Governor Rick Scott has been in constant communication with local officials and emergency management in Franklin County. The following information has been reported to the State Emergency Response Team and includes specific actions the state has taken to aid the residents of Franklin County impacted by Hurricane Michael. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott Releases Updates on Hurricane Michael Response in Franklin County
Franklin County
Gov. Scott: FLOW Mobile Dispatched to Franklin County
Governor Rick Scott today announced that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will deploy a Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) vehicle tomorrow, October 16th, in Franklin County to provide driver license and other motor vehicle services to families impacted by Hurricane Michael. [Read more…] about Gov. Scott: FLOW Mobile Dispatched to Franklin County
CFO Jimmy Patronis Tours Franklin County Fire Damage
Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis joined Franklin County Sheriff AJ “Tony” Smith, local emergency management officials and first responders to survey damage caused by the fire that ravaged the area since Sunday. CFO and State Fire Marshal Patronis also helped American Red Cross volunteers prepare meals for displaced families.
[Read more…] about CFO Jimmy Patronis Tours Franklin County Fire Damage
Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Franklin County Wildfire
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam issued the following update on the Lime Rock Road Fire in Franklin County:
Lime Rock Road Fire (Franklin County):
- Approximately 950 acres and 80 percent contained.
- Approximately 38 structures destroyed. Law enforcement officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as well as the State Fire Marshall’s office will assess structure loss and damage today.
- Approximately 25 Florida Forest Service personnel are on scene with 7 dozers and 5 engines.
- The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families impacted by this devastating wildfire as well as the entire Franklin County community. First responders from across the region sprang into action and rushed to the scene of this fast-moving wildfire, helping to prevent even more destruction. Florida has a year-round wildfire season, and I encourage Floridians to be vigilant,” said Commissioner Adam Putnam.
The Florida Forest Service urges residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:
- Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
- Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
- Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
- Never burn on windy days;
- Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
- Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
- Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
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.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
