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Nelson, Rubio call on Congress to approve additional funding for Hurricane Irma

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) are calling on Senate leaders to include additional funding in a $7.85 billion disaster aid package the House passed earlier today for Hurricane Harvey to “account for the additional costs FEMA will likely incur responding to Hurricane Irma.”
“Hurricane Irma is now one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean and is currently on track to make landfall in South Florida as early as Sunday,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Charles Schumer. “This massive category-5 storm has the potential to cause catastrophic destruction throughout the state and we are deeply concerned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will not have the resources it needs to respond if Congress doesn’t act soon.”
Following is the full text of the senators’ letter:

September 6, 2017

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader
S-230, U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Charles Schumer
Minority Leader
S-221, U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer:
Hurricane Irma is now one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean and is currently on track to make landfall in South Florida as early as Sunday. This massive category-5 storm has the potential to cause catastrophic destruction throughout the state and we are deeply concerned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will not have the resources it needs to respond if Congress doesn’t act soon.
As of right now, FEMA is scheduled to run out of money by Friday, Sept. 8, just two days before Hurricane Irma is expected to hit Florida. Unfortunately, the current disaster relief package Congress is considering for Hurricane Harvey doesn’t account for the additional costs FEMA will likely incur as a result of Hurricane Irma. In fact, according to FEMA, even with the Harvey supplemental aid package, FEMA is likely to run out of funds before the end of September.
As Floridians are preparing for one of the worst storms on record, they need to know that the federal government is both ready and willing to direct the necessary resources needed to help them in the recovery process. As such, we strongly urge you to include additional funding in the Hurricane Harvey aid package to account for the additional costs FEMA will likely incur responding to Hurricane Irma.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Joint Statement on Hurricane Irma from State Senator Torres and State Representative Mercado

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As Hurricane Irma prepares to make landfill on the island of Puerto Rico and tracks towards the State of Florida, State Senator Victor M. Torres, Jr. and State Representative Amy Mercado encourage all residents to prepare for the storm.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our families, friends and all residents currently in the path of Hurricane Irma” said Senator Torres. “We encourage everyone to make necessary preparations to keep themselves and their families safe during this impending storm event.”
Representative Mercado added: “I urge Congress to act swiftly in approving funding for disaster recovery efforts, not only for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, but for those who will be impacted by Hurricane Irma in Florida, Puerto Rico and elsewhere.”
Mercado and Torres pledged to work with all Federal, State and Local agencies in preparation for the storm but more importantly during the aftermath and recovery efforts that will begin once Hurricane Irma makes its impact on the United States.

Bristol woman claims top prize in $1000 A WEEK FOR LIFE Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Cynthia Sutton, 31, of Bristol, claimed a top prize in the $1,000 A WEEK FOR LIFE Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $815,000.00.
Sutton purchased her winning ticket from Southern Express, located at 10694 Northwest State Road 20 in Bristol. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.
The $2 Scratch-Off game, $1,000 A WEEK FOR LIFE, launched in July and features more than 10 million winning tickets, including eight top prizes of $1,000 a week for life. The game’s overall odds of winning are one-in-4.43.
Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.

Nominations Open for 2018 OneJax Humanitarians

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The OneJax Institute at the University of North Florida is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Humanitarian Awards. The awards will be presented at a celebration dinner event on April 12, 2018. Since 1970, these prestigious awards have been the Jacksonville community’s way of honoring those who have given generously of themselves and have exhibited the highest personal and professional integrity.
Nominations are reviewed by a committee made up of OneJax board members and former honorees and are based upon the following criteria: a history of community service through long-term involvement in civic, religious, nonprofit or professional/business organizations, dedication to the improvement of human relations among diverse groups in the Jacksonville area, impeccable personal and professional integrity, sustained commitment to humanitarian ideals, history of placing humanitarian concerns above self-interest and realistic humility about his/her importance in the world.
There are two categories of awards that may be nominated by the community. The Silver Medallion honors those who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our community. The Dr. Gaston Acosta-Rua Young Professionals Award recognizes a young professional who is already making a significant impact on strengthening the community through their time, talent and treasure. The award is named for a founding NCCJ Board member (predecessor organization of OneJax) and Silver Medallion honoree who dedicated his lifetime to upholding the values of the organization.
Nominations must be submitted on the official nomination form available via the website. The form, along with a written statement detailing how the nominee meets the criteria, must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. Any individual or group may submit a nomination of an individual they think worthy of being named a OneJax Humanitarian.
“The nominations we receive from the community are so important to the selection process,” said Nancy Broner, OneJax executive director. “We’re a big city with lots going on and many good people making a difference. Without members of the community to help identify potential Humanitarian Award candidates, these deserving people might not be recognized for their contributions. We encourage everyone to consider making a nomination.”
The 2018 Awards Dinner will mark the 48th year that people making a difference in the community have been honored. Previous honorees include Preston Haskell, Fran Kinne, Bob Shircliff, Madeline Scales Taylor, Audrey Moran, Frieda Saraga, Gwen Yates, Hugh Greene, Susan Greene, Rodney L. Hurst Sr., Dr. Parvez Ahmed and many others.
Since 2012, OneJax has been an Institute of the University of North Florida. Through education, community building and advocacy, OneJax Institute works to make Northeast Florida a better place for everyone by celebrating differences and identifying all we have in common. For more information, visit the OneJax website or call (904) 620-1JAX.

Florida Forest Service Personnel, Aircraft, Off-Road Vehicles Staging to Respond to Hurricane Irma

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that more than 100 Florida Forest Service personnel, as well as aircraft, off-road vehicles and mobile command posts, are preparing to respond to Hurricane Irma and assist in search and rescue missions, debris clearing, distributing supplies and more.
“More than 100 members of the Florida Forest Service, as well as aircraft and off-road vehicles, are preparing to immediately respond to the impacts of Hurricane Irma,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “While Florida’s emergency managers continue to prepare and plan for potential landfall of Hurricane Irma, I encourage all Floridians to complete their preparations and finalize their plans before it’s too late.”
During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps provide necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.

Attorney General Bondi to Hold Media Briefing at State Price Gouging Call Center

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Attorney General Pam Bondi will hold a media briefing at Florida’s Price Gouging Call Center following tonight’s Hurricane Irma update at the State Emergency Operations Center. Attorney General Bondi activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline Sunday night following the state of emergency declaration made in preparation for Irma making landfall in Florida. Since then, hundreds of complaints about alleged price gouging have flooded into the call center and our consumer protection investigators have been working diligently to identify and address potential gouging.
WHO: Attorney General Pam Bondi
WHAT: Price Gouging Media Briefing
WHEN: Wed. Sept. 6, 2017, following EOC briefing; approximately 7:15 p.m.
WHERE: The Collins Building, Price Gouging Call Center
107 W. Gaines St.
Tallahassee, Fla. 32399
*Media should meet in the lobby on Gaines St. prior to the beginning of the briefing.

Daytona State College announces campus closures due to Hurricane Irma

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Daytona State College will close, with all classes and activities canceled on all campuses, beginning 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, due to the approach of Hurricane Irma.
Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to visit our hurricane preparedness website and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety.
Regular updates will be provided through the college’s RAVE Text Alert system, the DSC website and social media platforms. Additionally, updates will be distributed to local news, radio and television stations, including WDSC Channel 15. To hear a recorded message regarding the college’s closing and resumption of operationsas determined, you may call (386) 506-4357.
The college will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.

UT Closed Thursday, Sept. 7, Through Monday, Sept. 11, Due to Hurricane Irma

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Due to Hurricane Irma, The University of Tampa will close Thursday, Sept. 7, through Monday, Sept. 11. This includes classes, athletic events and all other activities. The Plant Museum will also be closed Thursday through Monday.
All essential campus services, including Dining Services, Campus Safety, Residence Life and Facilities Management, will be maintained unless the campus is required to evacuate.
The University will regularly post updates at www.ut.edu/weather.

RoadWatch Advisory From The Florida Department of Transportation

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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is suspending work operations in all active construction zones statewide that would impact lanes used by motorists for evacuations. FDOT requires construction project contractors to have a hurricane plan. Safety is the top priority. Some operations that don’t impact motorists or roadway lanes can continue however, emphasis and focus of the contractor will be on securing materials and equipment at the project sites.

  • As a tropical event approaches, maintaining existing roads is essential. FDOT alerts staff and maintenance contractors; putting them on standby and adjusting schedules if necessary. Drainage structures are readied by removing debris from rights-of-way and along roadways. Fleet vehicles are fueled. Agreements with supply contractors are activated, for materials needed after the storm.
  • On September 5, Governor Rick Scott directed FDOT to suspend tolls across the entire State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. By suspending all tolls, Floridians and visitors will more easily be able to prepare for any potential storm impacts, access important hurricane supplies, and quickly and safely evacuate when necessary.
  • Governor Scott has rescinded all weight and driver restrictions for highways so water, food, fuel and emergency supplies can be quickly brought to Florida.
  • FDOT is holding teleconferences with districts and agency partners such as the Army Corps of Engineers, Water Management Districts, and Federal Highway Administration to ensure all infrastructure needs are met.
  • FDOT will continue to reach out to 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.
  • FDOT maintenance contractors have begun lowering high mast interstate lights in some areas.
  • Floridians are urged to use Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System which provides real-time traffic and travel updates on all of Florida’s interstates and toll roads, and other major metropolitan roadways.

FDACS Readies Millions of Food Servings in Preparation for Hurricane Irma

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has readied millions of servings of food that will be on-hand for Hurricane Irma response efforts. This effort is being conducted as part of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness’ Emergency Support Function 11 role.
“We are doing everything we can to support statewide disaster preparedness efforts so we can quickly address arising needs in the wake of Hurricane Irma,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
The Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness, in its role as ESF-11, has ready:

  • 6.3 million servings of meat, eggs, nut butters, and beans;
  • 3.8 million servings of canned and frozen vegetables in USDA foods on-hand;
  • 2.6 million servings of cheese;
  • 1.6 million servings of canned fruit and applesauce; and
  • ESF-11 is quoting 120,000 dehydrated meals for delivery to mass care agencies in preparation for landfall.

During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.