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Statement from Sen. Bill Nelson on tragic deaths in Hollywood

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Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson on the deaths of six senior citizens at a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida:
“This is an inexcusable tragedy that frail patients would die of heat exhaustion without it being recognized and taking them to the hospital next door. I have spoken with the Secretary of HHS to get to the bottom of this. We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep our seniors safe during this difficult time.”
A link to the latest from AP here.

FAMU Board of Trustees Extends Interim President Larry Robinson’s Contract

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Yesterday, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to extend the contract of Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
The contract is effective September 15, 2017 through September 14, 2018.
“The unanimous vote is not only another signal of our confidence in the current leadership of Dr. Robinson and his team, but it is also a continuation of our journey toward making a good and thoughtful decision on selecting the next permanent president of Florida A&M University,” said Board of Trustees Chair Kelvin Lawson. “Extending Dr. Robinson’s contract gives us time to weigh our options, post the next Board of Governors’ meeting, to determine if we will conduct a national search or ask Dr. Robinson to continue his work as the permanent president. The Board is committed to making the best decision for our university.”
Dr. Robinson expressed his appreciation for the confidence and support of the trustees and reiterated his commitment to serving the University.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve this great institution as interim president and humbled by the vote of the Board of Trustees,” said Robinson. “I remain dedicated to working with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters to ensure that the goals of the University are successfully accomplished.”
Dr. Robinson has served as the interim president since September 15, 2016, and previously served in the capacity from July 2012 to April 2014 and in 2007.

UF first in Florida to crack U.S. News list of top 10 best public universities

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The University of Florida has become the first Florida school to break into the list of top 10 best public universities, coming in at No. 9, according to the 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released today.

Among all universities both public and private, UF is now tied with the University of California, Irvine, the University of California, San Diego, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. All four schools were ranked No. 42 overall.

Now the state’s highest-ranked university, UF last year was ranked No. 14 among publics and No. 50 overall.

“This is a significant milestone that we can all be proud of, and it happened as the result of many years of focused work and a keen sense of purpose,” UF President Kent Fuchs said. “Our faculty – the core of our academic reputation – and staff deserve tremendous credit for lifting us up to get us here, as do previous leaders, particularly Bernie Machen, and UF’s Board of Trustees. We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Legislature, Gov. Rick Scott and the Board of Governors for their continued support to ensure that the nation’s third most-populous state has the world-class university it deserves.”

The U.S. News rankings are based on up to 15 key measures of quality that are used to capture the various dimensions of academic quality at each university. The measures fall into seven broad areas: undergraduate academic reputation; graduation and retention rates; faculty resources; student selectivity; financial resources; alumni giving; and graduation rate performance.

Factors that helped UF’s ranking improve this year include:

  • Undergraduate academic reputation – Created from an annual survey of college and university presidents, provosts and admissions officers as well as high school guidance counselors. Each individual is asked to rate peer schools’ undergraduate academic programs on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (distinguished). It counts for 22.5 percent of each school’s overall score. UF’s score in that category this year was 3.7, up from 3.6 last year.
  • Selectivity – A function of how many student applicants a school admits each year and students’ SAT and ACT scores and high school class standings. It accounts for 12.5 percent of the total; UF’s score was up seven points from 54 last year to 47 this year.
  • Graduation rate performance – A comparison between the actual six-year graduation rate for students entering in fall 2009 and the predicted graduation rate. The predicted graduation rate is based upon characteristics of the entering class, as well as characteristics of the institution. UF’s score rose four points this year over last year, in part because U.S. News this year began factoring in the percentage of STEM (science, technology, math and engineering) graduates into its calculation.

Fuchs extended congratulations to the other Florida schools that saw their U.S. News rankings improve this year: Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and Florida International University.

UF’s quest to become a top-10 public research institution officially began in 2013, when the Legislature passed, and Scott signed, a bill designating it a preeminent university and providing special funding to be used for helping it reach top status. Florida State University also received the preeminent designation.

UF has since used preeminence funding to hire more than 100 senior leading faculty from all over the world. Earlier this year, the university announced a plan to increase the faculty by an additional 500 members to continue to increase research excellence and reduce class sizes.

Many new UF researchers have cited the school’s exceptional breadth of disciplines and the numerous opportunities for collaboration that brings as a reason for coming to work at the university. UF is one of only six universities in the country with colleges of law, medicine engineering, agriculture and veterinary medicine on one campus.

Fuchs said UF alumni – half a million strong – and friends represent one of the strongest and most loyal communities in the world and should be especially proud. He also offered his thanks to university leaders around the country for their votes of confidence in UF.

“We have benefitted greatly from their wise advice and sage counsel,” he said.

While he welcomed the new ranking, Fuchs said the university’s work is far from done.

“Now is the time to double down,” he said. “We have the talent, the collective will and the means to keep moving up. We owe it to our students and the people of Florida to be the very best public research institution we can be.”

FDOT and DHSMV Monitoring Santa Fe River at I-75 for Potential Impacts Due to Unprecedented Flooding

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Upon receiving weather reports late today, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that it is actively monitoring a small bridge on I-75 at mile marker 408 crossing the Santa Fe River on the northern border of Alachua County. The river is expected to crest at historic and unprecedented levels presenting a potential threat to the safety of travel on this bridge. The Santa Fe River under I-75 has rapidly risen 15 feet within the past 36 hours due to the heavy rainfall over North Florida from Hurricane Irma. An additional rise is expected within the coming days as water levels from upstream move southward down the river. The river level is currently safe at 55 feet. However, if the river were to rise to an unsafe level, the bridge would become impassable both northbound and southbound, and would be closed immediately.
At this time, I-75 remains safe and passable. Floridians that are traveling home should monitor this situation very closely and remain alert to local travel conditions. The Florida Department of Transportation is actively working with WAZE, Google Maps, the Georgia Department of Transportation and other transportation industry partners to communicate the potential reroutes to the public. Floridians should consult www.FL511.com for up-to-date information on road closures and travel routes.
Hydrologists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will be conducting an on-site assessment of river conditions tomorrow morning. An update on the conditions will be provided following this assessment. FDOT bridge inspectors are monitoring this structure 24 hours a day to ensure driver safety.
If the Santa Fe River rises to an unsafe level, it will require the full closure of I-75 south of I-10 and north of U.S. 441 in Alachua. Travelers should be prepared for significant delays from tomorrow evening through Saturday. This unprecedented river flooding will also cause closures and extensive rerouting of traffic on U.S. 27, U.S. 41, S.R. 47 and possibly U.S. 121. These routes would not be considered passable.
In the event of road flooding on I-75 at the Santa Fe River, FDOT will reroute traffic to U.S. 19, U.S. 301 and I-95. Any Floridian planning on traveling to Central or Southern Florida should consider traveling southbound on I-95.
To plan for the possibility of bridge damage, FDOT will be issuing an emergency procurement to ensure a team of engineers will be on scene to immediately make any needed repairs once the water recedes.
We will keep the public and media informed of any developments. Safety is always our top priority and additional updates will be released as soon as available.

Florida PSC Urges Patience as Utilities Work to Restore Power

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Be patient, Florida, as electric utilities work to restore power following Hurricane Irma, urges the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates the state’s investor-owned utilities.
“Florida’s utilities are working around-the-clock to get families, businesses, and communities back to normal,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown said.  “Coordination between utilities throughout Florida and other states means tens of thousands of workers are on-the-ground helping speed restoration efforts as quickly and safely as possible.
“Following completion of safe restoration efforts, all stakeholders, including the PSC, and other stakeholder agencies, will assess restoration performance and any opportunities and/or needs for improvement.”
The PSC reminds Floridians that utilities must try to restore power to the largest number of customers as safely and quickly as possible and follow a systematic protocol.

  • They  have to  first repair power plants and damaged transmission lines and substations;
  • They then restore power to critical facilitates such as hospitals, police and fire stations, communications facilities, water treatment plants, and transportation providers;
  • They work to return service to major complexes housing grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and other community services; and
  • They also simultaneously concentrate on restoring service to neighborhoods, ensuring that every resident and business has power.

For consumers needing assistance, please first call your utility.  If you need further assistance, the PSC’s toll-free consumer assistance line is 1-800-342-3552.  Or, you can visit the PSC’s website at www.floridapsc.com.

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Continued Hurricane Irma Response Efforts

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Governor Rick Scott today toured impacts of Hurricane Irma in Lee County with City of Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons and Lee County Undersheriff Carmine Marceno, and joined Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, and members of the National Guard on an aerial tour to assess damage from Hurricane Irma in Jacksonville.
Over the past few days, Governor Scott has also visited four shelters in Pensacola, Immokalee, Jacksonville and Fort Myers. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, city and county leaders, law enforcement and National Guard leaders, and utility officials as Hurricane Irma response continues.

EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
Flood warnings and rip current risks are in effect across the state. To see the most current advisories in your county, click HERE.
POWER AND UTILITIES
The current power outage as of 6:00 p.m. is more than 4.7 million accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
Do not try to handle downed power lines. Contact your local utility company to report it.
Tampa Electric

  • In total, 425,000 of Tampa Electric’s 730,000 customers were impacted by the storm. At the peak of the storm, 335,000 customers remained without power. Power has already been restored to 170,000 customers, or about 40 percent of those affected.
  • Tampa Electric expects to restore power to essentially all customers the night of Sunday, September 17th.
  • About 3,200 line, tree and other workers, from other utilities from as far away as the Midwest, Northeast and Canada, continue to arrive today to assist Tampa Electric, as part of the largest restoration effort in U.S. history.

Florida Power and Light

  • In total, 4.4 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to 1.1 million customers.
  • FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the East Coast the night of Sunday, September 17th.
  • FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the West Coast by Friday, September 22nd.
  • FPL has mobilized the largest restoration workforce ever assembled with more than 18,000 out-of-state restoration personnel working around the clock.

Duke Energy

  • More than 1 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 375,000 customers.
  • Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for western service areas the night of Friday, September 15th.
  • Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for central and northern service areas the night of Sunday, September 17th.
  • More than 12,000 restoration workers have been mobilized to quickly restore power to all customers.

Gulf Power

  • Gulf Power has fully restored power to the 13,000 customers affected by the storm and has no storm related outages.
  • Gulf Power has a restoration team of more than 150 personnel in route to Tampa to assist with power restoration for Tampa Electric.

Florida Electric Cooperatives Assoc.

  • More than 760,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 318,000 customers.
  • Approximately 3,000 cooperative workers from Florida and nine other states are deploying to the hurricane impact zone to assist with restoration efforts.

Municipal Utilities

  • More than 800,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to about 400,000 customers.
  • Restoration is expected to be completed by the night of Sunday, September 17th, except hardest hit areas, such as Key West, which will take longer to restore.
  • Several utilities such as Tallahassee, Kissimmee and Jacksonville Beach are close to being fully restored. In addition, several smaller utilities like Newberry are already 100% restored.

FUEL
Port Everglades, Port Canaveral and Port of Tampa all opened today and are actively prioritizing fuel tanker ships. The Florida Highway Patrol has 20 troopers dedicated to escorting fuel resupply trucks to communities in need.
This week, the Governor took the following actions to expedite fuel delivery to gas stations:

  • Directed the Florida Highway Patrol to escort fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
  • Waived the tax on fuel entering the state;
  • Gov. Scott and executive office staff have held daily calls with all fuel supply stakeholders, including Florida Ports;
  • Following the Governor’s request, Vice President Pence announced that the federal government has waived the Jones Act upon Governor Scott’s request, which waives additional rules and regulations to allow more fuel to get to Florida fast. This waiver ensures that all options are available to distribute fuel to Florida. The last Jones Act waiver was issued in December 2012, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
  • Following the Governor’s request, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency fuel waiver which allows more fuel to quickly enter the state. For more information, please click HERE.
  • Requested eleven states to join Florida in waiving weight and driver restrictions to move goods more quickly into the state, including fuel. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • More than 200 FWC officers statewide, including partner agencies, are deployed in areas with resources such as trucks, coastal and river patrol boats, ATVs and shallow draft boats to respond to critical areas based on the storm’s path.
  • FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) officers, National Guard members and an Urban Search and Rescue Team continuing rescue operations in the Keys.
  • FWC has more than 500 law enforcement vessels deployed throughout the state. FWC has three teams of 22 officers with 10 boats in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida conducting search and rescue.
  • FWC has sworn in nearly 200 officers deployed from Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas.
  • The entire Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), approximately 1,700 troopers, is on 12-hour shifts, with the primary mission to assist emergency response.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol has 20 troopers dedicated to fuel escorts from Port of Jacksonville, Port of Tampa, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral now that all three ports have been opened.
  • FHP is providing security escorts to 44 tractor trailers with relief supplies into Florida from the Georgia/Florida state line to Miami.
  • FHP is providing security escorts to 600 utility trucks into Florida from the Georgia/Florida line into impacted areas of Southwest Florida. In addition, FHP is providing a security escort to 11 Panama City utility vehicles.
  • 60 FHP troopers have been deployed to assist the Polk County Sheriff, 50 troopers have been deployed to assist the Collier County Sheriff and 20 troopers have been deployed to assist St. Johns County law enforcement.
  • FHP is providing a security escort to seven AT&T communication trucks to assist with communication coverage in Monroe County.
  • Despite closed state offices in Volusia Co., DHSMV staff is at Orange City & Daytona Motorist Services offices to offer Driver’s License and ID services.
  • FDLE is assisting with search and rescue missions and is coordinating Florida’s law enforcement response. Response teams are supplementing local law enforcement in impacted areas with missions including securing fuel and generators, looting patrols, and local EOC staffing.   

 MILITARY SUPPORT

  • There are more than 9,000 soldiers and airmen on the ground, as a combined force of members of the Florida National Guard, partner National Guard states and active duty components, that have conducted hundreds of missions across the state.
  • The Florida National Guard is actively coordinating a multi-service effort to conduct life-saving operations in the Florida Keys, including providing critical capabilities to include road and runway clearance to enable the delivery of life-saving supplies.
  • Florida Army National Guard aviation assets have been moved to Opalocka, where they are positioned to begin assisting with air bridge operations in the Keys beginning tomorrow.
  • More than 1,800 Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen are supporting more than 250 shelters across Florida.
  • More than 900 Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen are operating at approximately 80 Points of Distribution sites for the distribution of food and water as needed.
  • More than 150 Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen have conducted search and rescue missions in Clay, Duval and Orange Counties.
  • More than 2,200 Guardsmen from five states (Georgia, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina) have responded to assist with Hurricane Irma response operations.
  • The full spectrum of U.S. military has supported Hurricane Irma disaster relief efforts, which includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the two amphibious ships USS Iwo Jima and USS New York, which are positioned to begin providing assistance as requested.

SHELTERS

  • More than 300 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than57,000 individuals. More than 60 special needs shelters are open with a total population of more than 13,00 individuals. This number is being updated throughout the day. Visit floridadisaster.org/shelters/summary.aspx to find information on shelters in your area.
  • To find information about available shelter information by county, visit floridadisaster.org/shelters.
  • FEMA is also hosting shelter information on its mobile app which can be found at fema.gov/mobile-app.
  • The state is fully committed to ensuring adequate food resources are available to residents impacted by Hurricane Irma, and are prioritizing these resources based on areas where landfall occurred first and based upon urgency of need. These areas include Monroe, Charlotte, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota Counties, and shelters of last refuge. USDA Foods from the state inventory (405,000 meals) as well as inventory from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (427,000 meals) have been deployed. The state is also working to ensure ice is available for shelters, canteens, kitchens, and military support operations. Florida’s Integrated Rapid Response Team (FLIRRT) has been activated for Hurricane Irma. These teams will be conducting assessments of affected food establishments in the impacted areas.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

  • More than 100 assisted living facilities, 13 hospitals, one emergency room and 95 other health care facilities, including 44 nursing homes, have evacuated or are closed.
  • Up-to-date information on boil water notices is available online HERE.
  • Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health staff are conducting assessments throughout the state and epidemiology staff are monitoring emergency department surveillance to identity carbon monoxide poisonings relating to generator use.
  • DOH staff continues to provide staffing for special needs shelters and deploy other assets to aid in county recovery efforts.
  • Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health staff are conducting assessments throughout the state and epidemiology staff are monitoring emergency department surveillance to identity carbon monoxide poisonings relating to generator use.
  • The state is holding daily calls with assisted living facilities and nursing homes to ensure they have everything they need to serve those in their care. The state is aggressively working to restore power to these facilities.
  • OneBlood is urging all those who are able to visit a local blood center and donate blood to do so. They have an urgent need for platelets and O negative blood.
  • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ regional offices are communicating with providers, waiver support coordinators, and APD customers to ensure they are safe and the status of their homes.
  • Group Home residents are leaving emergency shelters and returning home as mandatory evacuations are rescinded. Two Group Homes run by Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC) evacuated to Orlando and plan to stay until Friday. They are waiting to hear from officials when it is safe to return to Monroe County.
  • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Rish Park in Gulf County has reopened today. Operations at Tacachale Center in Gainesville are returning to normal.
  • APD will be hosting a statewide call on Wednesday with Waiver Support Coordinators to discuss recovery efforts and any unmet customer needs.
  • Residents, especially residents with special needs, should plan for conditions along their route home as well as conditions in their impacted community. For road conditions, please check 511.com. Residents should contact their local county or emergency management officials for the most up-to-date information regarding curfews, power outages, reentry policies and the availability of necessary commodities.
  • The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) operates six skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility. All state veterans’ homes are currently operational. Three veterans’ homes are currently operating on generator power.
  • The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a number of Florida-based medical centers, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers in the storm path. For specific information on all VA closures in Florida, please click HERE or visit http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/hurricane-irma/. 

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has completed damage assessments on major highways. Every interstate and turnpike is open for Floridians, however, there is heavy traffic volume on I-10 eastbound and I-75 southbound. Everyone should continue to listen to local officials on when to return home.
  • At this point, FDOT damage assessment teams and debris removal crews are working on assessing damage on US 1 south in the Keys. No residents or visitors are permitted into the area until an assessment of damage on roadways and bridges is complete. Local officials will determine when it’s safe to reenter Monroe County.
  • FDOT continues to coordinate with Google’s emergency response team to “close” damaged roads in Google Maps in real time following damage assessments.
  • FDOT’s cut and toss crews will continue to work with utility crews across the state to clear road debris so power can be restored quickly.
  • Bridge inspections and debris clearance are ongoing throughout the state.
  • FDOT is coordinating with other states to deploy additional resources to Monroe County. A number of other states have offered assistance. Maryland, Missouri and Delaware are currently deploying crews to Florida. FDOT continues to coordinate with other states.
  • Around the state, FDOT has 13 traffic management centers where hundreds of DOT workers are monitoring traffic cameras 24/7. Real-time traffic information is available at www.FL511.com
  • Governor Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to suspend tolls across the entire State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Tolls remain suspended and immediate recovery efforts continue.
  • FDOT is coordinating with county emergency operations centers directly to coordinate any necessary response needs and actions, including damage assessments and road and bridge closures.

RECOVERY BRANCH

  • An aggressive recovery effort is ongoing, working with FEMA to identify and activate federal grant programs that can benefit Floridians and their communities.
  • Following Governor Rick Scott’s request a major disaster declaration by President Donald Trump. Individual Assistance is available for Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Duval, Flagler, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota and St. John counties, Emergency Protective Measures (Category A and Category B) funded through the Federal Public Assistance Program is available for all 67 counties.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

  • Residents who sustained losses in the nine declared counties can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Residents who suffered damages from the storm may register now, and if their county is later included in the declaration, the application will be processed automatically.
  • Governor Scott will continue to work with President Trump and FEMA to approve more funding to additional communities affected by the storm.
  • Residents are also encouraged to download the FEMA App to begin the registration process. Simply click on Disaster Resources.
  • If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY); if you use 711 Relay or Video Relay Service call 1-800-621-3362.
  • The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

SCHOOL AND STATE OFFICE CLOSURES

  • Please visit www.fldoe.org/irma/ to view all school closures.
  • State offices will continue to follow the lead of local governments. Closed offices currently include Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Glades, Jefferson, Lake, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties.

VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

  • Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support individuals who are impacted by Tropical Storm Irma. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide financial support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10. Volunteer Florida has also engaged with Facebook to activate a donation portal online.
  • In response to Hurricane Irma, Lyft is donating $100,000 to a “Relief Rides” program helping those in need get to/from hospitals and shelters after the hurricane, as well as partnering with Team Rubicon to help their volunteers. If you are associated with a hospital, shelter, or local government, please email [email protected] so that Lyft can get you access to a pre-funded account to help those in need. Click here for information on how partners can use Lyft’s Concierge Service to request rides for those in need and who may not have access to a smartphone. If you are an individual in need of a ride, please use the code HELPFLORIDA. For information on specific locations for Relief Rides please click here.
  • Volunteer Florida is working with Uber to transport food to people in shelter. Uber is donating $400,000 of rides, food and relief to families and communities affected as well as first responders. Uber will also provide free rides to and from shelters for residents of Hillsborough and other impacted areas, including Duval County and Lee County. In partnership with Volunteer Florida, Uber will provide free rides to help move volunteers to shelters in impacted areas. Local governments, nonprofits, and organizations with an immediate need can visit [email protected].
  • Volunteer Florida is working with Johnson & Johnson, which is donating baby supplies and personal hygiene items to victims, Americares, which is donating pharmaceutical supplies to special needs shelters, Poland Water, which is donating 100 box cars of bottled water, American Logistics Network to stand up a multiple agency warehouse, and multiple volunteer partners.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • Nearly 140 Florida State Parks remain closed, and 20 have been opened for day-use only. Park service staff have formed strike teams to respond to impacted parks and re-open them as quickly as possible. A full list of closures can be found at https://floridastateparks.org/content/storm-information
  • DEP has mobilized 12 Hazardous Assessment and Response Teams in coordination with the EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard to assess hazardous waste facilities and respond to pollution incidents and other storm impacts. The 40 members of these teams will deploy to Duval and Hillsborough counties tomorrow to begin assessments.
  • DEP staff continue to respond to local governments and utilities requests for support. This includes providing support to Cocoa Beach Utilities to maintain water pressure and ensure drinking water supplies for the community.
  • Dune and beach fortification activities in St. Johns, Volusia and Flagler counties that had begun in the week prior to Hurricane Irma will resume tomorrow.
  • Technical specialists from EPA’s water division are deploying to Florida to assist DEP staff with wastewater and drinking water system recovery.
  • DEP has established a mutual aid system to coordinate responses between utilities, the department, and other responders. This system is active and continues to coordinate and respond to the needs of drinking and waste water facilities throughout Florida. This includes ensuring generators are provided to the Town of White Springs, Alachua County, City of Delray Beach, City of Pompano Beach and Manatee County for lift stations, wastewater plant and other vital infrastructure operations.
  • DEP continues to coordinate with GIS and subject matter experts to map priority sites for preliminary damage assessments, and with FDOT to assure roads are cleared to priority sites to expedite assessments.
  • DEP is coordinating with US Army Corps of Engineers, FDOT, US Coast Guard, FWC, and FEMA on debris removal statewide.
  • DEP is mobilizing Beach Response Teams and participating with assistance of USACE in efforts to expedite recovery of Florida beaches.
  • DEP has issued an emergency order to ensure recovery efforts are not hampered or delayed. DEP has expanded that order for power plants to cover the entire state to assist any facility recovering from the storm and a new order to waive certain rules for fuel facilities impacted by the storm statewide. Both orders apply only to impacted facilities and have provisions to guard the environment while assisting in quick recovery of critical infrastructure.
  • DEP is working with FWC, EPA, and the U.S. Coast Guard to mitigate pollutants from submerged vessels.

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

  • The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) deployed rapid impact assessment and aerial reconnaissance teams to inspect areas of the regional flood control system.
  • SFWMD is deploying debris removal teams to remove trees and other debris that could block the drainage of flood waters.
  • The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has deployed pumps and staff to assist Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties in recovery efforts from flooding caused by Hurricane Irma.
  • On Monday, the SJRWMD began diverting water from the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project to reduce floodwaters flowing north, providing flood protection for people and property downstream. The district closed a structure and four gates to help alleviate extreme flooding in the river’s lower basin in Jacksonville.
  • The Southwest Florida Water Management District continues to operate water control structures. All structures without power are being monitored and are discharging as needed. These structures can be manually operated if needed.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District found no areas of concern during post-Irma inspections of Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee in South Florida.
  • The current lake level is at 14.55 feet.

BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, & ECONOMIC STABILIZATION

  • DEO is preparing to launch the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide support to businesses that suffered economic or physical damage from Hurricane Irma.
  • The Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center business damage assessment surveying tool has been activated for businesses to report damages resulting from Hurricane Irma. Businesses are encouraged to visit http://flvbeoc.org/index.php.Click on Hurricane Irma.
  • A private sector hotline is available at (850) 410-1403 to respond to calls from businesses and private sector support organizations.
  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is readying the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program to provide temporary income support to eligible individuals in counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance.
  • The state is working to identify the “open/close” status of businesses. This information is being posted to the SERT Tropical Storm Irma webpage: http://www.floridadisaster.org/info/.
  • The Florida Retail Federation is assisting in coordinating information to Florida Retailers regarding restocking of emergency supplies, readying mobile pharmacies, and the transportation of fuel.
  • The Florida Small Business Development Center Network is working with federal officials to identify additional staffing and financial resources to support business response activities.
  • The Florida Chamber of Commerce is coordinating with their members and local chambers to determine post-storm recovery needs and identifying resources available to be sent to the affected areas.

INSURANCE

  • Floridians affected by the storm must now begin the process of surveying damages to their property and belongings. If you need help finding your Florida’s property insurance company’s website and contact information, click HERE. For a list of licensed insurance agents in Florida, click HERE.
  • Consumers with questions about their policies and those who need help filing a claim should call the CFO’s free Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236.
  • It is important to document all damaged property and belongings. A free smartphone app developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners called “MyHome Scr.APP.book” is available to assist with photo documentation.
  • OIR has updated its “Hurricane Season Resources” webpage, which contains links to information provided by the Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, and contact information for Florida’s property insurers.

USDA Eases Program Rules to Aid Florida, Other Irma-Stricken Areas

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Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today outlined steps the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken to help the people of Florida and other states and U.S. territories ravaged by Hurricane Irma, underscoring the Department’s commitment to feeding all those in need in times of disaster.
“USDA stands shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans struggling in the path of devastation created by this historic storm,” Perdue said. “Working with our state and private-sector partners, we are actively taking measures to ensure that people in these areas get the food they need.”
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently approved a temporary waiver and supported other actions that will help households participating in the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Florida, Georgia and the Virgin Islands and the Nutrition Assistance Program in Puerto Rico access food in the wake of Hurricane Irma, including:

  • Allowing SNAP participants in Florida to buy hot foods and hot ready-to-eat foods with their benefits through Sept. 30.
  • Supporting Florida’s plan to issue all September SNAP benefits on Sept. 7 and Georgia’s plan to issue all remaining benefits for September on Sept. 10; both actions will ensure families have access to their monthly benefits sooner during this time of immediate crisis.
  • Supporting Puerto Rico’s action to issue all September Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on Sept. 5, before the storm.

FNS is working closely with the affected states and territories to be ready, if appropriate, to make use of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to offer continuing food assistance after commercial channels of food distribution have been restored and families are able to prepare food at home. D-SNAP can be a critical tool in the recovery process, but it is not the first step, Perdue said, noting that FNS offers states a range of assistance from rescue to recovery.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs, including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which together comprise America’s nutrition safety net. For more information on FNS assistance during times of disaster, visit www.fns.usda.gov.

Gov. Scott: More Fuel and Restoring Power is Florida’s Top Priority

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Power Restored for Nearly 2 Million Homes and Businesses

Governor Rick Scott today made it clear that Florida’s top priorities continue to be getting fuel delivered to gas stations and getting power turned back on for 100 percent of homes and businesses. While significant progress has been made on both fronts, the Governor will continue to aggressively work until every Floridian can return to work and their kids can go back to school.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is an incredibly resilient state and now it is time that we come together and rebuild. After visiting shelters this week and talking to people who evacuated due to Hurricane Irma, the number one thing I heard from families is that they want their power back on.
“We must make sure Floridians have the fuel they need to get home and back to work, and the electricity they need to live their lives. We are making progress on both fronts, but I will not rest until we are 100 percent recovered. While power has been restored to nearly two million homes and businesses so far, there is much more work that needs to be done. I have directed every state resource to help with these issues, and we are working with local officials, public and private utility companies and the federal government to fill gas tanks and turn on the lights.”
Utility Company Updates

  • The current power outage as of 6 p.m. is more than 4.7 million accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
  • Since Monday afternoon, nearly 2 million accounts have been restored.
  • Do not try to handle downed power lines. Contact your local utility company to report it.

Tampa Electric

  • About 3,200 line, tree and other workers, from other utilities from as far away as the Midwest, Northeast and Canada, continue to arrive today to assist Tampa Electric, as part of the largest restoration effort in U.S. history;
  • In total, 425,000 of Tampa Electric’s 730,000 customers were impacted by the storm. At the peak of the storm, 335,000 customers remained without power;
  • Power has already been restored to 170,000 customers, or about 40 percent of those affected; and
  • Tampa Electric expects to restore power to essentially all customers the night of Sunday, September 17th.

Florida Power and Light

  • FPL has mobilized the largest restoration workforce ever assembled with more than 18,000 out-of-state restoration personnel working around the clock;
  • In total, 4.4 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to 1.1 million customers;
  • FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the East Coast the night of Sunday, September 17th; and
  • FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the West Coast by Friday, September 22nd.

Duke Energy

  • More than 12,000 restoration workers have been mobilized to quickly restore power to all customers;
  • More than 1 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 375,000 customers;
  • Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for western service areas the night of Friday, September 15th; and
  • Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for central and northern service areas the night of Sunday, September 17th.

Gulf Power

  • Gulf Power has fully restored power to the 13,000 customers affected by the storm and has no storm related outages; and
  • Gulf Power has a restoration team of more than 150 personnel in route to Tampa to assist with power restoration for Tampa Electric.

Florida Electric Cooperatives Association

  • More than 760,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 318,000 customers;
  • Approximately 3,000 cooperative workers from Florida and nine other states are deploying to the hurricane impact zone to assist with ongoing restoration efforts.

Municipal Utilities

  • More than 800,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to about 400,000 customers.
  • Restoration is expected to be completed by the night of Sunday, September 17th, except hardest hit areas, such as Key West, which will take longer to restore.
  • Several utilities such as Tallahassee, Kissimmee and Jacksonville Beach are close to being fully restored. In addition, several smaller utilities like Newberry are already 100% restored.

Fuel Updates:

  • All three of Florida’s major fuel ports are open and operational – Port Tampa, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral. Port of Panama City is also open and operational. Each Port is prioritizing fuel shipments and FHP is escorting fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
  • Port Everglades has three fuel resupply tankers at berth and are working around the clock to bring more fuel into Florida;
  • Fuel trucks are actively filling and leaving the terminals to refuel gas stations;
  • Port Tampa will receive ten tanker vessels in the next 48 hours;
  • JaxPort is open to traffic on the landside terminals. Fuel trucks are actively filling and leaving the terminals to refuel gas stations;
  • The first fuel tanker arrived at Port Canaveral today at 2:30pm, and the Port will continue to receive fuel resupply.
  • Eleven states have joined Florida in waiving weight and driver restrictions to move goods more quickly into the state, including fuel.
  • The Jones Act, Florida’s gas tax and all weight and driver restrictions continue to be waived to expedite fuel delivery.

This week, the Governor took the following actions to expedite power restoration across the state of Florida:

  • Hosted daily calls with Florida utilities companies to make sure they were preparing resources and positioning restoration personnel to help get the power on as quickly as possible.
  • As early as the morning of Tuesday, September 5th, utilities were directed to begin contacting mutual aid partners and prepare to report outages as soon as storm impacts were felt. Utilities were also directed to identify any staging areas needed outside of Florida to ensure out of state linemen resources could be fully prepared for deployment as soon as conditions were safe.
  • At the direction of Governor Scott, Florida Highway Patrol is escorting utility convoys to areas in need to help quickly restore power, including escorting 600 utility trucks into Florida from the Georgia/Florida line into impacted areas of Southwest Florida. In addition, FHP is providing a security escort to 11 Panama City utility vehicles.
  • Governor Scott has directed Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) cut and toss crews to work alongside utility crews across the state to clear road debris so power can be restored quickly.

This week, the Governor took the following actions to expedite fuel delivery to gas stations:

  • Directed the Florida Highway Patrol to escort fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
  • Waived the taxes on fuel trucks entering the state;
  • Gov. Scott and executive office staff have held daily calls with all fuel supply stakeholders, including Florida Ports;
  • Vice President Pence announced that the federal government has waived the Jones Act upon Governor Scott’s request, which waives additional rules and regulations to allow more fuel to get to Florida fast. This waiver ensures that all options are available to distribute fuel to Florida. The last Jones Act waiver was issued in December 2012, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
  • Following the Governor’s request, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency fuel waiver which allows more fuel to quickly enter the state. For more information, please click HERE.

Nelson and Rubio ask for FEMA assistance to restore Florida's communications networks

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Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio today asked the head of FEMA to assist in restoring the state’s wireless communication networks.
Following is the text of the letter sent to FEMA:

September 12, 2017

The Honorable William B. Long
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C St., SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Long:
As we begin to address the considerable damage caused by Hurricane Irma to the state of Florida, we write to request assistance in restoring our state’s communications networks.
According to a FCC Communications Status Report issued today, 24 percent of Florida’s wireless communications systems are inoperable, with many more operating on generators or battery power. This includes 29 “911” call centers either lacking service or operating at reduced capacity. Overall, more than 7.1 million cable and/or telephone subscribers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama have been impacted.
At a time when many residents of Florida have relocated from their homes, access to wireless communications is particularly important. Wireless phones provide displaced residents with a critical lifeline to first responders, family and friends, important information about the state’s recovery from the storm, and government assistance.
The ability to contact emergency services in the days following a natural disaster is vital to the safety and security of communities. We request that FEMA coordinate with relevant federal, state and local officials to facilitate the ability of communications companies to access affected areas, assess damage to their networks and restore service.
We appreciate your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,