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Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Preparedness as 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2024

CONTACT: FDEM Communications Team, [email protected] | (850) 815-4940

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Preparedness as 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

~Executive Director Kevin Guthrie hosted roundtable discussions with county officials to discuss preparedness before the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) marks the official start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season tomorrow, June 1, and encourages Floridians to prepare their families and their businesses.

“I have spent the last month traveling around the state, making myself available to all county emergency managers to discuss concerns and best practices ahead of this hurricane season,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state is equipped with the resources it needs to support communities during a potentially very active season, but preparedness begins in individual homes and businesses. I urge all Floridians to finalize their plans now – once a storm forms and threatens our state, it’s too late to prepare.”

Throughout the month of May, Executive Director Guthrie personally traveled to all 10 Division-designated regions of the state to meet with county emergency management officials and discuss preparedness and coordination efforts ahead of the 2024 hurricane season. These roundtable discussions allowed Executive Director Guthrie to directly address community concerns and unmet needs, ensuring ample state support stands at the ready if a storm threatens Florida this hurricane season.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and runs until November 30 with the historical peak of activity occurring in September. This year, two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays coincide with the beginning and peak times of hurricane season. Governor DeSantis announced the first two-week disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, beginning June 1, here.

The Division urges all Floridians to have preparations in place for their personal and family needs in the event a storm threatens their community.

Preparedness efforts and resources include:

Get Educated, Get Informed

  • Learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems. Every household is encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
  • Register to receive life-saving emergency weather alerts at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida.

Make a Plan

  • Make a list of personal household needs and resources for meeting them in a disaster environment.
  • Include all members of the family, including children, in the disaster preparedness planning process, so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
  • Pets are part of the family, too – identify a safe place to take pets if you cannot bring them with you during an evacuation. Never leave household pets behind during a hurricane or tropical storm.
  • Make a family plan at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare, and make a business plan at Business.FloridaDisaster.org.

Inventory Home Possessions

  • Make a record of your possessions – in writing or video – to help claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage.

Reduce Home Hazards

  • Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired.
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Have cracks in ceilings and foundations repaired.
  • Make landscaping hurricane-resistant by trimming trees and plants down and putting any items inside that may turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

  • Every household should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with at least seven days of items for each household member, including consideration of children, pets and seniors.
  • Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins tomorrow, June 1, and provides residents with the opportunity to purchase supplies tax-free during one of two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays.
  • For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.

Safeguard Important Records and Documents

  • Keep copies of important family records and other documents (birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, wills, deeds, insurance cards, etc.) in a safe deposit box or other waterproof location.

Know Your Zone, Know Your Home

  • Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to learn if you live in an evacuation zone or low-lying flood-prone area.
  • Know your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
  • Follow all evacuation orders issued by local county emergency management officials.

If You’re Halfway Full, You’re Halfway There

  • During hurricane season, vehicles should always have at least half a tank of gas or be halfway charged to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm.

Evacuate Tens of Miles, Not Hundreds of Miles

  • Evacuations do not have to be hundreds of miles away – they can typically be tens of miles inland to a location that can withstand hurricane-force winds and remain out of reach from life-threatening storm surge.

2024 Florida Hurricane Season Guide

For more preparedness content, follow the Division on Instagram, X and Facebook.

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Below is a statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler on verdict

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2024

Biden-Harris Campaign Statement on Today’s Verdict

Below is a statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler on today’s verdict:

“In New York today, we saw that no one is above the law.

“Donald Trump has always mistakenly believed he would never face consequences for breaking the law for his own personal gain. But today’s verdict does not change the fact that the American people face a simple reality. There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box. Convicted felon or not, Trump will be the Republican nominee for president.

“The threat Trump poses to our democracy has never been greater. He is running an increasingly unhinged campaign of revenge and retribution, pledging to be a dictator ‘on day one’ and calling for our Constitution to be ‘terminated’ so he can regain and keep power. A second Trump term means chaos, ripping away Americans’ freedoms and fomenting political violence – and the American people will reject it this November.”

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Paid for by Biden for President

Traffic Advisory: Temporary Closure of I-4 Eastbound Off-Ramp to International Speedway Boulevard

Posted on

For Immediate Release
May 30, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office

386-943-5593

[email protected]

Traffic Advisory: Temporary Closure of I-4 Eastbound Off-Ramp to International Speedway Boulevard

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advises motorists of a temporary closure of the eastbound Interstate 4 (I-4)/State Road (S.R.) 400) off ramp, at Exit 129, to International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92/S.R. 600), scheduled from Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday, June 3 to facilitate paving operations on the off ramp. Should the work not be completed within this timeframe, the off ramp will also be closed from Monday, June 3, at 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4. During the closure, traffic will be detoured around the work zone by electronic message boards and other signage.

DETOUR: Drivers traveling eastbound on I-4 wishing to access International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92/S.R. 600) via Exit 129 will be directed to continue eastbound on I-4 to the I-95 interchange, head northbound on I-95, and then take Exit 260C onto U.S. 92, as detailed in the attached detour map.

Additionally, from Sunday, June 2 through the morning of Friday, June 7, there will be overnight intermittent single lane closures between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. on eastbound and westbound International Speedway Boulevard between north of Educators Road to north of Tomoka Farms Road to pave the travel lanes. The construction schedule is subject to change pending weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Please follow posted signage, avoid distractions, and drive cautiously in construction zones. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time to reach their destinations or seek an alternative route, if possible. FDOT is committed to completing this work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize the impact on the traveling public.

This work is part of an FDOT project to resurface International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92/S.R. 600) from north of Educators Road to north of Tomoka Farms Road and implement additional roadway improvements.

For more information about this project, visit the FDOT’s Central Florida Roads website at https://www.cflroads.com/project/445208-1.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

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Representative Hunschofsky’s Flood Disclosure Bill is Signed into Law

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2024

CONTACT

William Giliberti

Office of Representative Christine Hunschofsky

[email protected]

(954) 956-5600

Representative Hunschofsky’s Flood Disclosure Bill is Signed into Law

 

PARKLAND, Fla. – This week, House Bill 1049 – Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property by Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) was signed into law by the Governor. The Senate companion bill was sponsored by Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island).

This new law requires sellers to provide the purchaser of residential real estate with a flood disclosure. This disclosure includes a notice that homeowner’s insurance policies do not include flood insurance, encouraging buyers to purchase flood insurance to mitigate risks. The disclosure also includes whether the seller has filed a claim with an insurance provider and if they previously received federal assistance relating to flood damage on the property.

“This law is about more than just property – it’s about people,” said Representative Hunschofsky. “Transparency is pivotal to informed decision making, especially when it comes to purchasing a home. This disclosure requirement empowers people to make informed choices, safeguarding their families and investments.”

“This legislation ensures that home buyers have relevant, material information prior to the purchase of what is likely their largest individual asset. Flood history previously was not readily available to a buyer,” added Senator Bradley. “Floridians deserve transparency so they can make better risk-informed decisions for their families.”

 

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People’s Trust Insurance Company Public Rate Hearing

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024

People’s Trust Insurance Company Public Rate Hearing

WHO:

People’s Trust Insurance Company
WHAT:

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will conduct a virtual rate hearing to hear testimony from the People’s Trust Insurance Company and receive public comment on their proposed rate filings. The notice and agenda are available here.

The record is open for public comment through June 13, 2024. Public comment may be submitted at the rate hearing or emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “People’s Trust Insurance Company.”

WHEN:

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual Rate Hearing
Click here to register and participate online
By Phone: 1-877-309-2074; Access Code: 800-485-083

About the OIR

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance, and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. For more information about OIR, please visit our website or follow us on X @FLOIR_comm.

What They’re Saying: Reason for Optimism as Property Insurance Rate Reductions on the Horizon

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

Contact: Jennifer Fennell

May 29, 2024

[email protected]

(850) 222-3767 

What They’re Saying: Reason for Optimism as Property Insurance Rate Reductions on the Horizon

Tallahassee, Fla. – As hurricane season quickly approaches, Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation, elected officials and others are sharing reasons for optimism for the state’s property insurance market. Eight insurance companies have announced their intention to lower their rates, while an additional ten plan to keep rates the same.

While there remains much work to be done as Floridians continue to grapple with high rates, reforms enacted over the last few sessions by the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis have begun making a positive impact on the state’s property insurance market.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis: 

“We’re at 15 months right now and days like today are the good days in the process, where the legislature can look at our partners and the regulated industries like insurance and say thank you for helping us do the right thing for the policyholders of this state. Thank you to all of you that make a difference in making Florida the best place to live.” (Statement, 5/17/2024)

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Commissioner Michael Yaworsky:

“As Insurance Commissioner, my top priority has been increasing protection for Florida’s consumers and today’s announcement demonstrates Governor DeSantis’ ongoing commitment to ensuring a strengthened and reliable insurance market for policyholders. I want to thank Governor DeSantis and bill sponsors Senator Trumbull and Representative Stevenson for their continued leadership and support as we work to regulate one of the most complex insurance markets in the world.” (Statement, 5/17/2024)

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo:

“We know the cost of property insurance is posing a major affordability problem for Florida homeowners. Fortunately, the reforms passed in recent years are working. We are seeing new insurers and new private capital enter Florida, while large companies recommit to our state, citing recent reforms.” (Memorandum, 5/16/2024)

State Senator Jim Boyd:

“The property insurance reform, coupled with tort reform, is going to make a massive difference in homeowners’ premium costs over the foreseeable future.” (Florida Seeing ‘Downward Trend’ in Insurance Rate Filings, State Says Stabilization is Here, Florida Voice, Owen Girard, 5/21/2024)

State Representative Adam Anderson:

“FINALLY some good news regarding our property insurance market! Rate filings for 2024 show a slight trend downward for the first time in years! 10 companies have filed a 0% increase and at least 8 companies have filed a rate decrease to take effect in 2024.” (Tweet, 5/20/2024)

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Stronger Safer Florida is a nonpartisan coalition comprised of businesses, consumer and environmental groups from throughout Florida. This diverse membership seeks to protect consumers before, during, and after catastrophic events impact Florida.

State Attorney Andrew Warren Launches Re-Election Bid with Extensive List of Regional Endorsements

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024
State Attorney Andrew Warren Launches Re-Election Bid with Extensive List of Regional Endorsements
Tampa, FL – State Attorney Andrew Warren’s campaign has released its initial set of endorsements, including Tampa Bay’s most influential former and current elected officials. Since his inauguration as Hillsborough’s chief law enforcement official, State Attorney Warren has worked tirelessly with law enforcement, local officials, and community organizations to improve the public safety of this community—a leading example of effective criminal justice policy across the nation.
This initial list of endorsements includes:
  • Congresswoman Kathy Castor
  • Hon. Alex Sink
  • Hon. Betty Castor
  • Hon. Arthenia Joyner
  • House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell
  • Public Defender Julianne Holt
  • Clerk of Courts Cindy Stuart
  • County Commissioner Harry Cohen
  • County Commissioner Pat Kemp
  • County Commissioner Gwen Myers
“I’m honored to have the support of so many community leaders who recognize the success I’ve had over the last eight years making Hillsborough County much safer, fighting for victims, and improving our criminal justice system—while also standing up to the governor’s attacks on the values and freedoms of all Floridians,” said State Attorney Andrew Warren.
State Attorney Warren announced his reelection campaign in April 2024 after a crucial court victory in his lawsuit against Governor DeSantis’ unconstitutional suspension from office in August 2022. Warren is currently awaiting reinstatement to complete the term voters elected him to serve.
During his six years in office, Warren’s accomplishments include:
  • Reducing crime in Hillsborough County by more than 30%
  • Making Hillsborough the safest large county in Florida, according to state statistics
  • Investing in safety by balancing accountability and punishment with prevention and rehabilitation, including addressing mental health and addiction
  • Targeting child predators, convicting an average of one predator every four days the courthouse was open
  • Creating and expanding civil citation programs, disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline
  • Establishing a Community Council and a Racial Justice Work Group
  • Becoming a national leader in transparency, launching a groundbreaking public Data Dashboard
  • Reducing the criminalization of poverty
  • Pursuing drunk drivers with aggressive sanctions to reduce repeat offenses
  • Adopting the Disarming Domestic Abusers policy to protect victims of domestic violence
  • Creating a Conviction Review Unit that exonerated a man wrongfully convicted for murder and charged the men actually responsible for that crime and another previously unsolved cold-case murder
First elected in 2016 by defeating a 16-year incumbent, State Attorney Warren is seeking re-election to a third term as State Attorney for Hillsborough County, Florida. Warren, a Democrat, points to his proven record of reduced crime, increased public safety, and improvements to the justice system.
For more information about the campaign, please visit AndrewWarrenFL.com
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Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Floridians to Take Advantage of Florida’s Two Disaster Sales Tax Holidays for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2024

CONTACT: FDEM Communications Team, [email protected] | (850) 815-4940

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Floridians to Take Advantage of Florida’s Two Disaster Sales Tax Holidays for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

~The First Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will last two weeks, beginning June 1 through June 14 ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) encourages Floridians to purchase disaster preparedness items during the first of Florida’s two, 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays beginning June 1 through June 14. A second two-week disaster sales tax holiday will take place August 24 through September 6.

“I want to thank the Governor and the Florida Legislature for continuously taking action to support Floridians and providing them with cost-effective ways to be prepared,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I urge all residents to prioritize preparedness during these tax-free holidays and make any necessary updates to their disaster supply kit and plans.”

“Disaster can strike at any time. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires are frequent threats to people and property. The beginning of hurricane season is a good time for Floridians to gather supplies they would need to stay safe during and after a disaster,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “I encourage consumers to learn about the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and save money on essentials to keep their families, homes and pets safe.”

House Bill 7073 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis to provide much-needed financial relief for families to prepare for hurricane season, in addition to a number of other tax holidays. This year, Floridians are expected to save millions on vital disaster preparedness supplies such as pet supplies, tarps, batteries, generators and flashlights, which are all included in the list of items eligible to be purchased tax-free.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. Floridians can find a full disaster supply kit checklist here.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook and X.

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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Preservation of Florida Family Farm Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

limestone creek ranch

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a Florida family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The Limestone Creek Ranch property, a more than 470-acre cattle operation in Hardee County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $2,837,000.

“We are very proud to add the folks at Limestone Creek Ranch to the growing list of generational farmers in Florida who share our commitment to maintaining the productivity and sustainability of Florida’s agricultural landscape through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By safeguarding our rural lands through protection easements, we enhance food security, maintain these protected properties within the local tax system, and ensure property owners adhere to state standards for land and natural resource conservation.”

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

Limestone Creek Ranch

Limestone Creek Ranch has operated for over 70 years as a traditional cow/calf cattle ranch with an average of 300 head. Prior to its current ownership, the ranch was owned and operated by the current owner’s ancestors, Doyle Carlton, Sr., and Doyle Carlton, Jr. The ranch consists of improved pasture and native woods and is bisected by Limestone Creek which drains east to the Peace River. The property includes a mosaic of uplands and wetlands and is part of a larger landscape of habitat diversity with a total of 2,082 acres. Current ownership is in an LLC comprised of the grandchild and great grandchildren of Doyle E. Carlton Sr. Since the land was acquired by the late Mr. Carlton in 1935, it has been continuously operated as a traditional cow/calf operation. The current owner worked on the property during the summers of 1960 through 1969. The Carlton family has an extensive history in ranching in Florida, dating back to the mid-1800s.

About the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program partners with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.

During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson helped to secure from the Florida Legislature $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and another $100 million each fiscal year, appropriated in SB 1638, to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including the acquisition of conservation easements under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Commissioner Simpson recently recognized the families of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program at an event in Lake Placid, Florida, and celebrated the program’s 100,000th acre milestone in agricultural land preservation.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida’s land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson championed the successful passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which directed the state of Florida to better protect and connect Florida’s natural areas and wildlife habitats and to preserve working agricultural lands from future development. As Senate President, Commissioner Simpson also secured $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Upcoming Public Meeting for Eau Gallie Boulevard Maintenance Resurfacing Project

Posted on

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

 

Upcoming Public Meeting for Eau Gallie Boulevard Maintenance Resurfacing Project
Meeting will be offered in person and online

 

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on Eau Gallie Boulevard (State Road 518) from Sarno Road to west of North Apollo Boulevard in Melbourne on Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to repave Eau Gallie Boulevard to extend the life of the existing roadway and improve safety for bicyclists.

The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting.

FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public meeting in a hybrid format to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.

In-Person Open House Option: Participants may attend in person by going Grand Manor, 1450 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually.

Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting https://bit.ly/4cQiqN9. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

Those who cannot attend the meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/445213-1. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Randy Turner directly at 386-943-5207 or [email protected] to receive project documents.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at [email protected].

Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Randy Turner at 386-943-5207 or [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

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