Florida News Straight From the Source
As Floridians are approximately 30 days from the start of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis and Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier are reminding consumers to start preparing now, if they haven’t already. [Read more…] about When it Comes to Flooding, Florida’s Risk is Real
Upon receiving weather reports late today, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that it is actively monitoring a small bridge on I-75 at mile marker 408 crossing the Santa Fe River on the northern border of Alachua County. The river is expected to crest at historic and unprecedented levels presenting a potential threat to the safety of travel on this bridge. The Santa Fe River under I-75 has rapidly risen 15 feet within the past 36 hours due to the heavy rainfall over North Florida from Hurricane Irma. An additional rise is expected within the coming days as water levels from upstream move southward down the river. The river level is currently safe at 55 feet. However, if the river were to rise to an unsafe level, the bridge would become impassable both northbound and southbound, and would be closed immediately.
At this time, I-75 remains safe and passable. Floridians that are traveling home should monitor this situation very closely and remain alert to local travel conditions. The Florida Department of Transportation is actively working with WAZE, Google Maps, the Georgia Department of Transportation and other transportation industry partners to communicate the potential reroutes to the public. Floridians should consult www.FL511.com for up-to-date information on road closures and travel routes.
Hydrologists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will be conducting an on-site assessment of river conditions tomorrow morning. An update on the conditions will be provided following this assessment. FDOT bridge inspectors are monitoring this structure 24 hours a day to ensure driver safety.
If the Santa Fe River rises to an unsafe level, it will require the full closure of I-75 south of I-10 and north of U.S. 441 in Alachua. Travelers should be prepared for significant delays from tomorrow evening through Saturday. This unprecedented river flooding will also cause closures and extensive rerouting of traffic on U.S. 27, U.S. 41, S.R. 47 and possibly U.S. 121. These routes would not be considered passable.
In the event of road flooding on I-75 at the Santa Fe River, FDOT will reroute traffic to U.S. 19, U.S. 301 and I-95. Any Floridian planning on traveling to Central or Southern Florida should consider traveling southbound on I-95.
To plan for the possibility of bridge damage, FDOT will be issuing an emergency procurement to ensure a team of engineers will be on scene to immediately make any needed repairs once the water recedes.
We will keep the public and media informed of any developments. Safety is always our top priority and additional updates will be released as soon as available.
Governor Scott today met with Lee county officials regarding this week’s flood event in Southwest Florida. Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons and Lee County Undersheriff Carmine Marceno briefed Governor Scott on the flooding that occurred in Lee County this week. More than 100 people were housed in a local shelter and community leaders are working to help people quickly return to their homes.
Governor Scott said, “I want to thank the local officials for working to keep people safe here in Lee County. Responding to weather events like the flooding that occurred this week in Southwest Florida is something we take seriously. While there are currently no unmet needs from the local community, the State of Florida will continue to communicate and coordinate with our local partners.”
Governor Rick Scott urged families in Northwest Florida to stay alert to possible flooding caused by heavy rain across the Florida Panhandle and provided the following update.
Governor Scott said, “With heavy rain impacting much of the Florida Panhandle today, families in Northwest Florida should remain alert to local weather updates regarding possible flooding and heavy rainfall. I continue to receive briefings from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and monitor Tropical Storm Cindy as it moves toward the central Gulf Coast. Last night, I reached out to emergency management officials, law enforcement and elected officials in affected counties to make sure they have everything they need to be prepared. While Florida is not expected to see major impacts from this storm, flooding could occur and I urge all Floridians and visitors to be cautious and visit FloridaDisaster.org to get a plan and be prepared.”
Affected counties have not reported any unmet needs and every county emergency operations center (EOC) remains in monitoring status. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and other partnering agencies are monitoring Tropical Storm Cindy and identifying resources if flooding were to occur. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) area district offices are working with local officials to assess the current situation and coordinate operations. FDOT District 3 Operations Centers have been mobilized and are deploying water pumps to assist with potential roadway flooding in western Panhandle counties. DEM remains in constant communication with all county emergency operations centers and will continue to monitor the tropical storm and any potential impacts to the state. Leon County has made sandbag operations available for residents and more information is available HERE. Families and visitors can follow @FLSert on Twitter for updates and visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to get an emergency preparedness plan.
