Governor Rick Scott today will again be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on potential storm impacts. Governor Scott and the State of Florida are continuing to actively monitor a tropical depression in the southwest Caribbean, and are urging everyone in Florida to remain vigilant. The state receives regular weather updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). At this time, the depression is forecast to move north – northwest into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend and has the potential to be a hurricane impacting the Florida Panhandle in the coming days.
Governor Scott said, “As we closely monitor this storm, it is so important for Florida families to remain vigilant, restock hurricane supply kits and ensure hurricane preparedness plans are in place. Based on current forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, we expect the storm to strengthen into Tropical Storm Nate today and move into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. This storm has the potential to become a hurricane and impact the Florida Panhandle this weekend, and families must be ready. Let’s remember, we are still in the heart of hurricane season and while it’s hard to imagine experiencing another storm right now, everyone has to be prepared. We will continue to work with the National Hurricane Center to learn more as this storm develops and I encourage all Floridians to visit www.FLGetAPlan.org today to get prepared.”
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CFO Patronis Deploys DFS Law Enforcement Assets to Assist in Puerto Rico
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis today announced that law enforcement personnel from the Department of Financial Services will join the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and others to offer aid in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
CFO Patronis said, “Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, leaving many families with nothing but the few belongings they could carry as they fled their homes. As Florida continues to rebuild after Irma, I know that disaster recovery requires an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach, and I’m proud to make resources available to help Puerto Rico get back on its feet. The needs are great, and we’ll do what we can do assist during this difficult time.”
To help assess the law enforcement needs in the area, the Department is deploying Major Karl Morgan from the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations to join an eight-person incident management team. Additional resources, including heavy land-clearing equipment used during Hurricane Irma recovery efforts, remain on standby.
While in Puerto Rico, a collective law enforcement team coordinated by FDLE will conduct recovery missions and offer security resources to protect relief materials being shipped or flown into the coastal country.
Florida-based personnel and resources are made available to Puerto Rico through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
Florida’s recreational and commercial saltwater fishing industries are open for business
Looking for a fun time out on the water, or a nice locally caught fish dinner? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding residents and visitors that, despite the effects of Hurricane Irma, recreational and commercial saltwater fishing operations are reopening for business.
While charter for-hire and commercial fishing operators were hit hard by the storm, many in these industries are back up and running and ready to show residents and visitors why Florida remains the Fishing Capital of the World.
“Keep those fishing trips and vacations on the books if you can. These fishermen and women are ready to work, and need your business now more than ever,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. “We are going to come back stronger than ever, but we need your help.”
Visit Florida CEO Ken Lawson said, “As the No. 1 industry in our state, tourism is critical to Florida’s economy, employing over 1.4 million Floridians. Fishermen, fishing captains and fishing charters are an integral part of our industry’s success as they showcase the beauties of Florida’s waters and outdoors to visitors all across the world. There is no better time than now to book a fishing trip in Florida and reel in some fun.”
FWC staff will continue to explore options on how to support our anglers and fishermen.
Book your south Florida fishing trip today. Visit the Lower Keys Guides Association at LKGA.org/Members; The Florida Keys & Key West website at Fla-Keys.com, or Visit Florida at VisitFlorida.com for ideas.
Mast to Help Introduce Bipartisan Gold Star Families Support Act
MEDIA ADVISORY
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) will join U.S. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2) and a bipartisan group of Members of Congress holding a press conference to announce introduction of the Gold Star Families Support Act on October 5, 2017. The Gold Star Families Support Act addresses fundamental problems with current laws, especially regarding the access to and use of already established benefits to surviving spouses and dependent children.
WHO:
Rep. Mast
Rep. Bacon
Bipartisan Members of Congress
WHEN:
Thursday, October 5, 2017
1:30 p.m.
WHERE:
House Triangle
United States Capitol East Front
Washington, DC 20003
*For Florida Media: The event will be live streamed on Rep. Mast’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/repbrianmast.
WHAT:
Rep. Mast will discuss his personal experiences with Gold Star Families following his service in the Army and how this legislation would help them. Prior to his election to Congress, Brian followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, earning medals including The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal. While deployed in Afghanistan, he worked as a bomb disposal expert under the elite Joint Special Operations Command. The last improvised explosive device that he found resulted in catastrophic injuries, which included the loss of both of his legs.
Insurance Industry Leaders Provide Record-Setting Contributions to Step Up For Students
More than 7,400 children in Duval County benefit from Florida Tax Credit Scholarships
Florida’s insurance industry has stepped up to support the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program at a record level, committing $61.2 million this year to fund scholarships for more than 9,380 students. Leading the pack is UnitedHealthcare, which has contributed more than $83 million to Step Up for Students over the past decade.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Greg Reidy today visited Arlington Community Academy whose students are among the beneficiaries of the scholarships, to promote the program’s impact and encourage other insurance companies to participate.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Greg Reidy speaks to students at Arlington Community Academy
“By helping struggling students get into an educational environment where they can succeed, we know we are helping to make our state stronger,” said Greg Reidy, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. “It’s gratifying to meet the students who are benefiting from these scholarships and see them on a track to reach their full potential.”
Step Up For Students, the nonprofit organization that helps administer the needs-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, praised the insurance company’s historic support for the program. Step Up For Students provides scholarships for income-limited students to attend the schools that best meet their individual needs. A recent study found that students who receive these scholarships are 40 percent more likely to attend college than their public school counterparts, and 29 percent more likely to earn an associate degree.
Since 2009, UnitedHealthcare’s contributions have enabled more than 18,000 Florida students to attend schools that offer them a chance at a brighter future. The company’s recent contribution will help serve the 7,483 students who receive the scholarships in Duval County alone.
“Support from Florida’s insurance industry is critical for the work our team does to support children across the state,” said Doug Tuthill, president of Step Up For Students. “This contribution is an investment in students, and it enables the positive impacts of this program to continue and expand to change more lives for the better.”
Arlington Community Academy students
Families and students who have benefitted from the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program added their voices in support of the insurance industry’s efforts, urging other companies to consider participation.
“This program directly helps children in our local area, and I am grateful that my own child can now attend the school that’s right for her,” said Jacksonville parent Tamara Herring. “I am so grateful for the many donors who support this program, individuals and companies that are helping children like mine have a better future. Every child deserves that chance.”
To learn more about UnitedHealthcare, CLICK HERE. To learn more about the impact of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program or how to support Step Up for Students, visit www.stepupforstudents.
Exceptional Employers Honored by State
Ten businesses that hire people with disabilities were recognized by the state of Florida today for being exceptional employers of people with special abilities. The businesses from around the state were honored with a plaque made by individuals with unique abilities. The 12th annual celebration was held at Tallahassee City Hall as part of recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Blind Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation presented the Exceptional Employer Awards to companies that have made a strong commitment to employing people with special abilities. Event sponsors were the Able Trust, City of Tallahassee, and RESPECT of Florida.
The 2017 award-winning businesses are:
- Boca Raton Resort and Club
- Cunningham Pest Control of Palm Beach County
- Dosatron of Clearwater
- Embassy Suites of Ft. Lauderdale
- Martin Health System of Stuart
- Piggly Wiggly of Quincy
- Planet Fitness of Panama City
- Publix
- Sodexo (Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, and Daytona Beach)
- The Women’s Center of Central Florida
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “I am so excited to recognize these 10 exceptional businesses today. These deserving companies have made a commitment to employing a diverse workforce. These businesses know that individuals with special abilities are some of the most dedicated employees you can find.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The most important issue to families across Florida are jobs. All individuals, regardless of abilities, want good jobs to provide for themselves and their families. I am proud to see these Exceptional Employer Award winners and so many other businesses including all individuals in the workforce. I hope additional companies will see that there are many people with unique and diverse abilities ready to contribute to our state.”
“The Division of Blind Services strives to ensure that more employers recognize the benefits of hiring blind and visually impaired individuals and the many ways they can contribute to our economy,” said Division of Blind Services Director Robert L. Doyle III. “Persons with disabilities, just like their peers, have talents and skills that will further build on and advance Florida’s workforce. I encourage more businesses to follow in the footsteps of today’s honorees.”
Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Allison Flanagan said, “We are so honored to recognize these employers who are leading the way in building an inclusive workforce and looking beyond the disability. Individuals with disabilities offer a broad pool of talents and tend to stay on the job longer than employees without disabilities. Given the opportunity, individuals with disabilities are able to show their skills, loyalty, and determination and become successful members of the community. Without the support of outstanding employers, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation would not have been able to assist nearly 6,000 individuals in the last year to successfully obtain or maintain employment. Hiring people with disabilities is a win-win for everyone!”
Speakers at the Exceptional Employer event included Tallahassee Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant employee Klaressa Williams and AMC Theatres employee Walker Bullington. Others providing remarks were Department of Economic Opportunity Chief of Staff Cissy Proctor, Tallahassee Commissioner Curtis Richardson, Director of ABLE United John Finch, and President and CEO of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Suzanne Sewell.
Here is information on the 10 winning companies:
Boca Raton Resort and Club
The Boca Raton Resort and Club offers first class accommodations to individuals visiting the area. The Boca Resort began hosting a Project Search in 2013 and has continued the program. Project Search trains students in job skills, then allows them to gain real world experience doing the job. Boca Resort has hired 10 students who have graduated from the program. Four of those students were Vocational Rehabilitation customers too. The Resort received a 100 percent employment award from National Project Search because all the students landed jobs this year. The students work in the kitchen, laundry, banquet storeroom, lobby, spa, pool area, as stewards in various areas, and Human Resources. The resort makes sure they learn all the skills needed to be a successful employee in a hotel or restaurant, then they hire many of them to work there.
Cunningham Pest Control
This very small business of one was in high demand last year. The owner Scott Cunningham decided to double his workforce and hired a young man, Walter Burks, to help him. Burks, who happens to have a disability, was interested in finding a long-term career. It turns out that it was the perfect match. Burks is learning professional skills he can use in the future. Cunningham now has a loyal and reliable employee who is helping his business be successful.
Dosatron
This company has been hiring people with disabilities for 20 years. Dosatron manufactures water-powered chemical dispensers that are used by a variety of industries including drinking water, irrigation, and in animal health. Recently the company held a retirement party for a woman with unique abilities who had worked there for more than 20 years. They currently have two individuals on the payroll with special abilities. The culture of the company is extremely inclusive. Everyone is treated with respect. Dosatron has a close working relationship with the Arc of Tampa Bay.
Embassy Suites of Ft. Lauderdale
This employer has hired four people who are alumni of the Dan Marino Foundation Campus which is a post-secondary school for young adults with developmental disabilities. The Embassy Suites staff provide natural supports to employees with special abilities. The Marino Foundation works with this employer to meet employees needs whether it be additional training or on-the-job supports. The Embassy Suites served as an internship site over the summer which exposed Marino Campus students to many careers in the hotel industry. One individual with unique abilities who was having a hard time achieving success in the past, has now been employed for more than four years at Embassy Suites.
Martin Health System
Martin Health System has hired 19 interns with unique abilities since beginning its Project Search program in 2010. Three of these employees have been employed for more than seven years. These employees work in vital areas of the hospital. Two people work in Surgical Services assisting with the Operating Room. One person works as a Patient Care Technician. The other assists with sterilization and the sorting of instruments, and cleans the operating rooms. Five employees work in the Nutrition Services Department as a cashier, steward, and Patient Services Associates. One employee works in the Materials Department delivering hospital supplies to other departments. Another person works in the Environmental Services Department.
Piggly Wiggly of Quincy
This grocery store has gone out of its way to assist young people sometimes with significant disabilities, to learn job skills. Over the years, more than 30 people with differing abilities have been hired. Piggly Wiggly of Quincy works collaboratively with the community including the school system, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. All individuals are given an equal opportunity to excel and achieve success.
Planet Fitness of Panama City
This business is making a difference when it comes to hiring people with disabilities. Planet Fitness has hired five individuals with disabilities since opening in 2014 with four individuals still on the payroll. One employee is in their third year of employment. This employer is more than willing to make accommodations for its employees. Some of the accommodations include job carving, flexible schedules, allowing longer training times, and adding pictures to daily work schedules to help those with limited reading ability. Planet Fitness also participates in a summer on-the-job training program for individuals with unique abilities.
Publix Supermarkets
Over the past five years, Publix has hired 1,190 people through the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Just in 2017, Publix has hired 319 individuals. Publix is a great corporate partner supporting Special Olympics annually, with more than $3 million just this year. At one store in Palm Beach Gardens, six people with special abilities are employed, with one person delivering more than 10 years of service. Another employee with autism started as a bagger, and now has been promoted to cashier. His mother says she always knew Publix highly valued its customers. She has now learned that Publix values its employees just as much.
Sodexo
Sodexo is another large employer of people with all types of abilities. This company provides food service at colleges and universities. Sodexo has hired 62 individuals through VR in the past five years. On the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee, there are eight people with unique abilities. There are two individuals APD serves working at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach has hired numerous individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, including three from the Arc of Volusia. All of these campuses have made significant adjustments to include people with special abilities in their workforces. With the increased flexibility, these people are succeeding in their jobs, and bringing great value to their employers and the bottom line.
The Women’s Center of St. Cloud
The Women’s Center is one of the largest private practices in Central Florida specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. This business goes the extra mile to teach job skills and hire people with all types of abilities. Medical Director and Founder of The Women’s Center is Dr. Douglas Gearity. Job Coach Ana Morris mentioned to Dr. Gearity what she did for a living, and he immediately asked her to help him hire someone with unique abilities. Now he has four people with disabilities employed at his offices. Dr. Gearity has repeatedly said he wishes all his employees were as conscientious as the people placed by Morris because they arrive early and leave on time. Dr. Gearity has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to supporting these individuals in the work place. One individual didn’t want a promotion because she thought she had done something wrong in her old job. Dr. Gearity patiently explained to her that she had done such a good job she was being given additional responsibility and more money. That approach helped the woman feel good about this new opportunity, and now she this thriving in her new position.
APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1‑866‑APD‑CARES (1‑866‑273‑2273).
Montford Dedicates First Commerce and Tourism Committee Meeting to Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Senator Bill Montford, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism, will lead the committee’s first meeting on hurricane effects and recovery efforts across the business community in Florida.
“Hurricane Irma was a catastrophic storm, the likes of which Florida has never seen,” said Senator Montford. “We continue to face the long and complicated process of recovery statewide, from our businesses and tourist industry, the school systems, to agriculture and infrastructure, there was not an entity left untouched. It is important that we focus on fully understanding the impacts so that the Legislature can stand with local governments, businesses and citizens on the road to recovery. I have invited several representatives from the business community, as well as the governmental entities that focus on commerce and economic development to our first meeting. I also welcome all of my Senate colleagues to attend and participate in the panel discussion if they have questions specific to their districts. Vice Chair Gainer and I are committed to ensuring that Hurricane Irma will not stunt economic development in Florida.”
The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee will meet on Monday, October 9th in Senate Office Building Room 110. The panel will consist of representatives from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida United Businesses Association, CareerSource Florida, Visit Florida, Florida Small Business Development Center Network, and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The panelists will provide a brief overview of the impacts of the storm as well as efforts in recovery, and will be prepared to answer specific questions from Senators.
Senator Bill Montford
Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee) represents the Florida Senate’s third district, which includes the following counties: Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla. Senator Montford was first elected to the Senate in 2010 and subsequently re-elected in 2012 and 2016. He serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism, Vice Chair of Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities and member of Appropriations, Appropriations Subcommittee on Pre-K – 12 Education, Health Policy and Rules.
Florida Encourages Congress to Pass New GOP Tax Reform Plan
Florida small businesses will greatly benefit from lower tax rates
In case you missed it, last week the Main Street Growth & Opportunity Coalition of Florida, along with The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, commended our congressional members and the White House for coming together in agreement of a comprehensive pro-growth tax reform plan and encouraged lawmakers to pass a national budget.
A new poll conducted by the American Action Network indicated 73 percent of Americans say passing tax reform should be a top priority for Congress.
“This poll is very telling, not only for Florida’s small business community, but for every citizen in the U.S.,” said Julio Fuentes, President and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We must consider the recent hurricane damage and flooding in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico and how tax reform will put more money back into hard-working Americans’ pockets. This will help rebuild infrastructure and help rebuild communities. Speaker Ryan, Chairman Brady and Congressman Curbelo, please keep up the great work. We must see tax reform pass this year.”
“As a blue dog Democrat people often wonder where I stand on certain issues. Yesterday’s announcement from Speaker Ryan and other members of Congress is a true sign of hope for the much-needed replacement of our nation’s 30-year old tax code,” said Barney Bishop, small business owner, Main Street Growth and Opportunity Steering Committee Member and Immediate Past President of the Associated Industries of Florida. “The 20-25 percent lower business rate will benefit our nation tremendously and I am glad to see the Senate, House and White House in agreement on the revamped tax reform plan.”
The Main Street Growth and Opportunity Coalition Florida members strongly urge lawmakers in Washington D.C. to pass our national budget, so tax reform can be enacted this year. The risk of delaying this policy, yet again, will put Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico’s storm recovery at risk – not to mention discourage continued economic success nationwide. We are getting closer, but need to come across the finish line.
About the Main Street Growth & Opportunity Coalition – Florida
The Main Street Growth & Opportunity Coalition is an alliance of businesses, local trade associations and concerned individuals committed to supporting a common sense, pro-growth agenda for America. For more information, please visit www.mainstreetgrowthandopportunity.org/florida.
Sen. Victor Torres calls on Gov. Scott to expedite stockpiles emergency supplies for Puerto Rico
The former Marine and New York City Cop urges Rick Scott to
tap close relationship with Donald Trump to hasten relief
Less than 24 hours after his return from hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, and his first hand observation of one of the island’s largest cities still ignored by relief efforts, state Senator Victor Torres (D-Orlando) on Tuesday called on Governor Rick Scott to cut through the red tape stymieing the shipment of emergency supplies.
“The longer we wait, the worse it gets,” said Senator Torres, whose trip on Monday included the delivery of generators, chain saws, and other critically needed supplies to Ponce, Puerto Rico’s third largest city located in the southern part of the island. “The mayor told us yesterday that we were the first government officials to step foot in her city. No one from FEMA, no one from San Juan, and certainly no one from Tallahassee had preceded us in delivering supplies or accessing the situation in this city or its outlying towns.”
Noting the massive amount of water, food, and additional equipment – all critically needed by the people on the island yet lying idle in warehouses in Orlando – Senator Torres added that although Governor Scott emphasizes his close relationship with President Donald Trump, he has not made an effort to use that tie to cut through roadblocks hindering the shipment of stockpiled supplies to areas outside of the island’s capital.
“We’ve seen both the governor and the president fly into and out of the capital, bringing little more than photographers and promises,” said Senator Torres. “This does nothing to alleviate the suffering and the potential death count as supplies remain bottlenecked in warehouses.”
In his visit to Ponce, Senator Torres observed that the people themselves took it upon themselves to clear critical infrastructure, including roads, as well as the landing strip in the city’s airport for air transport. In addition, five of the city’s eight ports are operational, but no supplies are arriving. Senator Torres said that the governor could easily remedy the situation by asking for federal intervention.
“I saw firsthand the desperation that is mounting on the other side of Puerto Rico that has been neglected,” said Senator Torres. “Two weeks after Hurricane Maria made landfall, Governor Scott’s promises of immediate help while he continues to wait for some kind of formal request from Puerto Rican officials are ringing hollow. It’s time for him to get to work.”
Gov. Scott Issues Updates on State Action to Assist Puerto Rico
Governor Rick Scott today visited the American Red Cross distribution warehouse in Orlando to thank volunteers for organizing donations to assist recovery efforts for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Governor Scott also spoke with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló today to discuss ongoing response and recovery efforts.
See below for more information on what the State of Florida is doing to support Puerto Rico:
MILITARY SUPPORT
- The Florida National Guard (FLNG) continues to monitor and provide support, as needed, to coordinate Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) force flow into Puerto Rico.
- Over the weekend, the FLNG deployed a communications specialist from the 48th Civil Support Team to Puerto Rico to assist with stabilizing the response network. This is in addition to the airman from the Florida Air National Guard is on the ground in San Juan directing the Joint Air Coordination Element (JACE).
- Additionally, the FLNG is providing logistical support to the North Carolina National Guard which is preparing to ship vehicles out of Jacksonville to Puerto Rico via sealift. The 100-person unit will lodge at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center beginning October 5th until deployment.
- The Florida National Guard is coordinating with the full-time Guardsmen as part of the 601st Air Operations Center at Tyndall Air Force Base. This organization, under the U.S. Air Forces North (AFNORTH), is coordinating all military airflow in the Joint Operations Area. They recently coordinated 29 military flights, which included water, meals, sandbags, health specialists, military police, vehicles and other humanitarian assistance supplies and personnel.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) traveled to San Juan with Governor Scott last week and met with the Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety to discuss security concerns and needs.
- FDLE has coordinated a request for 1,500 law enforcement officers that are standing by to deploy to Puerto Rico to supplement Puerto Rican law enforcement. These assets will come from across Florida, including state and local partners, and other states.
- An eight-member incident management team is prepared to deploy to Puerto Rico this week to help assess law enforcement needs. The Florida Highway Patrol has two members on the incident management team and will have between 50-70 troopers available to respond immediately once needs are identified.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified volunteers from across the state that are part of the FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) to stand by for potential deployment. Many of these officers have recently deployed to assist with Hurricanes Harvey and Hurricane Irma response and recovery operations.
- FWC has identified specialty equipment such as trucks, coastal and river patrol boats, ATVs and shallow draft boats to be considered for potential use as needed.
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
- At the direction of Governor Scott, three Disaster Relief Centers (DRCs) have opened at Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, and the Port of Miami for Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
- The following organizations will have staff on site: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Children and Families, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Health, Department of Economic Opportunity, American Red Cross and Catholic Charities (Orlando International Airport).
- These partners will offer services such as help with registering for FEMA Individual Assistance, crisis counseling, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) information, assistance with unaccompanied minors and agency social services, assistance with animal services, medical attention and health concerns, employment information and training services, food and water resources, language guidance and spiritual care.
- The hours of operation for these centers are 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., including weekends.
- The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is working closely with Puerto Rican officials to help identify, prioritize and affect Emergency Management Assistance Compact missions, allowing for the right resources and personnel from the continental U.S. to be appropriately leveraged in support of the response effort.
- SERT has coordinated with private partners to secure three large transport vessels that have a combined passenger capacity of more than 7,500 individuals.
- SERT is working with private cellular infrastructure repair and support companies to assist the Puerto Rico response effort and deploy personnel, repair equipment, trucks and fuel needed for critical communications infrastructure repairs.
- SERT is identifying relief supplies for deployment. More than 2 million pounds of relief supplies are positioned in the Tampa Bay area for two large cargo aircraft transporting them to airports outside of San Juan. In addition, four hangars across the Tampa and Orlando areas are full of relief supplies are on standby for air transport.
- Available relief supplies include 220 Florida Point of Distribution (POD) support packages which are used for the distribution of water, food, and supplies to the public, 50 6,000-gallon potable water tankers, 300 fork lifts, 10 kitchen support units, 10 shower/laundry facilities, 1,000 light towers, and 1,200 portable generators standing by for transport to Puerto Rico as needed. In addition, Lowe’s is currently transporting 30 trailers worth of portable generators to Homestead for transport to Puerto Rico.
- SERT is working with utility partners at the State Emergency Operations Center to identify resources that may be offered to Puerto Rico. This includes personnel, repair equipment and expertise. Additionally, FPL has offered assessment teams that can quickly deploy and assist in determining critical infrastructure needs.
- SERT is working with fuel industry partners to secure ships transporting fuel, fuel trucks and bilingual drivers to transport fuel to areas with the most critical need. Two fuel barges are on standby for deployment.
- SERT, through the Florida Retail Federation, is coordinating with Florida’s major retailers in ensuring the availability and distribution of needed goods.
- SERT coordinated with the Humane Society of the United States to support pet and animal shelters in San Juan.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
- The state coordinated with Florida International University to host evacuees from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, 90 of which were dialysis patients, at Florida International University.
- The state is currently on the list of Federal Coordinating Centers (FCCs) to accept patients if needed from Puerto Rico as recovery efforts continue. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) will stand ready to coordinate patient transport as needed.
- DOH is providing education on available public health services at Disaster Relief Centers in South Florida and Orlando for Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
- The Agency for Health Care Administration will work with our federal partners to gather information on any waivers the Medicaid program would need to serve individuals from Puerto Rico. As always, the Medicaid program covers medically necessary services for children and families eligible for Medicaid.
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is prepared to deploy a four-person team to assess infrastructure status and needs and coordinate further related deployments.
- FDOT is working to fulfill a request from Puerto Rico to assist in evaluating the current status of traffic signals and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) field devices.
- FDOT has been in communication with Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Transportation and Public Works regarding transportation needs.
- The Governor has called on Florida port directors to prioritize and expedite the shipment of goods from across the country quickly to Puerto Rico and many ports have committed to stand ready to help move supplies through their facilities as quickly as possible.
VOLUNTEER FLORIDA
- Volunteer Florida is providing information and resources to Floridians who want to make donations or volunteer at www.volunteerflorida.org.
- Volunteer Florida is assisting with the opening of Disaster Relief Centers in South Florida and Orlando for Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria and providing bi-lingual assistance for displaced families.
- Volunteer Florida is coordinating with local volunteer United Way agencies and non-profit partners to provide referral information for transportation, lodging, food and water during transition.
EDUCATION
- Florida school districts have processes in place to enroll K-12 students displaced by natural disasters, and all districts are prepared to enroll Puerto Rican evacuees. Families displaced by Hurricane Maria have begun arriving in Florida, and a number have already enrolled their students.
- Commissioner Stewart will issue a summary of guidance to all districts and continue to work with school districts on additional issues as they arise.
- The below Florida state colleges and universities are waiving out-of-state tuition and fees for students from Puerto Rico displaced by Hurricane Maria following a request by Governor Scott:
- Broward College
- Chipola College
- College of Central Florida
- Daytona State
- Eastern Florida State College
- Florida A&M University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida Gateway
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida International University
- Florida Keys Community College
- Florida Southwestern State College
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Florida State University
- Gulf Coast State College
- Hillsborough Community College
- Indian River State College
- Lake Sumter
- Miami Dade College
- New College of Florida
- North Florida Community College
- Northwest Florida State College
- Palm Beach State
- Pasco-Hernando State College
- Pensacola State College
- Polk State College
- Santa Fe College
- Seminole State
- South Florida State College
- Johns River State College
- Petersburg College
- State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota
- Tallahassee Community College
- University of Central Florida
- University of Florida
- University of North Florida
- University of South Florida
- University of West Florida
- Valencia College
Last week, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott visited San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts. On Friday, Governor Scott met with President Trump and Vice President Pence to discuss his trip to Puerto Rico and actions the State of Florida is taking to help with response and recovery. Governor Scott also hosted a call with Puerto Rican government officials and Florida state agency leaders last week to ensure the State of Florida is doing everything possible to help Puerto Rico recover.
