.
Florida’s public power utilities already account for approximately 1,000 lineworker personnel. Additionally, FMEA is bringing in more than 1,000 lineworkers and hundreds of tree-trimming and debris removal personnel from other parts of the country. Crews will be coming from Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and across New England. Once the storm passes, additional crews from Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas will also be pulled in.
“Hurricane Irma is a storm like none other we’ve seen and it will cause catastrophic property damage and widespread power outages in many parts of our state,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA executive Director. “With many lessons learned during last year’s hurricane season, we are preparing for the worst. We are already bringing in thousands of resources, with many more on the way, so that we can start restoring power as quickly, as safely, and to as many people as possible.”
Mutual Aid Agreements enable municipal utilities to call on each other for emergency workers and supplies. Florida’s public power utilities benefit from this strong network of partners within Florida and across the country through the American Public Power Association. Florida’s municipal electric utilities also have forged mutual aid arrangements with Florida’s investor-owned utilities. These dependable connections have created a reliable system where member utilities both request and offer assistance.
FMPA Power Plants Prepped for Hurricane Irma
Power supplier to municipal utilities takes
steps to secure power generation capability
Florida Municipal Power Agency General Manager and CEO Jacob Williams issued a statement regarding preparations for Hurricane Irma.
“FMPA and its operating partners have been busy preparing its power plant sites in Key West, Fort Pierce, Kissimmee, Orlando and Port St. Lucie for Hurricane Irma. The plants are as ready as they can be, and we have put contingency plans in place should some of the generating units be impacted by the storm. We are doing all that we can to make sure we can generate power for our member cities during and after the storm.
“Essential plant personnel will be safely sheltered at the plants during the storm. As soon as the storm passes and conditions allow, the generating fleet will be assessed, including the units that were taken offline, for any damage. Generators will then be brought back online, if possible, and as needed.
“Hurricane Irma is a massive storm that has the potential for life-threatening damage. We have taken steps to be prepared for its impacts, and we encourage all Floridians to do the same.”
FMPA will post updates on FMPA’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
University of Florida prepares for possible National Policy Institute speaking engagement Oct. 19
The University of Florida is evaluating a request from the National Policy Institute to schedule a speaking event on campus for its president, white supremacist Richard Spencer, and is now considering a possible date of Oct. 19.
UF remained firm in its decision to deny space for an event on Sept. 12. However, this group has made a request for a new date. As a public institution, UF is required by law to make a good faith effort to provide options for a reasonable date, time and campus venue, no matter how much we detest the points of views expressed. As with any event, we also have a responsibility to assess safety and security risks, and will continue to do so until the event.
The university has set Thursday, Oct. 19 as the possible event date. We will now begin with the university’s regular protocols for evaluating the risks and associated costs. The university has been meeting daily for the past month with state, local and federal law enforcement agencies on a comprehensive campus and community security plan. The Oct. 19 date is not official until we are satisfied that we can avert safety risks, and that a formal facilities contract is signed and all appropriate rental and security costs have been paid.
UF deplores Spencer’s and the National Policy Institute’s rhetoric and views, which run counter to those of this institution. We also acknowledge that many of our students, faculty and staff are disproportionately impacted by their racism.
While this event is not in any way affiliated with the university, UF supports the constitutional right to free speech, and our role as a public university includes legal obligations to allow a wide range of viewpoints to be expressed by external groups – even when they are contrary to the core values of our university.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Encourages Floridians to Heed Evacuation Orders
Pet Owners Can Find Pet-friendly Options
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam urges Floridians to heed evacuation orders as Hurricane Irma approaches. For pet and animal owners, there are options available so you can safely evacuate and also ensure the safety of your pets and animals.
“Don’t stay behind and ignore evacuation orders just because you don’t want to leave Fido. There are pet and animal-friendly options available, and now is the time to do your research,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Hurricane Irma is potentially catastrophic, and planning now can save your life and your pet’s life.”
Floridians can visit FreshFromFlorida.com and visit the “Hurricane Irma” webpage to find useful links, or directly visit these sites to find pet-friendly shelters:
- FloridaDisaster.org, Search by local county and note that some shelters require advanced notice.
- AKC’s Hurricane Irma Pet-Friendly Shelters
- PetFriendlyTravel.com provides information on pet-friendly lodging and shelters.
- Equine evacuation information can be found at FlaHorse.com.
During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.
Gov. Scott Activates 3,000 Additional Florida National Guard Members to Assist with Hurricane Irma Preparedness
4,000 Guard Members Now Activated
Governor Rick Scott activated an additional 3,000 members of the Florida Army and Air National Guard to support with planning, logistics and operations in preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Irma. A total of 4,000 members have now been activated and will respond to requests across the state to ensure communities are fully prepared for the storm. Tomorrow, 3,000 more National Guard members will be activated. As of Friday, the entire National Guard – 7,000 members – will be deployed.
Governor Scott said, “Today I am activating an additional 3,000 National Guardsmen to help with ongoing shelter operations and evacuations. We are expecting our state to have major impacts from Hurricane Irma and we are taking aggressive actions to make sure Florida is prepared. Today we will have more than 4,000 total Florida National Guard members activated, with all remaining members ready to report for duty first thing tomorrow to assist with preparation efforts. These men and women are putting themselves in harm’s way to save the lives of their fellow Floridians while many of their own families are evacuating. I am proud of their commitment to keeping our families safe.”
On Monday, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-235, which declared a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida in response to Hurricane Irma and allowed for the immediate activation of National Guard members as preparedness actions continue.
Florida PSC Selects Sprint to Provide Florida Relay Service
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved a three-year contract with Sprint Communications Company, L.P. (Sprint) to provide telecommunications relay service to the nearly three million hard-of-hearing, deaf, deaf/blind, and speech impaired Floridians. Sprint’s contract begins in March 2018.
Of the two companies bidding, Sprint received the highest technical rating and offered the lowest overall per-minute cost for service. Sprint was the only bidder proposing to hire an in-state Customer Relations Manager. Sprint also proposed to designate a Florida Relay Quality Manager.
“Florida’s relay service assures everyone has the ability to use the public telephone network and connect with their family and community,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “We look forward to Sprint seamlessly continuing to offer this essential service.”
On May 4, 2017, Commissioners voted to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to select a relay service provider offering the most cost effective service for Florida’s citizens. The RFP, issued May 16, 2017, included a clearly defined point system for proposal evaluations, and companies were required to submit their bids with charges per billable minute, assuming a three-year contract award, with the option of four one-year extensions.
The PSC issued the RFP when Sprint informed the Commission it did not intend to extend the relay provider contract into the option periods at its current price. The current contract with Sprint expires on February 28, 2018. Sprint and Hamilton Telecommunications Company submitted proposals.
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI), a non-profit corporation, administers the statewide relay service. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Florida’s relay service facilitates telephone calls between people with hearing loss or speech disabilities and other individuals by using special equipment and a communications assistance operator to relay information. A monthly surcharge of $.10 per landline funds the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices and interstate relay service.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
CFO Patronis: As Irma Approaches, Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Ahead of Hurricane Irma’s potential impact, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is stressing the importance of understanding insurance coverage. As Floridians finalize their preparations, they are encouraged to include copies of their insurance policies in their family disaster kits and to call Florida’s Insurance Helpline (1-877-693-5236) for help with any insurance-related questions or concerns.
“Hurricane Irma is a large and dangerous storm, capable of creating widespread damage, and it is crucial for consumers to understand their insurance coverage as they prepare their homes for Irma’s possible impact,” said CFO Patronis. “Insurance is a complicated issue, and it’s easily misunderstood. I encourage Floridians to call 1-877-693-5236 with all of their insurance questions – our team is standing by to take their calls.”
If possible, Floridians should complete the following before the storm:
- Update your inventory – Take photos or video of high-value belongings, gather receipts and write down purchase dates (if known) and serial numbers.
- Minimize losses – IF it is safe to do so, take simple steps to secure your home or property. Cover your windows with hurricane shutters or plywood to guard against flying objects, move vehicles into carports or garages, carry in grills and outdoor furniture that may become flying objects.
- Follow – Follow your insurance company on social media for important storm-related information. Also, save your insurance company’s or agent’s phone number for ease of filing future claims.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies have a separate hurricane deductible of two to five percent of a home’s insured value. If a home is damaged due to a hurricane, homeowners will be responsible for this deductible, which may be higher than their normal deductible amount. While every insurance policy is different, as a general rule, homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. Damage caused to a car by wind, falling trees, flood, etc. is covered under auto insurance, if the consumer carries comprehensive auto coverage.
Florida Forest Service Announces State Forest Campground Closures for Hurricane Irma
In preparation for Hurricane Irma, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today the Florida Forest Service will be closing all campgrounds at more than 20 state forests starting Friday, Sept. 8.
“Today we are implementing campground closures to help ensure the safety of our residents and visitors,” said Commissioner Putnam.
Campgrounds for the following state forests will be closed starting Friday, Sept. 8:
- John M. Bethea State Forest
- Twin Rivers State Forest
- Cary State Forest
- Jennings State Forest
- Ralph E. Simmons State Forest
- Etoniah Creek State Forest
- Goethe State Forest
- Ross Prairie State Forest
- Welaka State Forest
- Lake George State Forest
- Matanzas State Forest
- Tiger Bay State Forest
- Seminole State Forest
- Withlacoochee State Forest
- Charles H. Bronson State Forest
- Little Big Econ State Forest
- Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
- Myakka State Forest
- Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
- Picayune Strand State Forest
These campgrounds will remain closed until further notice. While all Florida state forests remain open at this time, the Florida Forest Service urges citizens to take extreme caution and not to visit them if they seem unsafe due to weather.
Depending on Hurricane Irma’s tract, the Florida Forest Service may announce additional campground closures or state forest closures. The Florida Forest Service team is in constant communication with state and local emergency operations centers.
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.
Sen. Bill Nelson on Hurricane Irma
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) took to the Senate floor today to urge the immediate passage of a $15 billion disaster aid package needed to fund FEMA past Friday, as Hurricane Irma approaches the Florida coast.
“I urge the Senate, I implore the Senate, I beg the Senate to pass this package,” Nelson said on the Senate floor. “FEMA is stretched, and, of all things, FEMA runs out of money unless we act by tomorrow.”
“I left Florida in the middle of the night to come back to make sure that it has my stamp of imprimatur on this legislation,” he continued, “And I’m very glad that the majority leader has agreed to double the amount – basically $7.5 billion, for FEMA and another $7.5 billion for CDBG, Community Development Block Grants, both of which would be for natural disasters.”
“I have emailed yesterday to the administrator of FEMA, Brock Long,” Nelson added, “People are trying to get out, but they’re stuck on the roads, and now they’re running out of gasoline … An urgent plea that I made yesterday that I would make to FEMA again, that we get gasoline into the state of Florida.”
Prior to speaking on the floor, Nelson did a series of national interviews this morning as the storm approaches. Below you will find links to view each of those:
- Nelson on CNN at 8:30 a.m.:
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- Nelson on The Weather Channel at 9:00 a.m.:
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- Nelson on Fox News at 9:20 a.m.:
And here’s additional background on some of the other things Nelson is working on as Hurricane Irma approaches:
Sen. Nelson was in Miami and West Palm Beach Wednesday meeting with local emergency management officials in each county ahead of the storm.
On Wednesday, Nelson sent letters to:
- Sens. Schumer and McConnell calling on Congress to add additional funding to a $7.85 billion disaster aid package the House passed Wednesday for Hurricane Harvey to “account for the additional costs FEMA will likely incur responding to Hurricane Irma.” (Copy of that letter is here.)
- Brock Long, the head of FEMA, to help address South Florida’s growing shortage of gasoline.(Copy of that letter is here.)
- Acting NOAA Administrator Ben Friedman regarding the need for a reliable hurricane hunter backup capability. (Copy of that letter is here.)
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urging the Commission to undertake additional efforts to educate consumers on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from the improper use of portable generators. (Copy of that letter is here.)
On Tuesday, Nelson sent letters to:
- The Federal Trade Commission asking that the agency begin closely monitoring and, if necessary, take swift action against retailers engaged in price gouging as Florida prepares for Hurricane Irma. (Copy of that letter is here.)
- President Trump urging him to approve Florida’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for the state of Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Irma. (Copy of that letter is here.)
Also on Tuesday, Nelson spoke by phone to:
- Brock Long, the head of FEMA. He said FEMA is ready and is prepositioning people and supplies around the state.
- Admiral Zukunft, the commandant of the Coast Guard. He said he is already prepositioning ships and aircraft to come in right after the storm hits.
- Col. Kirk with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He said he’s ready and that Lake Okeechobee still has the capacity to hold another three feet of water before this hurricane would threaten the dike.
- General Calhoun with the Florida National Guard. He said they are ready and prepositioned.
- Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation, and asked her to urge the state to go ahead and lift the tolls on South Florida’s roadways, particularly I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike, to make it easier for folks who are starting to evacuate.
