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Sens. Nelson and Rubio ask Dept. of Transportation for post-storm coordination and support

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio today sent the following letter to Dept. of Transportation Secretary Chao.
Following is the text of the letter sent to the Dept. of Transportation:

September 11, 2017

The Honorable Elaine Chao
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Secretary Chao:
As you are aware, Hurricane Irma made landfall in the state of the Florida as a category four hurricane early Sunday morning. Local officials have reported substantial damage to the bridges, roadways, and airports across the entire state. We thank the Department of Transportation for its swift release of emergency relief funding to begin addressing the immediate recovery needs.
While the infrastructure has yet to be fully surveyed, the need for assistance is expected to be significant. Florida Highway Patrol has already reported that portions of Interstate four in Central Florida have been washed out, and early indications are that northeast Florida roads are inundated with water. We are also hearing that bridges in the lower keys have sustained damage and are covered with debris. These roads, highways, and bridges may serve as critical routes, necessary for emergency response efforts, or vital to the delivery of much-needed fuel, food, water and other necessities post-storm. In addition, airports serve as a key hub for recovery as well, and are in the process of assessing damage. Without full functionality of these transportation pathways, Floridians are unable to resume their normal day-to-day lives.
The Department of Transportation plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and operability of our transportation network. While the level of damage to our state in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma is unclear, it is essential that all federal resources are provided to aid in restoring our state’s infrastructure to its optimal function and usability for our constituents. As state and local officials continue to assess the infrastructure damage incurred by this natural disaster, we ask the Department of Transportation to continue to coordinate with relevant federal agencies to provide all possible aid, staff and resources to address any deficiencies.
Thank you for your prompt consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

The Florida Lottery To Resume Operations

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Make-up Drawings for all Games Scheduled

The Florida Lottery announced today that daily drawings will resume tomorrow and make-up drawings for all Lottery Draw games suspended due to Hurricane Irma will also be conducted in sequence tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12, with full security and auditing measures in place.
Players holding tickets for any Lottery Draw games originally scheduled for Sunday, September 10, and Monday September 11, will be able to view the video-taped make-up drawings on the Florida Lottery’s YouTube site once they are posted.  Draw results will also be posted on the Lottery’s Winning Numbers webpage, as well as on its Facebook and Twitter platforms.
Florida Lottery drawings were suspended Sunday September 10, and Monday September 11, as a result of Hurricane Irma and the related Executive Orders by Governor Scott and the Florida Lottery which provided authority for the temporary suspension of business operations to ensure the health and safety of Floridians.
“We thank Governor Rick Scott for his decisive leadership, as well as the selfless devotion and courage of all those who placed themselves at risk to protect Florida’s families over the past several days,” said Lottery Secretary Poppell.

After Irma, Beware of Price Gouging, Disaster Scams and Looting

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As Tropical Storm Irma continues to move through Florida, Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning those in impacted areas to guard against price gouging, contracting scams and looting.
“Irma is still moving through Florida and already we are hearing reports about looting and robbery. This is disgraceful and anyone who steals from Floridians in this time of crisis will be caught and prosecuted,” said Attorney General Bondi. “My office and law enforcement continue to work tirelessly to protect Floridians, but citizens can help by taking steps to avoid being victimized.”
After a natural disaster, consumers should be wary of tree service scams, building and home repair scams, disaster relief scams, and water testing and treatment scams. If you suspect criminal activity such as looting, robbery or any violent crime, call 911 immediately.
Building Repair and Contractors: After a disaster, qualified contractors are in high demand, making things ideal for scam artists. If your home is damaged, be sure to follow these tips when hiring a contractor:

  • Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming they can perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job;
  • Have your insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs to ensure that the work will be covered under your policy;
  • Get at least three written, itemized estimates or bids on repairs;
  • Verify a contractor has a license with local and state licensing boards;
  • Additionally, ensure the contractor is licensed for the job. Check to see if a company is properly licensed and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com, the Department of Professional Business Regulation’s website;
  • Research the company and its reputation–ask for references;
  • Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM to see if there are complaints against a company or contractor;
  • Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current;
  • Check to see if the contractor is bonded and verify with the bonding agency;
  • Never pay the full amount of a repair up front and hesitate before providing large deposits;
  • Read entire contract, including the fine print, before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand cancellation rights and penalties you may experience for cancelling;
  • Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay them, the liens will remain on the title. Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments; and
  • Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until you are satisfied with the work performed.

Tree Service Scams: Heavy winds from a hurricane or tropical storm results in littered roads and uprooted trees. If you plan to have nearby trees removed to protect your home from danger or have fallen trees removed after a storm, follow these tips to avoid being scammed:

  • Watch out for anyone who approaches unsolicited about tree removal;
  • Get multiple written estimates and ask whether debris removal is included in the estimate;
  • Research the company and its reputation–ask for references. Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM to check if there are complaints against the company;
  • Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current, and
  • Never pay the full amount up front and do not make a final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work done.

Charity Scams: This scam is particularly effective after a disaster, during which numerous disaster-specific charities crop up. If you would like to donate to help with disaster relief, consider these tips:

  • Avoid solicitors that use high-pressure tactics or are hesitant to provide additional information on the charitable organization;
  • Be wary of charities with similar sounding names. Some phony charities may attempt to capitalize on disasters by using names similar to legitimate, well-known charities;
  • Consider donating to an established disaster-relief charity; and
  • Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (1-800-HELP-FLA), the agency that regulates charities, to determine if the charity you are donating to has any complaints against them.

Disaster Relief Scams: The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers disaster relief to eligible victims through various programs. When seeking aid, consider the following:

  • No state or federal disaster relief agency will call you for your financial information;
  • State and federal workers carry identification and will not ask for or accept cash;
  • Know that applications for federal FEMA relief programs are free and can be accessed at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA; and
  • Be wary of anyone who offers to fill out, assist with or expedite your application as they may be seeking access to your personal information.

Water Testing and Treatment Scams: Water mains and personal wells can be affected during hurricanes, and dishonest companies and individuals may insist upon pricey tests to determine water safety. Avoid falling victim by following these tips:

  • If someone claims to be a representative of your city, county or utility provider needing to inspect your water line or well, ask for proof of identification;
  • Check for water safety alerts as provided by local media and utility providers;
  • If you doubt the safety of your water, contact your local health department or utility. Local water utilities are required to test water quality on a regular basis;
  • If you doubt the safety of your well water, seek advice from your state or local health department to determine what tests should be performed and find certified testers in your area; and
  • If in doubt, boil water vigorously for one to three minutes or drink bottled water.

The state of emergency is still in effect and that means Florida’s price gouging law still applies to anyone who sells essential commodities or provides essential services to our consumers. We anticipate an uptick in price gouging complaints and complaints about unscrupulous contractors and charities post-Irma, especially tree service scams, building and home repair scams, disaster relief scams, and water testing and treatment scams.  
Please report any scams to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling (866) 9NO-SCAM. If you cannot get a live operator file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.

Senator Farmer Thanks First Responders

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On the 16th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and following Hurricane Irma

16 years ago our country suffered a devastating attack that was felt the world over. Today we remember that what makes us stronger as Americans is our dogged persistence, even in the face of hatred and bigotry, to our founding principles of tolerance and love for our fellow man.
It is in our response to adversity that our character is truly revealed. On September 11, 2001 we saw the character of America, and it was one of which we could be proud. Once again, today we are faced with adversity, this time in the form of a devastating hurricane. Much like on the fateful day of 9/11 we have seen our first responders put others first in an effort to secure the safety of our communities. We have seen an outpouring of support from fellow Floridians and our friends in states across the country.  On a day when we remember the sacrifices of those who choose to run into burning buildings, we could not have a better example to look upon than the brave men and women who are actively supporting us now, from far and wide.
Today, recall the amazing work that our police, fire, EMT’s, and national guardsmen do for us each and every day. Remember that there are those who forgo personal safety for the benefit of others. Thank you to our first responders.
As we remember this solemn moment in America’s recent history, I wish you all a path to swift recovery.
-Senator Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

Florida Forest Service and Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Begin Urban Search and Rescue Missions

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Florida Forest Service and the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, along with other agencies, have begun urban search and rescue efforts. They will also be conducting infrastructure assessments.
“Urban search and rescue efforts are among the highest priorities immediately following a hurricane, and the Florida Forest Service and Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, along with other agencies, have begun these life-saving efforts.”

Capital Health Plan updates office closures, reminds members how to access benefits during and after Hurricane Irma

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Capital Health Plan Urgent Care will close today, Sunday, Sept. 10,  at 4 p.m. All CHP locations will remain closed at least until Wednesday (9/13) until further notice.
Members can access comprehensive information about how to receive care during and after the storm by reading the Disaster Care document, located on the red banner of CHP’s homepage. The document outlines how members can access medical care or prescription drugs in the aftermath of Irma.
Capital Health Plan’s member services telephone lines are open and should be available throughout the storm, even if power is lost. There is a potential for phone lines to function intermittently during the power outages.
If you live in an area that has been declared an emergency or disaster and you need emergent or urgent care during this time, you should go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility that can meet your needs. In emergency situations, normal prior authorization and out-of- network requirements will be waived. Inform the doctor or facility staff that you are a CHP member, and provide them with your CHP ID card if you have it. Once CHP’s phone system is operational again, the doctor/facility can confirm coverage, benefit information, and receive claim payment information by calling CHP’s Network Services at 850-523-7361.
Prescriptions will continue to be filled at any of the 50,000 pharmacies nationwide in our pharmacy network. For a list of pharmacies, please visit capitalhealth.com/network. During the declared disaster, CHP’s “refill-too-soon” limitations will be lifted so that you may fill any needed medications that were lost or damaged during the disaster. If a pharmacy has any trouble filling your medications during this time, the pharmacist should be directed to call the PRIME Pharmacy Technical Help Desk at 1-800-821-4795 or 1-866- 469-5662 (Non-Medicare members) and 1-866-590-3010 (Medicare members), 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Please keep any receipts for any medical services or prescription medications that you have to pay for out of pocket during this time.

Sen. Nelson calls on Dept. of Energy to help address Florida's gas shortage

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Sen. Bill Nelson today sent the following letter to Dept. of Energy Secretary Perry regarding Florida’s gas shortage.
Following is the text of Nelson’s letter to the Dept. of Energy:

September 11, 2017

The Honorable Rick Perry
Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585
Dear Secretary Perry:
I write today regarding the gasoline shortages that occurred in Florida prior to landfall of Hurricane Irma, and are likely to persist in the days and weeks that follow.
I appreciate efforts taken to date by the Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to try to expedite the flow of gasoline shipments into Florida in the wake of the storm. At least some of these efforts, however, appear to have been hampered by the apparent lack of adequate gasoline reserves in Florida prior to the storm.
Unfortunately, this was also the case in the Northeast U.S. after Superstorm Sandy – where some communities waited weeks for gasoline shipments after the storm. These shortages hampered relief and recovery efforts in many communities. In response, the Department created a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) in 2014 to ensure an emergency gasoline supply for future natural or man-made disasters in that region.
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, I urge you to consider using your authority to create a similar gasoline supply reserve for the State of Florida. A Florida Gasoline Supply Reserve would ensure that residents and first responders have access to an emergency supply of fuel, and help prevent the shortages that may have kept some from evacuating and may hinder recover efforts going forward.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Patriot Day

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Attorney General Pam Bondi today released the following statement in remembrance of those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks:
“Today, we remember the thousands of innocent lives lost in the September 11th attacks and the brave first responders who gave their lives to save others. We will never forget their sacrifice and the men and women who answered the call of duty in the days, months and years following the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. After the cowardly attacks, our country came together like never before, and today we are a stronger, more resilient nation—still leading the world with freedom and democracy.”

28 States and D.C. Provide Assets for Hurricane Response and Recovery

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Governor Rick Scott today outlined support that has been deployed to Florida from twenty-eight states and Washington D.C. to aid in the response and recovery of Hurricane Irma. Governor Scott has worked closely with local, state, and federal governments to coordinate preparation efforts.
Governor Scott said, “Florida has received an incredible outpouring of support from other states in responding to Hurricane Irma. Responding to catastrophic storms like this takes a collaborative and coordinated team effort. The strength and speed of these states’ help has been instrumental in our planned response to Irma. The people of Florida are incredibly thankful for their selfless dedication. Together, we can withstand this storm and come back even stronger.”
The following personnel and resources have been deployed to Florida to assist in Hurricane Irma response and recovery:

  • Alaska – Deployed a Geographic Information Science Supervisor and Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Alabama – Deployed two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, along with cargo trucks and other logistical assets
  • Arkansas – Deployed 28 Swiftwater Rescue Personnel and Boats
  • California – Deployed an Emergency Management Assistance Compact Advance Team
  • Colorado – Deployed Graphical Information Systems and Emergency Operation Center Support Team
  • Connecticut – Deployed two CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • Washington D.C. – Deployed an All Hazards Incident Management Team
  • Indiana – Deployed Tactical Command Post staff and equipment
  • Iowa – Deployed four LUH-72 Lakota helicopters and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • Kentucky – Deployed six FEMA Type II ambulances
  • Louisiana – Deployed Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams, an Animal/Human Swiftwater Search and Rescue Team and Emergency Operations Center Support Staff
  • Massachusetts – Deployed Infrastructure Support Staff, an All Hazards Incident Management Team and a nurse team
  • Michigan – Deployed Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams
  • Minnesota – Deployed an Emergency Operations Center Support Team along with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter
  • Mississippi – Deployed a Type III Urban Search and Rescue Team, 26 Special Response Teams and equipment, an All Hazards Incident Management Team, lead staff for Mass Care, Emergency Support Function 8 Leadership Support and 2 CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • North Carolina – Deployed Medical Center Evacuation Assistance
  • North Dakota – Deployed an Emergency Management Assistance Compact Advance Team and Nurse Teams
  • Nebraska – Deployed multiple aviation assets
  • New Hampshire – Deployed 2 Air Operations Branch Directors
  • New Jersey – Deployed cargo trucks and other logistical transportation assets
  • New York – Deployed a Type III Urban Search and Rescue Team along with 10 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
  • Ohio – Deployed Type 3 All Hazards Incident Management Teams
  • Oklahoma – Deployed an Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Pennsylvania – Deployed a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with air support
  • Tennessee – Deployed a Type II Urban Search and Rescue Team, Emergency Support Function 8 Augmentation Teams, 40 Nurses and 5 Ambulance Strike Teams
  • Texas – Deployed 66 Swiftwater Search and Rescue Teams
  • Utah – Deployed a Human Services Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Washington – Deployed an All Hazards Incident Management Team
  • Wisconsin – Deployed Wide Area Security and Humanitarian Relief on a 30-day mission along with Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams

Gov. Rick Scott: President Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration

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Just hours after Governor Rick Scott’s request, President Donald Trump today approved a major disaster declaration. This declaration authorizes federal funding to flow directly to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Irma and reimburses local communities and the state government to aid in response and recovery from Hurricane Irma. This morning, Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key in the Lower Florida Keys.
Governor Rick Scott said, “It’s clear that the entire country is standing with Florida as Hurricane Irma batters our state right now. I have heard from people all across the world that want to help and support Florida. It’s encouraging, and on behalf of all Floridians – we appreciate the support and constant collaboration.
“I am thankful that President Trump, who I’ve spoken with multiple times this week, has been 100 percent supportive of our efforts and offered every resource of the federal government. Working with local emergency management professionals and FEMA, we will make sure that no expense is spared to help families respond and recover.”
The Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Trump authorizes the following:

  • 100 percent federal reimbursement for thirty days in all counties for emergency protective measures, such as Emergency Operation Center costs, evacuation costs, sheltering costs, and other costs associated with emergency response. After the thirty days, the federal government will reimburse 75 percent of these costs. This includes both local and state expenses;
  • 75 percent federal reimbursement for all counties for debris removal;
  • Direct federal financial assistance for impacted Florida families in the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough; Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties.

**NOTE: As Hurricane Irma moves through Florida, Governor Scott will work with President Trump and FEMA to approve more funding to additional communities affected by the storm. Also, the approval indicated that the federal reimbursement percentage may increase as damage assessments are reported.
To view the declaration, click HERE.