TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a Florida family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Lowder’s Gulf Hammock, a 691-acre working timber and wetland property in Levy County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $691,200.

“The safeguarding of Lowder’s Gulf Hammock through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program marks another significant achievement for Florida agriculture, ensuring its ongoing productivity and its tradition of environmental stewardship,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By securing this land from future development, we are not only conserving a crucial natural asset but also paying tribute to the generations who have cultivated it. This effort guarantees that future Floridians will continue to reap the economic and environmental benefits provided by our state’s agricultural heritage.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land protection easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

Lowder’s Gulf Hammock

Lowder’s Gulf Hammock is a timberland located west of the town of Gulf Hammock in Levy County. The tract contains 691 acres about 5.5 miles southeast of Otter Creek. The working timber operation features 306 acres in timber production and the remaining acreage supports a vibrant wetland community that protects the area’s water resources. The lower Waccasassa River passes through much of the western side of the property on its way to the Gulf, contributing to protection of the rich estuary. The Lowder family has been involved with agriculture, timber, and conservation projects since the 1990s, primarily in North Carolina. The entire property is within Florida black bear range, and a number of wading bird species forage in the wetlands.

About the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program partners with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.

During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson helped to secure from the Florida Legislature $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and another $100 million each fiscal year, appropriated in SB 1638, to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including the acquisition of conservation easements under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Commissioner Simpson recently recognized the families of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at an event in Lake Placid, Florida, and celebrated the program’s 100,000^th acre milestone in agricultural land preservation.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida’s land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson championed the successful passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which directed the state of Florida to better protect and connect Florida’s natural areas and wildlife habitats and to preserve working agricultural lands from future development. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson also secured $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed here: FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

###

Florida Public Power Organizations Recognize Florida Lineworkers and Mutual Aid Efforts in Celebration of Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) and Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) today launched a social media campaign that pays tribute to the Florida lineworkers who provide mutual aid assistance when severe weather or other events lead to power outages. During the month of August, and in advance of Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day (August 26), the public power organizations will use their social media channels to highlight different aspects of mutual aid.

The “Lineworkers: Heroes in Every Storm” campaign features images of Florida public power lineworkers in action during mutual aid events, which will be posted to FMEA’s and FMPA’s Facebook, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. Members of the public are encouraged to share these posts on their own social media platforms using the hashtag #ThankALineman.

“Florida has an incredibly strong mutual aid network that we can call on in times of need. While we will bring in crews from outside the state in anticipation of large-scale events, such as hurricanes, mutual aid often consists of sending lineworkers from other cities and towns to neighboring Florida public power communities,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA executive director. “These lineworkers are ready to answer the call day or night, and they are truly our hometown heroes.”

Mutual aid agreements enable electric utilities to call on each other for skilled emergency workers and supplies. Mutual aid can extend beyond fellow public power utilities to both rural electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities.

“When we talk about lineworkers, one characteristic of the profession that is often mentioned is the sense of camaraderie they have with one another,” said Jacob Williams, FMPA general manager and CEO. “We see lineworkers who may not initially know each other coming together to work on a system through a mutual aid event. We are so thankful for these adaptable, dedicated professionals who work seamlessly to get the power back on in our communities.”

There are more than 6,700 lineworkers in Florida and nearly 1,000 of those are public power lineworkers who serve communities large and small throughout Florida.

Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day was created by the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 to show gratitude to the people who risk their lives daily to ensure reliable delivery of electricity throughout the state. It was designated in memory of Marc Moore, a lineworker for Lakeland Electric, who died while on the job in 2002.

###

Coral Springs, FL – August 9, 2024 – Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen has been appointed as the Florida Caribbean Vote Director for the Harris-Walz Campaign. In this role, Commissioner Metayer Bowen will lead efforts to engage and mobilize Caribbean communities across Florida in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz’s re-election bid.

Commissioner Metayer Bowen, known for her strong advocacy for environmental sustainability and community empowerment, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to amplify Caribbean voices in the electoral process. “I am honored to serve as the FL Caribbean Vote Director for the Harris-Walz Campaign,” said Commissioner Metayer Bowen. “This campaign is about inclusivity and making sure that every community’s voice is heard.”

For more information about Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen’s role as FL Caribbean Vote Director Nancy Metayer Bowen at [email protected] or (703) 819-9910.

About Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen: Nancy Metayer Bowen is a dedicated public servant and Commissioner of Coral Springs, Florida. With a background in environmental science and public health, she has been a staunch advocate for sustainable development, social justice, and community empowerment. Commissioner Metayer Bowen continues to work towards creating a thriving, equitable, and resilient Coral Springs.

###

Governor DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response; Hurricane Debby Makes Landfall as a Category 1 in the Big Bend

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor DeSantis provided updates on Hurricane Debby in his third press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center with Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie as

Hurricane Debby began to make landfall in the Big Bend region. Hurricane Debby made landfall at 7 am EDT near Steinhatchee, Florida. In anticipation of this, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-157 on August 2, amending EO 24-156, and declaring a state of emergency for a total of 61 counties.

As of 11 AM EDT, Hurricane Debby was downgraded to a Tropical Storm, and is located about 35 miles west of Lake City, Florida. Debby is then expected to move slowly across northern Florida and southern Georgia Monday and Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph and additional weakening is expected as Debby moves over land today and tonight. As of this morning, approximately 143,000 Floridians are without power. The State of Florida has already restored 322,000 accounts.

As of this morning, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) emergency response personnel have completed preliminary assessments of over 4,500 lane miles of state roads.

The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is operational. Residents needing resources before and after Hurricane Debby can call 1-800-342-3557. There are English and Spanish speakers available to answer questions.

• Hurricane Warnings have been issued for: Coastal Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Coastal Levy.
• Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for: Gulf, Liberty, Gadsden, Leon, Columbia, Baker, Nassau, Duval, Union, Bradford, St. Johns, Alachua, Putnam, Inland Levy, Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Lake, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota and Coastal Charlotte.
• Storm Surge Warnings are in effect for: Coastal Franklin, Coastal Wakulla, Coastal Jefferson, Coastal Taylor, Coastal Dixie, Coastal Levy, Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Pasco, Coastal Hillsborough (including Tampa Bay), Coastal Manatee, and Pinellas.

FDEM is hosting daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and to ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently. Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners for resource requests.

State Preparedness Efforts

• FDEM has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 1 and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
• FDEM has deployed community-requested resources and personnel for storm preparedness assistance and to ensure critical infrastructure is protected from storm impacts, including:
  • Over 670,000 bottles of water
  • Over 287,000 shelf-stable meals
  • Over 17,000 tarps
  • 156,000 sandbags
  • 120 cots
  • Staff to support county shelter operations.
• FDEM has mobilized four logistical staging areas in multiple regions of the state to ensure food, water, tarps, shower trailers, pumps, flood protection devices and staff can quickly deploy as requested.
• More than 9,400 feet of flood protection devices are being deployed to critical infrastructure sites to protect against flooding, including schools, health care facilities, public works, lift stations and roads and bridges.
  • For the first time, the state of Florida and its partners are also deploying flood control barriers around utility substations as a new best practice to ensure power is maintained throughout the storm for as many Floridians as possible.
• Approximately 17,000 linemen have been mobilized to assist with power restoration efforts as needed.

• Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, the Florida National Guard (FLNG) is prepared to support the state’s response operations to Hurricane Debby. The Florida National Guard is mobilizing up to 3,500 Guardsmen.
• The FLNG Joint Operations Center is operating in St Augustine, FL.
• The FLNG continues activating and mustering Guardsmen at their local armories, staffing the State Logistics Response Center (SLRC), and assisting Counties across the Big Bend area with LNOs. The FLNG is supporting 27 Counties with LNOs.
• Mobilized units are postured to support humanitarian assistance and security missions throughout the area of operations.
• The Florida National Guard is well-equipped, with assets including high-wheeled vehicles, helicopters, boats, generators and more. We currently have 14 rotary aircraft and over 450 tactical vehicles staged to support relief operations.
• We appreciate the support of neighboring states, especially South Carolina and Kentucky, which are providing a truck company and rotary aircraft respectively, to support the FLNG’s response operations.

• The Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated the following:
  • 86 FSG members to support response and recovery operations.
  • Nine shallow water vessels staged for deployment.
  • 10 UTVs are staged for deployment.
  • Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment.
  • Seven search and rescue crews prepared to be deployed from Camp Blanding.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
• FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
  • Airboats
  • Shallow draft boats
  • ATVs/Side by Sides
  • Larger platform vessels
  • Four-wheel vehicles
  • Aerial surveillance drones
• These officers and assets are in addition to local FWC officers already assigned to any affected areas. FWC officers have the training, capacity, equipment, and experience to be particularly effective following extreme weather events.
• FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and report back on damage after the storm has made landfall.
• FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for EOC aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
• These teams, comprised of a total of 33 officers and one mechanic, will be staging today at a centralized point, linking up with the Florida State Guard and a Department of Financial Services Cut Crew to deploy to impacted areas as soon as possible.
• These teams will have an extensive loadout of high-water and self-sustainment equipment to facilitate operations in case of reduced infrastructure in the impacted areas.
  • 33 high-water capable four-wheel drive patrol trucks
  • 8 airboats
  • 6 shallow draft vessels
  • 8 high-water capable swamp buggies/Fat Truck/UTVs
  • 3 drone teams
  • Mobile command unit
  • BERG self-sustainment container units
  • Fuel trailer
  • Generators
  • Hygiene trailers
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) FDLE’s Emergency Preparedness Unit is activated and deployed to the State Emergency Operations Center.
• FDLE’s Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams are monitoring and are in contact with their local partners.
• FDLE has prepared two mobile command buses and three sleeper trailers, ready for use in impacted areas if necessary.
• FDLE has law enforcement support strike teams ready to deploy into impacted areas.
• FDLE aviation assets are ready for deployment following the storm.
• FDLE’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse and Florida’s Fusion Center have moved operations to ensure consistency during and after the storm.
• FDLE’s mutual aid team is coordinating anticipated response of approximately 395 officers from nine agencies.
• FDLE mutual aid teams are supporting 13 hurricane response missions.
• The Department of Corrections (FDC) has evacuated select facilities out of an abundance of caution and temporarily suspended visitation at other facilities.
  • Updates to closures, evacuations, and visitation suspensions will continually be posted at https://www.fdc.myflorida.com/weather-updates
• The Department of Management Services (DMS) wireless partners have assets pre-staged for post-landfall assistance.
• Starlink units are pre-staged for immediate deployment should needs arise. DMS has activated an additional 40 Starlink bringing total to 93 so far.
• Volunteer organizations such as Midwest Foodbank, Feeding Florida, Farm Share, and Meet the Need have begun coordination of resources and readying their inventory to meet potential feeding needs.
• The American Red Cross has begun mobilizing their Tallahassee and Jacksonville teams and contacted committed counties for plans on sheltering.
• The Florida Disaster Volunteer Leave Act allows salaried state employees to request administrative leave to volunteer after a disaster. Salaried state employees may request up to 120 hours of administrative leave to volunteer with a 501(c )(3) or a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that is providing nonpaid services for disaster response and recovery to a declared disaster area covered under a state of emergency.
• The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinics in Lecanto and Brooksville will be closed Monday, August 5. Appointments that are not converted to virtual will be rescheduled.
• The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7 for virtual urgent care at 1-877-741-3400.

Health and Human Services

• The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has deployed over 100 emergency vehicles (e.g., ambulances, ambulance buses, paratransit vehicles) to support emergency evacuations and patient transport as needed. Staging is currently in Jackson and Marion counties.
• DOH is supporting 19 special needs shelters, which are accepting clients, in the following counties: Alachua, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Suwannee, and Taylor serving over 300 clients.
• County health offices in Columbia, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Suwanee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties will be closed on Monday, August 5, 2024.
• DOH’s Bureau of Public Health Lab in Jacksonville, FL, will be closed Monday, August 5, 2024.
• DOH utilized ambulance strike teams to perform 87 home wellness visits for hard-to-reach special needs clients in Wakulla, Taylor, Madison, Gilchrist, Dixie, and Levy counties.
• DOH has deployed oxygen generators to support fire rescue in areas of anticipated landfall.
• DOH remains in contact with Medical Foster Care families to ensure services and needs are met.
• DOH provided Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clients in affected areas with an early pickup schedule for medical formula. WIC clients are being contacted regarding clinic closures as needed to ensure services are not disrupted.
• DOH is distributing information on social media platforms regarding emergency health topics, including flood water safety, special needs shelters, boil water notices, and more.
• DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-156. This notice was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers.
• The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-001, which:
  • Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency.
  • Permits emergency medical transportation services to operate across county lines.
  • Permits paramedics and emergency medical technicians licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.

• VolunteerFlorida has conducted the following preparedness efforts:
• Coordination with Partners
  • Daily Coordination calls with Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD)
  • Identifying partner capabilities, needs and gaps.
  • Ongoing coordination efforts with Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
  • Identifying pre-staging locations of flood/cleanup kits, hygiene kits and tools
• Key Messaging to Partners:
  • Emphasizing the importance of “Cash, Confirm, Connect” strategy.
  • Promoting volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Connect.
  • Encouraging documentation of all donated resources and volunteer hours.
  • Current rate of volunteer hours in the state of Florida is $31.61.
• Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated its Emergency Patient Look-up System (E-PLUS), initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS), and reached out to health care associations.
• There are 5 ALFs and 3 nursing homes reporting evacuation.
• Since activation, the following organizations have logged into E-PLUS for storm preparation:
  • Charlotte County Health Department
  • Lee County Sheriff’s Office
  • Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (2 users)
  • Department of Health’s Special Needs Shelter Unit
  • Jackson-Gulf-Calhoun County Health Departments
  • Okaloosa County Health Department (3 users)
  • Bay County Health Department (2 users)
  • Levy-Gilchrist-Dixie County Health Departments
  • Osceola Emergency Management (2 users)
  • Department of Health’s Region 1 regional coordinator
  • Glades-Hendry County Health Departments
• AHCA has received 3 intake files from the Department of Health containing registration data from Special Needs Shelters.
• AHCA is ensuing reimbursement for critical Medicaid services provided in good faith to eligible recipients who reside in the counties impacted by the storm.
• The Agency will waive all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services beginning August 4, 2024, until further notice.
  • Early prescription refill edits have been lifted for all maintenance medications (Note: This does not apply to controlled substances).
• If a recipient requires critical Medicaid services beyond the limits stated in policy to maintain safety and health, providers can furnish the service.
• Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) processes are postponed until further notice by the Agency.
  • Retroactively performed screenings or resident reviews must document the reason for delay in the completion of PASRR requirements.
  • The Agency is waiving the PASRR process for recipients who evacuated due to an evacuation order or power outage and are admitted and discharged during the storm.
• Transportation vendors should continue providing services to all Medicaid enrollees as long as they are able.
• To locate blood donation centers in Florida, visit: Floridadonates.com
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) The Agency is leaning forward, actively monitoring and preparing for Hurricane Debby, providing up-to-date emergency event information to Agency leadership, partners, stakeholders, and clients. APD is thoroughly communicating with these groups to ensure the safety of all clients and residents.
• APD’s 12 HOPE Navigators, 78 recruited volunteers, and Agency leadership stand by available to deploy to affected areas in the event there is a need from response to recovery.
• The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office has closed offices on Monday, August 5th, in Circuits 2, 3, 4, 5 (except Marion and Sumter Counties which are still open), 8 and part of 12 (Manatee County) pursuant to county closures. All staff and volunteers have been advised in these areas. We continue to monitor the storm and will assess damage/needs in our offices post storm.

Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues to coordinate closely with state EOC officials and partners.
• All 7 Districts, the Central Office, and FDOT’s Turnpike Enterprise initiated statewide internal preparedness conference calls on Monday, July 29, which continue daily.
• FDOT Statewide Preparedness Efforts Include:
  • Clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Should Use (ESU).
  • Currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
  • Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
  • Securing maintenance yards, active construction projects, high mast lighting, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations.
  • Barges at the Howard Frankland Bridge construction site are secured.
  • Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
  • Completing repairs on malfunctioning vehicles and equipment in preparation for deployment.
  • Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
  • Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
  • FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
• Over 50 crews have been across the state inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
• Resources are staged strategically in safe locations that are in close proximity to the projected path to allow for quick implementation following the passage of a storm.
  • Over 1200 generators
  • Nearly 70 pumps
  • Over 230 pieces of heavy equipment and trucks.
• Bridges in the potential impact area are closely monitored for flooding and wind speeds. Once wind speeds increase beyond 40 mph, FHP may deem it necessary for closure. Law enforcement will then stop traffic from crossing bridges to ensure the safety of motorists.
• Crews are staged to inspect coastal bridges and will be monitoring water levels at low-lying bridges near major river crossings including Suwannee, Santa Fe, Aucilla, and Ochlockonee Rivers.
  • 120 Bridge Inspectors are on standby to quickly deploy in the field.
• FDOT has 120 crews on standby to swiftly start performing Cut-and-Toss Operations to clear state roads and interstates.
• FDOT has 6 drone teams on standby to assist across the transportation system as needed.
• Nearly 150 other crews are on standby to assist with various emergency response efforts, such as damage assessment, flooding, traffic signals outages, etc.
• FDOT waived standard size and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles transporting fuel, emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agriculture commodities and citrus. Commercial vehicles now will have an increased weight restriction to transport goods.
  • With this order, utility trucks are being waived through weigh stations to quickly pre-stage across the state. FDOT also worked with Alabama and Georgia to implement this same action in order to quickly get utility trucks to Florida and preposition for utility restoration.
• Deployed FDOT liaisons to county emergency operations centers where requested.
• Coordinating FDOT Debris Clearing Crews with Utility Response Crews to aid in swift utility restoration. Seaports:
• Port Tampa Bay, Port St. Pete, Seaport Manatee and Port of Port St. Joe are closed waterside.
• Port Panama City is open with restrictions, no inbound vessels.
• Port Fernandina, and JAXPORT are open and preparing for potential storm impacts.
• All other seaports are open.
• Fuel Terminals: Normal Operations Airports:
• Tallahassee International Airport closed and plan to reopen 8/5 when safe.
• Gainesville Regional Airport closed and will reopen 8/5 at 11:30 pm.
• No other reported Commercial Service Airport closures at this time.
• Some flight cancellations or delays are being reported. Please check with airlines directly on specific flight updates. Rail:
• Railroad operations over the affected areas are shut down. Spaceport:
• Spaceport partners are monitoring and preparing as prevailing conditions warrant. Transit:
• Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has suspended SunRunner, Suncoast Beach Trolley, and the Jolley Trolley service along Gulf Boulevard in Pinellas County due to flooding.
• Big Bend Transit is assisting with transportation to evacuation shelters and is suspending service on Monday, 8/5.
• Manatee County has suspended the Anna Maria Island Trolley.
• Citrus Connection has suspended the Squeeze Shuttle Services in Lakeland, Lake Wales and Bartow until Tuesday, 8/6.
• Leetran operating under modified service due to flooding.
• Citrus County will suspend service at noon on Sunday, 8/4.
• Wakulla County will suspend service on Monday, 8/5.
• Manatee, Levy, and Citrus County are assisting with evacuation transportation to shelters.
• City of Tallahassee StarMetro suspended service Monday, 8/5. Suwannee Valley Transit Authority (Columbia, Suwannee, and Hamilton counties) suspended service, Monday, 8/5
• Jacksonville Transit Authority Skyway service suspended Monday, 8/5
• Manatee County is only performing life-sustaining trips Monday morning, 8/5
• Sarasota Breeze suspended Breeze OnDemand in the Downtown Sarasota /Lido Key/Longboat Key Zone. Some fixed routes are detouring due to flooding.
• Jacksonville Transit Authority Paratransit is only providing life-sustaining trips
• HART is operating fare-free service to an evacuation shelter.
• RTS Gainesville suspected the collection of fares
• Lake County is providing fare-free service to an evacuation shelter.
• Collier Area Transit is detouring routes due to flooding.

State-Owned Road Closures (As of 6pm, 8/4/24): FDOT assisting city/county partners with localized flooding as requested.

• Alachua County
  • Flooding on SR 26 Both Directions near SE 90th Ave. All lanes closed.
  • Flooding on US 41 Both Directions at SW 202nd St. All lanes closed.
• Charlotte County
  • E Olympia Avenue Eastbound at Nesbit Street – All lanes closed
  • US-17 West beyond Cooper Street – All lanes closed
  • Flooding on US 41 North and South, at West Marion Ave. Right lane blocked.
• Collier County
  • US-41 South at San Marco Road/CR-92 – All lanes closed
  • US-41 North at San Marco Road/CR-92 – All lanes closed
  • Flooding on US 41 South, beyond Golden Gate Pkwy (CR-886). Right lane blocked.
• Dixie County
  • Debris on Roadway on SR 349 both directions at NE 970th Ave. All lanes closed.
• Gilchrist County 
  • State Road 47 from County Road 340 to County Road 232. All lanes closed.
• Hillsborough County
  • I-275 Flooding on I-275 North, at MM 35.
  • Flooding in Hillsborough County on SR 580 East, beyond Dale Mabry Hwy. 2 Right lanes blocked.
  • Flooding in Hillsborough County on SR 580 East, beyond Dale Mabry Hwy. 2 Right lanes blocked.
• Jefferson County
  • Object on roadway in Jefferson County on I-10 West, at MM 234 (Rest Area). All lanes blocked.
  • Object on roadway on I-10 West, at MM 219. All lanes blocked.
  • Object on roadway in Jefferson County on I-10 West, before MM 225. All lanes blocked.
  • Debris on Roadway on E Washington Hwy near Lonnie Rd. All lanes closed.
• Lee County
  • US 41 Flooding on US 41 Business North, at Edison Bridge. All lanes closed.
• Madison County
  • Debris on Roadway on SR145 Both Directions at NE Pawpaw St. All lanes closed.
  • Debris on Roadway on SW US 221 Both Directions at SW Overland St. All lanes closed.
  • Object on roadway in Madison County on I-10 West, before MM 239. Left lane blocked.
• Manatee County
  • Flooding in Manatee County on SR-64 / Manatee Ave East, before Waterbury Rd (CR-675). All lanes closed.
  • Flooding in Manatee County on SR-64 / Manatee Ave West, beyond Waterbury Rd (CR-675). All lanes closed.
  • Flooding in Manatee County on SR-70 East, before Uihlein Rd. All lanes closed.
• Pinellas County
  • I-275/Sunshine Skyway Bridge – All lanes closed
  • I-275 Howard Frankland Bridge- NB closed
  • Flooding in Pinellas County on SR-60 East, before Bayshore Blvd. 2 Right lanes blocked.
• Lee County
  • US-41 Business North at Edison Bridge – All lanes closed
  • San Carlos Blvd beyond Buttonwood Drive – All lanes closed
  • Sarasota County
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on US-41 South, before McIntosh Rd. All lanes closed.
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on SR-72/ Clark Rd West, before McIntosh Rd. 2 Right lanes blocked.
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on US-41 North, beyond McIntosh Rd. All lanes closed.
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on FRUITVILLE RD West, beyond McIntosh Rd. Right lane blocked.
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on FRUITVILLE RD East, before McIntosh Rd. Right lane blocked.
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on SR-758/ Bee Ridge Rd West, beyond Cattlemen Rd. 2 Right lanes blocked.
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on SR-758/ Bee Ridge Rd East, before Cattlemen Rd. All lanes closed.
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on US-41 North, beyond Laurel Rd. Right lane blocked.
  • Flooding in Sarasota County on US-41 South, beyond Laurel Rd. Right lane blocked.
• Suwannee County
  • Debris on Roadway on US-129 at 256th Trl. All lanes closed.
  • Object on roadway in Suwannee County on I-10 East, before MM 276.
• Union County
  • Debris on Roadway on SR-121 Both Directions at SW 85th Trl. All lanes closed.
• The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Florida Highway Patrol’s Quick Reaction Force teams consisting of more than 120 members statewide stand ready to provide immediate response.
• Issued Emergency Order 24-03, which:
  • Waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief.
  • Waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
• Two FHP Mobile Kitchens are prepared for deployment if and/or when necessary.
• FHP is now staffing the State EOC 24/7 effective this morning at 7:00 a.m. EST
• The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is in close communication with law enforcement and transportation partners and stands ready to assist.
• FHP Troopers assigned to Troops A, B and H have canceled regularly scheduled days off.
• The Department of Children and Families (DCF)  has secured supplies should the Hope Bus need to be deployed.
• DCF has ensured licensed mental health treatment facilities have adequate supplies.
• Community-Based Care Lead Agencies have contacted foster families and group homes.
• The Managing Entities stand ready to deploy mental health resources, as needed.
• The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is in contact with all school districts and state colleges in preparation for the storm. For the latest information from the Florida Department of Education regarding closures of early learning providers, school districts and colleges, please visit fldoe.org/storminfo.
• The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is coordinating with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida.
• Floridians are encouraged to call 1-800-HELP-FLA to report water-contaminated fuel issues to the department. FDACS inspectors will respond to impacted areas, as soon as it is safe to do so, to ensure retail fuel dispensers are working properly and testing the quality of fuel.
• Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), and South Carolina.
• The Florida Forest Service has announced State Forest closures. A updated list can be found here. 
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule authorizing out-of-state licensed security guards to protect people and property in Florida.
• The Florida Forest Service has announced State Forest closures. An updated list can be found here.
• The Florida Forest Service has activated an incident management team to support response efforts and is staging equipment, like high-water vehicles, to support recovery operations.
• The department is coordinating with agricultural partners to ensure producers have adequate resources and support.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.
• DEP’s Emergency Final Order also removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, including coastal structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.
• DEP is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to ensure preparations are underway to support drinking and wastewater facilities ahead of the anticipated heavy rains.
• WaterTracker is active, DEP’s online portal for drinking and wastewater facilities to report their operational status after the storm passes their area.
• DEP has pre-authorized 850 Disaster Debris Management Sites for the counties included in the Governor’s Executive Order to temporarily stage debris that may result from the storm. These sites are a critical component of expediting clean-up and reducing environmental and public health impacts post-storm.
• All significant hazardous waste facilities in potentially affected counties have been notified to ensure all pre-storm preparations are being made.
• Hazardous Area Response Teams (HARTs) are preparing for potential assessment and deployment to impacted areas as needed.
• DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement’s Special Agents are preparing for potential deployment to impacted areas as needed.
• DEP has completed pre-storm beach surveys in all shoreline counties.
• Florida’s water management districts are engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state and are available to provide technical and other support, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding. As part of standard operations, DEP and the water management districts continue to monitor water systems and river levels as the storm develops.
• DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.

Resources for Employees, Businesses, and Consumers

• The Florida Attorney General’s Office has activated the Florida price gouging hotline to accept reports of extreme price increases on essential commodities. The hotline number is (866) 966-7226.
• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has organized Emergency Response Teams across 13 offices statewide, who are ready to deploy once it is safe to complete damage assessments and disaster inspections of licensed establishments.
• DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
• DBPR’s Division of Hotel and Restaurants has proactively communicated with more than 83,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide them with flood preparation and post-storm food safety resources.
• DBPR has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to waive pet policies and fees for evacuees at Florida-licensed lodging establishments.
  • Through this effort, anti-price gouging information and resources have been provided to more than 49,000 lodging establishments.
• FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Debby. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Debby. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Debby recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Debby” from the dropdown menu.
• VISIT FLORIDA has activated Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
• CareerSource Florida hosted a call with Local Workforce Development Boards across the state to coordinate resources and prepare teams to assist local employees and employers after the weather event. To find your local career center, visit Find Your Local Team or Career Center Directory.
• The following local workforce development boards are temporarily closed Monday, August 5, 2024, due to Tropical Storm Debby:
  • CareerSource Capital Region
  • CareerSource North Florida
  • CareerSource Northeast Florid
  • CareerSource North Central Florid
  • CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (Citrus and Levy centers will be closed; Marion will remain open at this time)
• FloridaCommerce is working with private sector partners CVS Health and Walmart to establish staging areas for ambulance strike teams in impacted areas.
• Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates
• FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector coordination calls beginning Monday, August 5, 2024. Briefings will be provided by SERT meteorology, transportation, and energy, as well as private sector partners such as the Florida Retail Federation, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and VISIT FLORIDA. For call information email [email protected].
• FloridaCommerce is working with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, ESF 6 Mass Care and private sector partners Walmart and Publix to coordinate emergency food supplies for special needs shelters in Suwannee and Taylor Counties.
• The Florida SBDC Network is hosting regular coordination calls with regional leadership to ready resources and staff. Mobile Assistance Center units are also readying to deploy to assist business owners in impacted areas.
• The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued an amended proclamation to financial institutions and securities professionals.
• The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) Insurance Commissioner Yaworsky called property and casualty insurance companies with consumers in the projected path of Hurricane Debby and directed insurers to be prepared to implement their disaster claims-handling procedures and be able to provide prompt and efficient claims-handling service to impacted policyholders.

Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Debby.

###

STATEMENT: Leader Driskell Sends Best Wishes to Team USA and Congratulates Floridian Flag Bearer Coco Gauff

TAMPA, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) sends well wishes to Team USA  and congratulates #2 world-ranked tennis player and Floridian, Coco Gauff, ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.

“With the Paris Olympics kicking off today, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Florida’s own Coco Gauff for being selected as flag bearer for Team USA, making HERstory as the youngest, as well as the first tennis player, to carry our country’s flag in the Olympics. Wishing Team USA the best of luck in this year’s games. Let’s get that gold!” 

###

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Historic Enforcement Actions Against Hemp Companies for Violations of Florida Law

~ Enforcement actions include multi-year revocation of food permit and prohibition of hemp gummy production ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced enforcement actions against Just Brands, LLC and High Roller Private Label, LLC for selling and manufacturing hundreds of thousands of hemp products attractive to children in violation of s. 581.217(7), F.S. The enforcement actions include a five-year ban on the sale of any food products, including hemp products, in Florida for Just Brands, LLC; and a two-year ban on the manufacture of hemp gummies in Florida for High Roller Private Label, LLC.

“One of my top responsibilities as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture is ensuring the safety of our food and protecting Florida’s consumers, especially our children. These historic enforcement actions mark a significant step in our ongoing efforts to protect kids over profits and rein in the hemp industry in Florida,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Prior to the changes made to Florida law in 2023, Florida’s hemp industry was out of control and products were being sold without restrictions, including allowing sales to children with marketing and packaging specifically targeting them. While I believe Florida’s laws need to be strengthened, make no mistake, we will use every inch of our current authority to protect Florida’s children from these products and go after those who violate the law.”

On October 31, 2023, FDACS conducted a food inspection at a Just Brands, LLC facility and found violations, including the sale of hemp products attractive to children in violation of s. 581.217(7), F.S. As a result, FDACS issued Stop Sale Orders for 215,154 hemp products. During a reinspection on January 22, 2024, FDACS discovered that Just Brands, LLC had violated these orders by relocating the products, with shipments tracked to Chicago, Illinois. Subsequent inspections on January 29 and February 5, 2024, confirmed the removal of all 215,154 packages from the facility without permission by FDACS. Between December 6, 2023, and February 5, 2024, Just Brands moved, sold, or used all the packages subject to the Stop Sale Orders without the FDACS’s knowledge.

On April 2, 2024, FDACS conducted a food inspection at a High Roller Private Label, LLC facility and found over 186,000 packages of hemp products attractive to children in violation of s. 581.217(7), F.S. To prevent potential harm, FDACS issued stop-sale orders for 186,377 packages of hemp products and 644 packages containing synthetic cannabinoids, specifically “THC-O” and “HHCO.”

Settlement Terms:

 Just Brands, LLC has agreed to the following terms:

• Permit Revocation: Just Brands will accept a five-year revocation of its Food Permit, prohibiting the company from owning or operating any food establishment in Florida requiring a permit from FDACS, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, or the Department of Health.
• Payment of Enforcement Costs: Just Brands will reimburse FDACS a total of $60,500.00 for attorney’s fees and enforcement costs.
• Dismissal of Pending Actions: Just Brands will file appropriate documents to dismiss the proceedings pending before the Southern District of Florida in Case Number 23-cv-62081.

High Roller Private Label, LLC has agreed to the following terms:

• Restriction on Manufacture of Hemp Gummies: High Roller will cease the manufacture, distribution, and sale of gummy hemp extract products in Florida for two years.
• Payment of Enforcement Costs: High Roller will reimburse FDACS $5,000.00 for attorney’s fees and enforcement costs incurred during the dispute.

During the 2023 legislative session, Commissioner Wilton Simpson worked with the Florida Legislature to reform Florida’s hemp laws to better protect consumers and children. SB 1676 added age requirements for the purchase of hemp products intended for human consumption, protected Florida’s minors by prohibiting the sale of hemp products that are attractive to children, protects consumers by mandating that products sold in Florida be packaged in a safe container, and holds hemp products that are intended for human consumption to the same health and safety standards as other food products.

To enforce the law, the department conducted the largest ever inspection sweep of businesses selling products that contain hemp extracts in July and August of 2023. The statewide inspection sweeps specifically targeted the sale of hemp products that are attractive to children, which is prohibited by Florida law. The sweep included inspections of more than 700 businesses in all 67 Florida counties and uncovered over 83,000 packages of hemp products, including euphoric, high-potency THC products, attractive to children. Since July 1, 2023, the department has uncovered over 668,000 packages of hemp products attractive to children.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

###