The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved a three-year contract with Sprint Communications Company, L.P. (Sprint) to provide telecommunications relay service to the nearly three million hard-of-hearing, deaf, deaf/blind, and speech impaired Floridians. Sprint’s contract begins in March 2018.
Of the two companies bidding, Sprint received the highest technical rating and offered the lowest overall per-minute cost for service. Sprint was the only bidder proposing to hire an in-state Customer Relations Manager. Sprint also proposed to designate a Florida Relay Quality Manager.
“Florida’s relay service assures everyone has the ability to use the public telephone network and connect with their family and community,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “We look forward to Sprint seamlessly continuing to offer this essential service.”
On May 4, 2017, Commissioners voted to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to select a relay service provider offering the most cost effective service for Florida’s citizens. The RFP, issued May 16, 2017, included a clearly defined point system for proposal evaluations, and companies were required to submit their bids with charges per billable minute, assuming a three-year contract award, with the option of four one-year extensions.
The PSC issued the RFP when Sprint informed the Commission it did not intend to extend the relay provider contract into the option periods at its current price. The current contract with Sprint expires on February 28, 2018. Sprint and Hamilton Telecommunications Company submitted proposals.
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI), a non-profit corporation, administers the statewide relay service. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Florida’s relay service facilitates telephone calls between people with hearing loss or speech disabilities and other individuals by using special equipment and a communications assistance operator to relay information. A monthly surcharge of $.10 per landline funds the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices and interstate relay service.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
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CFO Patronis: As Irma Approaches, Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Ahead of Hurricane Irma’s potential impact, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is stressing the importance of understanding insurance coverage. As Floridians finalize their preparations, they are encouraged to include copies of their insurance policies in their family disaster kits and to call Florida’s Insurance Helpline (1-877-693-5236) for help with any insurance-related questions or concerns.
“Hurricane Irma is a large and dangerous storm, capable of creating widespread damage, and it is crucial for consumers to understand their insurance coverage as they prepare their homes for Irma’s possible impact,” said CFO Patronis. “Insurance is a complicated issue, and it’s easily misunderstood. I encourage Floridians to call 1-877-693-5236 with all of their insurance questions – our team is standing by to take their calls.”
If possible, Floridians should complete the following before the storm:
- Update your inventory – Take photos or video of high-value belongings, gather receipts and write down purchase dates (if known) and serial numbers.
- Minimize losses – IF it is safe to do so, take simple steps to secure your home or property. Cover your windows with hurricane shutters or plywood to guard against flying objects, move vehicles into carports or garages, carry in grills and outdoor furniture that may become flying objects.
- Follow – Follow your insurance company on social media for important storm-related information. Also, save your insurance company’s or agent’s phone number for ease of filing future claims.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies have a separate hurricane deductible of two to five percent of a home’s insured value. If a home is damaged due to a hurricane, homeowners will be responsible for this deductible, which may be higher than their normal deductible amount. While every insurance policy is different, as a general rule, homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. Damage caused to a car by wind, falling trees, flood, etc. is covered under auto insurance, if the consumer carries comprehensive auto coverage.
Florida Forest Service Announces State Forest Campground Closures for Hurricane Irma
In preparation for Hurricane Irma, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today the Florida Forest Service will be closing all campgrounds at more than 20 state forests starting Friday, Sept. 8.
“Today we are implementing campground closures to help ensure the safety of our residents and visitors,” said Commissioner Putnam.
Campgrounds for the following state forests will be closed starting Friday, Sept. 8:
- John M. Bethea State Forest
- Twin Rivers State Forest
- Cary State Forest
- Jennings State Forest
- Ralph E. Simmons State Forest
- Etoniah Creek State Forest
- Goethe State Forest
- Ross Prairie State Forest
- Welaka State Forest
- Lake George State Forest
- Matanzas State Forest
- Tiger Bay State Forest
- Seminole State Forest
- Withlacoochee State Forest
- Charles H. Bronson State Forest
- Little Big Econ State Forest
- Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
- Myakka State Forest
- Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
- Picayune Strand State Forest
These campgrounds will remain closed until further notice. While all Florida state forests remain open at this time, the Florida Forest Service urges citizens to take extreme caution and not to visit them if they seem unsafe due to weather.
Depending on Hurricane Irma’s tract, the Florida Forest Service may announce additional campground closures or state forest closures. The Florida Forest Service team is in constant communication with state and local emergency operations centers.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
University of Florida announces closures Sunday and Monday due to threat of Hurricane Irma
Due to the threat of Hurricane Irma, the University of Florida’s main campus in Gainesville will be closed on Sunday, Sept. 10 and Monday, Sept. 11. Only needed essential university personnel should report for work.
UF is currently scheduled to reopen and resume classes and normal operations on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The official site for university hurricane information is the UF home page.
Information on student services, including safety and dining will be announced later today and distributed to students. Depending on the hurricane’s projected impact, campus shelters may be opened for students, faculty and staff, and their family members.
UF Health clinical and core service personnel are asked to check with their supervisors as to whether they should report to work and provide support to the academic health center for emergency operations.
UF/IFAS personnel outside Gainesville should adhere to their county government guidelines on closing. Personnel in other UF programs outside of Gainesville should consult their supervisors.
P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School is also closed Monday, and is operating on the same schedule as Alachua County schools.
Notices of any scheduling changes can be found through a link on the UF home page or on the information line at 866-UF-FACTS or 866-833-2287.
As a reminder, students and employees in need of immediate assistance should dial 911. Students may also contact U Matter We Care at [email protected] or by calling (352) 294-CARE (2273). Employees may call the Employee Assistance Program at (352) 392-5787.
Florida PSC Promotes National Lifeline Awareness Week
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is offering eligible consumers a special opportunity to receive a discount on their monthly phone service during National Lifeline Awareness Week, September 11-17, 2017. Lifeline Assistance (Lifeline) program information will be available at PSC outreach events in several Florida communities this month and is also be available online.
Making communications services more affordable for low-income consumers, the federal Lifeline program provides a $9.25 monthly discount. Consumers can receive a Lifeline discount on either a wireline or a wireless service, but can not receive a discount on both services simultaneously. Lifeline also supports broadband and broadband-voice bundles through participating companies.
“Lifeline helps ensure that low-income consumers can afford 21st century communication and the access it provides to jobs, health care, education, and opportunities,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Lifeline Awareness Week is a great opportunity to let consumers know that recent program changes now allow Lifeline broadband offerings, expanding ways to stay connected.”
To participate in Lifeline, consumers must have an income at or below 135 percent of the federal Poverty Guidelines, or you (or someone in your household) must participate in one of these federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)
You will need to show a card, letter, or official document, as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for Lifeline. Federal Communication Commission rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household, so consumers must choose to apply the discount to either voice or broadband service.
Joining other states in celebrating National Lifeline Awareness Week, Florida’s outreach events will help raise awareness and increase participation in the Lifeline program. PSC representatives will be available to help qualified residents who want to apply for Lifeline.
More information on Lifeline Awareness Week can be found here.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Governor Scott Issues Updates on Hurricane Irma Preparedness
This evening, Governor Rick Scott received a full update on Hurricane Irma at the State Emergency Operations Center. The Governor traveled the state today to meet with local officials, ensure communities have all the resources they may need, and to encourage families and visitors to be fully prepared. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Miami Dade and Monroe Counties and voluntary evacuation orders have been issued in Broward and Collier Counties. Additional orders are expected as the storm nears the state. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, city and county leaders, and utility officials who are also working to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any potential impacts from Hurricane Irma.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
EVACUATION NOTICES/ORDERS
- Miami Dade has issued mandatory evacuations for zones A and B. Miami Dade residents can find their zones by clicking HERE.
- Broward County has issued voluntary evacuations of mobile homes and low-lying areas beginning today.
- Collier County has issued voluntary evacuations of Marco Island beginning today.
- Monroe County has issued mandatory evacuations for visitors beginning this morning. Mandatory evacuations for residents will begin this evening.
- Individuals with special needs started being evacuated from Miami-Dade County this morning.
- Additional evacuations are expected throughout the state. All Floridians should pay close attention to local alerts and follow the directions of local officials.
- To find available shelters by county, visit floridadisaster.org/shelters.
MILITARY SUPPORT
- Governor Scott has activated a total of 1,000 members of the Florida Air and Army National Guard to support with planning, logistics and operations in preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Irma. These members are stationing across the state and actively assisting with preparation efforts.
- At the direction of Governor Scott, all remaining 6,000 National Guard members will be reporting for duty no later than Friday morning. Additional guard members will continue to be activated this week as needed.
- The Florida National Guard has coordinated with the North Carolina National Guard to utilize air assets to assist with ongoing evacuations in the Florida Keys.
- The Florida National Guard has 1,000 high water vehicles, 13 helicopters, 17 boats and more than 700 generators on standby.
- The Florida National Guard is coordinating with the National Guard Bureau to identify approximately 30,000 troops, 4,000 trucks, 100 helicopters, and air evacuation crews that are standing by for Hurricane Irma support, if needed.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has more than 200 officers standing by for the first wave of response based on potential storm impacts. Thirty teams with supporting resources such as trucks, coastal and river patrol boats, an ATV and two shallow draft boats are preparing for evacuation support, search and rescue missions, or any additional needs.
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has established 18 emergency response teams for deployment to impacted areas and seven logistics and planning teams. FDLE has also secured additional fuel for law enforcement.
- The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is monitoring road and traffic conditions to ensure roadways are clear and working with the Division of Emergency Management to ensure consistent messaging is provided statewide.
- The Division of Motorist Services has its Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles on standby and will deploy them to impacted areas as needed.
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
- Governor Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to suspend tolls across the entire State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Tolls will be suspended for the duration of the storm’s impacts to Florida.
- Real-time traffic information and evacuation routes is available at www.FL511.com
- FDOT is coordinating with Google’s emergency response team to prepare to ‘close’ roads in Google Maps in real time in the event that Hurricane Irma forces the closure of any roads in the aftermath of the storm. Google Maps are used for Uber and Waze among other directional applications.
- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is suspending construction contractor work and preparing key evacuation routes for possible shoulder use.
- FDOT is coordinating with county emergency operations centers directly to coordinate any necessary response actions, including activating traffic counters, providing local evacuation support and providing maintenance of traffic and other assistance.
- The state is monitoring conditions at all airports and seaports. As of now, there are no closed airports or seaports.
- Governor Scott has rescinded all weight and driver restrictions for highways so water, food, fuel and emergency supplies can be quickly brought to Florida.
HUMAN SERVICES:
- While the state is working with retail partners to fill grocery store shelves with water and other emergency resources as quickly as possible, it is important to be considerate of neighbors and take only what each family needs to be prepared.
- The state is staging mass care supplies such as meals, shelter support trailers and water at the State Logistic Response Center in Orlando for deployments as needed.
- Food Safety Response Teams are beginning to be placed on standby for recovery assessments.
- The state is also establishing local points of contact with mass care organizations and volunteer agencies, including working with the American Red Cross to coordinate sheltering and feeding operations. The American Red Cross has also established a Disaster Relief Operation (DRO) in Orlando.
- The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) will release September Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to current recipients who have not yet received them to assist with Hurricane Irma preparations.
VETERAN SERVICES
- The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) operates six skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility. All state veterans’ homes are currently operational.
- The State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Broward County and State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Volusia County will be installing hurricane shutters throughout the next day. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has closed the Key West, Key Largo and Naples Community Based Outpatient Clinics Wednesday, September 6 through Friday, September 8.
- Veterans from storm-impacted areas who require immediate assistance may contact: VA Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline: 1-800-507-4571.
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
- Volunteer Florida is coordinating with volunteer organizations across the state and has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide shelter operations training to volunteers and AmeriCorps grantees. To volunteer, go to volunteerflorida.org or call 1-800-FL-Help-1.
- Governor Scott has set a goal of 17,000 volunteers. So far, more than 700 state employees and more than 3,200 members of the public have signed up with Red Cross to take the volunteer sheltering training.
- Volunteer Florida has 43 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) on standby to deploy to areas of need. Many of these teams have begun to work in local call centers and prepare for sheltering assistance.
- American Red Cross teams are arriving into Orlando for staging with 26 tractor trailers at the State Logistics Response Center, 150 trailers at the State Farmers Market, and 100 emergency response vehicles in North Florida. They are also sending 1,000 volunteers.
- The Salvation Army is on standby with 32 cooking units already in Florida and additional supplies awaiting deployment from neighboring states.
- The Florida Baptist Convention has 35 kitchens on standby ready to feed 35,000 meals a day.
- Feeding America has received 9 truckloads of food from Kellogg’s to assist in shelters with 16 additional trucks coming in.
- Church World Service has hygiene kits and cleanup buckets on standby.
- Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida has showers and trailers available in Pensacola and Lakeland for deployment, as well as supplies such as chainsaws, shovels, and safety equipment.
- Church of Latter Day Saints has chainsaws, tarps, and water on standby.
- United Methodist Church has hygiene kits and flood buckets on standby.
STATE OFFICE CLOSURES
- Governor Rick Scott directed state offices to close in all 67 Florida counties this Friday in preparation for Hurricane Irma.
- State offices in Monroe county are closed until further notice. Beginning tomorrow, state offices in Charlotte, Miami-Dade, Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, Broward, St. Lucie, Martin, and Lee Counties will be closed. Prior to Friday’s statewide closures, state office closures will follow the direction of county officials and will be announced as they are determined.
- In partnership with the American Red Cross, salaried, non-essential state employees can receive expedited volunteer certifications for disaster services so that they may assist in or operate shelters in response to Hurricane Irma impacts and preparation. Florida law allows Governor Scott to grant full-time, salaried state employees up to 15 days of administrative leave for emergency volunteer efforts through the American Red Cross. Employees can register HERE.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
- The Florida Department of Education is in contact with school districts, state colleges and universities as all continue to monitor Irma and her path. School closures are available at www.fldoe.org/irma.
- Districts are preparing in the case that their facilities are needed for shelters. Colleges are making emergency preparations on their campuses and working with students who may need assistance with relocation.
K-12 Public Schools Closures
- Alachua County (Monday)
- Brevard County (Thursday, Friday)
- Broward County (Thursday, Friday)
- Charlotte County (Thursday, Friday)
- Clay (Friday, Monday)
- Collier County (Thursday, Friday)
- DeSoto County (Thursday, Friday)
- Dixie County (Friday, Monday)
- Duval County (Friday, Monday)
- Florida Atlantic University Lab School (Thursday, Friday)
- Flagler County (Friday, Monday)
- Glades County (Thursday, Friday)
- Hardee County (Monday, Tuesday)
- Hendry County (Thursday, Friday)
- Hernando County (Thursday, Friday)
- Highlands County (Friday, Monday)
- Hillsborough County (Thursday, Friday)
- Indian River County (Thursday, Friday)
- Lake County (Early Release Friday – high schools at 1:20PM, elementary at 2PM, middle at 3PM, Monday)
- Lee County (Thursday, Friday)
- Manatee County (Friday)
- Marion County will be (Friday, Monday)
- Martin County (Thursday, Friday)
- Miami-Dade County (Thursday, Friday)
- Monroe County (Wednesday until further notice)
- Nassau County (Friday, Monday)
- Okeechobee County (Thursday, Friday)
- Osceola County (Friday, Monday)
- Palm Beach County (Thursday, Friday)
- Pasco County (Friday)
- Polk County (Friday)
- Sarasota (Friday)
- School for the Deaf and Blind (Thursday, Friday)
- Seminole County (Monday)
- St. Johns (Friday, Monday)
- St. Lucie County (Thursday, Friday)
- Volusia County (Friday, Monday, Cancelled ACT test administrations scheduled for Saturday, September 9, at area high schools.)
Florida College System Closures
- Broward College (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- College of Central Florida (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
- Daytona State College (Thursday, Friday)
- Eastern Florida State College (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Florida Keys Community College (Wednesday until further notice)
- Florida SouthWestern State College (Thursday, Friday)
- Florida State College at Jacksonville (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
- Hillsborough Community College (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Indian River State College (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Miami Dade College (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Palm Beach State College (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Pasco-Hernando State College (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
- Seminole State College (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
- State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
- St. Petersburg College (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Valencia College (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
State University System Closures
- Florida Atlantic University (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Florida Gulf Coast University (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Florida International University (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- University of Central Florida (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
- University of South Florida (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday)
BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, & ECONOMIC STABILIZATION
- The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) created an event in the Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center (FLVBEOC) for Hurricane Irma and are currently updating with up-to-date storm information, situation reports and resources for the business community. FLVBEOC is available at www.flvbeoc.org.
- The state has activated the Private Sector Hotline at 850-815-4925. The hotline is available for business inquiries about the storm, preparedness information and post-impact information.
- The state is conducting daily Private Sector conference calls to provide situational awareness and to address concerns of private sector partners.
- DEO is continuing to coordinate with CareerSource Florida, local workforce boards, and other public-private partners.
- Major retailers are being contacted to provide the status of emergency supplies.
ELECTRIC & NATURAL GAS UTILITIES (Public Service Commission)
- Utility providers are working on staging and asset allocation so they can return power as quickly as possible following the storm and are prepared to start reporting outage and restoral information when notified to begin.
- The state is monitoring the power grid for sufficient power and the natural gas infrastructure for any damages that can cause a loss of service to power plants.
- The state is coordinating with utilities to identify potential fuel, equipment or resource needs.
- Memos for several gas companies to have access to their facilities have been issued.
VISIT FLORIDA
- VISIT FLORIDA remains in contact with all destination marketing partners and emergency contacts and has activated the Homepage Banner and Florida Now page on visitflorida.com to advise consumers.
- Through VISIT FLORIDA’s partnership with Expedia, Expedia.com/Florida has been activated to provide accommodations availability information for visitors, residents and first responders.
INSURANCE
- The Department of Financial Services and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has activated its internal Incident Management Team (IMT) for coordination of activities related to Hurricane Irma and is preparing to respond to deployments as needed, and prepared to order property insurers to submit claims information from Hurricane Irma.
- Additionally, in response to the Governor’s Office Executive Order, OIR has notified all entities writing health insurance in the state of their statutory obligation to allow for early prescription refills. OIR is also coordinating with the Agency for Healthcare Administration and Department of Health.
- Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is encouraging all Floridians to keep all insurance and banking information in one, easily-accessible place. Consumers can download a copy of the Department’s free Emergency Financial Preparedness Toolkit. The Toolkit serves as a one-stop shop for all finance, emergency and insurance contact information. Download and complete the toolkit today.
- 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.
- 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.
FUELS
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency fuel waiver request from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which will allow more fuel to quickly enter the state as Florida prepares for potential storm impacts.
- The state remains in contact with fuel industry partners and will continue to monitor fuel assistance requests. Florida is moving as much fuel through the system as fast as possible.
- The state is prepared to survey fuel supply along evacuation routes and is coordinating emergency fuel resupply accordingly.
- Emergency fuel contractors have secured 1.5 million gallons of fuel for initial delivery and confirmed that additional fuel supply is on standby for future deliveries.
- While the state is working with fuel partners to bring fuel to communities as quickly as possible, it is important to be considerate of neighbors and take only what each family needs to be prepared.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL
- Under a State of Emergency, individuals are able to refill prescriptions early. All health insurers, managed care organizations, and other entities that are licensed by the Office of Insurance Regulation and provide prescription medication coverage as part of a policy are required to waive time restrictions on prescription medication refills.
- The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating with hospitals and healthcare facilities across Florida on evacuation needs.
- DOH is preparing to set up and coordinate staffing for special needs shelters.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has Disaster Medical Assistance Teams on standby for Florida. These rapid response teams aid in the provision of medical care to those who need it after the storm.
- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ regional offices have contacted providers and waiver support coordinators to ensure APD customers have a hurricane plan in place and that communities for people with developmental disabilities are preparing for the storm. Two group homes in Monroe County have evacuated. Others are evacuating on Thursday. Many will be going to a special needs shelter at Florida International University.
- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ Southern Region is on standby to evacuate. One group home has evacuated from the Central Region today. Two more are planning to evacuate tomorrow morning. One group home from Broward County has evacuated.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
- The state has contacted telecommunications partners to activate protective action plans and procedures for Central Offices, tower sites, mobile response units and any other critical infrastructure.
- Comcast will be opening more than 137,000 free Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout the state for individuals in need, including non-Xfinity customers, to help residents and emergency personnel stay connected if Hurricane Irma makes anticipated landfall in Florida. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks and businesses, please visit Xfinity.com/wifi.
- Telecommunications Partners are monitoring fuel levels for generators and back-up power supply for cell towers.
- The state is drafting 24-hour staffing schedules and all Telecommunications remain on standby to respond if required. Additional resources are being identified and preparing for potential deployment.
- At this point, there are no out of ordinary reports of any major outages.
- Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) has been sharing vital information about Hurricane Irma through their broadcast network, social media and station websites.
- FPREN is also reporting important news and information through the Florida Storms app and social media pages.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff is currently conducting baseline shoreline assessments to help evaluate beach impacts. DEP is also assisting in identifying and fortifying vulnerable areas of shoreline.
- DEP is reaching out to drinking, wastewater and hazardous waste facilities to help ensure preparation steps are being taken, and has issued an emergency final order to ensure recovery efforts are not hampered or delayed.
- Eleven Florida State Parks are currently closed. DEP is preparing to close more than 20 additional parks tomorrow. A full list of closures can be found at https://floridastateparks.org/content/storm-information.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District has begun a pre-storm drawdown that includes water releases from Lake Okeechobee. The Corps anticipates the releases will last a short time, with future water management decisions dependent on the water level in the lake after the storm passes.
- Routine inspections of the Herbert Hoover Dike are taking place and additional inspections will begin once the lake approaches 17 feet. The lake level is currently at 13.68 feet.
- The South Florida Water Management District has begun lowering water levels in canals and moving as much water as possible to tide and south through flood control structures throughout its flood control system in preparation for the storm.
- Field station staff are also inspecting key parts of the flood control system and ensuring adequate supplies of fuel and equipment for pump stations.
- The District is closely coordinating with local drainage districts and governments to help them prepare their local canal systems for stormwater runoff from the hurricane.
State Emergency Operations Center/ Contact Information:
- The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to level one, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.
- The Florida Emergency Information Line has been activated and is available 24/7 for families and victors at 1-800-342-3557. The media line is 850-921-0217.
- Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Irma.
- Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
- On Monday, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida.
- On Tuesday, Governor Scott requested, and President Donald Trump approved, a pre-landfall emergency declaration for the State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma which provided important preparation resources and assistance from the federal government.
Nelson calls on FEMA to help address growing gas shortage
Sen. Bill Nelson today asked the head of FEMA to help address South Florida’s growing shortage of gasoline.
“As a growing number of Floridians are being ordered to evacuate, we need to ensure that these evacuees have access to the gasoline they need to escape this approaching storm,” Nelson wrote in a letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long. “I strongly urge FEMA to use all available resources and authorities to assist those evacuating this potentially catastrophic storm, including pre-positioning fuel supplies near and along evacuation routes so those running low on fuel can obtain an emergency supply to get them out of harm’s way.”
Following is the text of Nelson’s letter to FEMA:
September 6, 2017
The Honorable William B. Long
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Long:
As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida’s coast, I’m asking for your help to address a growing gasoline shortage in South Florida. According to published reports, one out of every four gas stations along Florida’s east coast – from Miami to West Palm Beach – are out of fuel. And several other stations in the area have only a limited supply of gasoline left.
As a growing number of Floridians are being ordered to evacuate, we need to ensure that these evacuees have access to the gasoline they need to escape this approaching storm. In 2005, we saw thousands of people stuck on the side of the road as they tried to leave Houston during Hurricane Rita. We cannot allow this to happen again.
I strongly urge FEMA to use all available resources and authorities to assist those evacuating this potentially catastrophic storm, including pre-positioning fuel supplies near and along evacuation routes so those running low on fuel can obtain an emergency supply to get them out of harm’s way.
Finally, I have asked the Federal Trade Commission to monitor reports of fuel price gouging to make sure Floridians are not being taken advantage of, and I would ask that FEMA also do what it can to assist Floridians at this vulnerable time.
Thank you in advance for your prompt response to this urgent request.
Sincerely,
CFO Patronis and Commissioner Altmaier: Florida Insurance Industry Preparing for Hurricane Irma
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier today hosted a conference call with insurance company executives to confirm that companies are prepared to meet Floridians’ needs following Hurricane Irma.
CFO Patronis said, “Florida’s decade-long hurricane-free streak offered the insurance industry years to prepare, to build reserves, and to update technology. Florida’s policyholders fully expect that the insurance companies they entrust to protect their homes will be there during their time of need, and we’ll do everything possible to protect Florida’s policyholders throughout the entire post-storm process.”
Insurance Commissioner Altmaier said, “Consumer protection is our number one priority as Hurricane Irma bears down on Florida. The Office is dedicated to constantly monitoring the financial health of insurers, and in the coming days, we will be available around the clock to address any insurer issues.”
Nearly 50 insurance company representatives were invited to participate in today’s call. Topics included: post-storm claims reporting, the availability of insurance adjusters, and homeowners’ abilities to file claims when traditional communication lines are down.
CFO Patronis confirmed that there are nearly 200,000 individuals currently licensed to adjust hurricane damage claims in Florida. Insurance companies can appoint (contract with) these adjusters to ensure adequate post-storm availability. CFO Patronis today stressed that insurance companies must be prepared and have an appropriate number of adjusters on staff to meet consumers’ post-storm needs.
Following the full impact of Hurricane Irma, insurance companies will be required to report daily claims information.
To help consumers with the filing of insurance claims when traditional telephone and Internet lines may be down, the Department of Financial Services has engaged in initial conversations to host an on-site insurance village following the storm’s landfall. Date and location will be determined by the future track and ultimate landfall of the storm.
Consumers who have questions about policy coverages or need help filing a claim can call Florida’s free Insurance Consumer Helpline, run by the Department of Financial Services, at 1-877-693-5236.
Florida Polytechnic University Suspends Classes and Closes Campus in Advance of Hurricane Irma
Florida Polytechnic University has suspended classes after 3 p.m. on Wednesday in preparation for severe weather brought on by Hurricane Irma. The university will close campus from Thursday at 5 p.m. through Tuesday morning, at the earliest.
“The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our primary concern,” said Maggie Mariucci, Director of External Affairs. “We are closely monitoring Hurricane Irma’s path across Florida and we will continue to communicate with students and staff as we know more.”
School officials are working with local and state emergency response teams to prepare for the storm. An announcement of when campus will reopen will be made once campus officials are more certain of the storm’s path and potential effects. Students should check their email, University social media channels and Blackboard Connect (My Poly Alert) for the most up to date information from the University.
For more information about Florida Polytechnic University, visit www.floridapoly.edu.
Commissioner Adam Putnam to Visit Polk County Emergency Operations Center
MEDIA ADVISORY
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will visit the Polk County Emergency Operations Center tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss Hurricane Irma emergency preparations.
Event: Commissioner Adam Putnam and Polk County officials at Emergency Operations Center
Date: Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017
Time: 11:30 a.m. media availability
Location: Polk County Emergency Operations Center
1890 Jim Keene Blvd.
Winter Haven, Fla. 33880
