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Governor Rick Scott

Gov. Scott Meets with Florida Congressional Delegation Members to Urge Action for Citrus Industry

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Governor Rick Scott, joined by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, today met with members of the Florida congressional delegation to discuss Hurricane Irma and Florida’s citrus industry. It’s estimated that Hurricane Irma caused more than $2.5 billion in losses for Florida’s agriculture industry, including more than $760 million in losses for Florida citrus.
Last week, Governor Scott activated a $25 million Florida Citrus Emergency Loan Program to support citrus growers impacted by Hurricane Irma. Learn more about the program HERE.
Below is an excerpt of the Governor’s remarks as prepared for delivery from today in Washington:

  • With Floridians ready to get back to their normal lives, it is time for Florida to rebuild.
  • Today, I’m here to urge you to work together and pass legislation to facilitate the rebuilding process. As you know, Florida prides itself in our incredible and iconic citrus industry. Florida’s world famous citrus industry has been negatively affected by the impacts of Irma – with an estimated more than $760 million in losses alone in citrus, and more than $2.5 billion in losses in total for the Florida agricultural industry.
  • Floridians deserve to be made whole again after this catastrophic storm, and I urge you to work with your colleagues to help Florida with the losses accrued in our citrus and agriculture industries. Florida farmers are a tough, hardworking group not looking for a government handout.
  • This industry was already struggling from the impacts of citrus greening and we cannot let Irma decimate our industry long-term.

Gov. Scott Directs DBPR to Eliminate Licensing Fees for Puerto Ricans Displaced by Hurricane Maria

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Governor Rick Scott today directed Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Jonathan Zachem to issue an Emergency Order suspending all fees required for occupational license applications for residents of Puerto Rico who were impacted by Hurricane Maria and are now in Florida. This includes over 50 different individual professional license types, such as barbers and realtors. By suspending fees, residents from Puerto Rico will be able to obtain a license from the state more quickly and continue their careers in Florida.
Governor Scott said, “As families from Puerto Rico relocate to Florida following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, it is crucial that we continue to do all we can to make it easier for these individuals to rebuild their lives and provide for their families. Today, I have directed the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to take immediate action to suspend licensing fees that would hinder or delay recovery efforts so these families can get back on their feet and continue successful careers in our state.”
DBPR Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “Following Hurricane Maria, the Department is working to provide necessary resources to help families and individuals recover and get to work more quickly. We appreciate the leadership of Governor Scott in helping these families, and hope that by eliminating burdensome fees, residents from Puerto Rico will be able to continue their livelihood here in Florida.”
To view the Emergency Order, click HERE.

Gov. Scott Activates $25 Million Citrus Emergency Loan Program to Aid Citrus Growers

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Governor Rick Scott today activated a $25 million Florida Citrus Emergency Loan Program to support citrus growers impacted by Hurricane Irma. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide interest-free loans to citrus growers that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. The application period will begin next week and be open through November 30, 2017.
Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma was a massive storm that impacted communities across our state,causing hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for the Florida citrus industry. I am committed to working with our state and federal partners to help Florida’s citrus industry and the nearly 76,000 jobs it supports. The Florida Citrus Emergency Loan Program will be a valuable resource for affected business owners. I’ve also spoken to Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and we’ll continue to partner to find more ways to help this vital industry recover.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said, “The path Hurricane Irma took through Florida could not have been more lethal to Florida agriculture – especially our citrus industry. We’re all committed to getting growers the help they need, as quickly as possible, to be able to rebuild. I thank Governor Scott for his leadership and for making financial assistance available for Florida’s growers devastated by Hurricane Irma.”
DEO will administer the Florida Citrus Emergency Loan Program in partnership with the Florida SBDC Network to provide cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster. The interest-free loans will help bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of crop insurance claims or federal disaster recovery appropriations. Up to $25 million has been allocated for the program.
DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida’s iconic citrus industry needs our support to recover. The $25 Million Citrus Emergency Loan Program will help ensure the industry can rebound so businesses and their employees can get back to work quickly.”
Mike Myhre, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network, said, “Florida’s businesses, including citrus producers, are important to Florida’s economy. This program provides much-needed capital that our citrus growers need to recover from Hurricane Irma.”
Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus, said, “Governor Scott has shown great interest in this hallmark and iconic industry in the State of Florida. There is no question of its economic impact on our state and its history and legacy. The Florida Citrus Industry is absolutely appreciative of this effort to help get growers back in the growing cycle.”
Citrus growers who maintain a citrus grove in production in any of Florida’s 67 counties affected by Hurricane Irma can apply for loans up to $150,000. These interest-free loans are granted in terms of up to one year. To be eligible, a grower must have been established prior to September 4, 2017, and demonstrate economic injury or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Irma.
To complete an application by the Nov. 30, 2017, deadline, or for more information on the program, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. For questions regarding the $25 Million Citrus Emergency Loan Program, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at 850-898-3489 or email [email protected]. The phone line will be answered during regular business hours; all voice mails and emails will be responded to within 24 hours.

Governor Scott Issues Updates on Tropical Storm Nate Preparedness Efforts

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Governor Rick Scott joined Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward at the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center to be briefed by local emergency management officials and give an update on Tropical Storm Nate and the storm’s potential impact on Florida. Yesterday, Governor Scott declared a state of emergency in 29 counties within the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Nate. Read more HERE.
See below for more information on what the State of Florida is doing to support Tropical Storm Nate preparedness efforts:
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
WATCHES AND WARNINGS

  • Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
    • East of the Alabama/Florida border to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
  • Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:
    • East of the Alabama/Florida border to Indian Pass Florida
  • Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
    • East of the Okaloosa/Walton County Line to Indian Pass Florida

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • Right now, 100 National Guard members are actively preparing for disaster operations and support of local Emergency Operations Centers.
  • The Florida National Guard has 7,000 guard members available for deployment if needed.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) continues to monitor traffic and is coordinating with FDOT and local emergency operations centers regarding any potential evacuations.
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is monitoring the storm and ready to respond as needed with a variety of specialized equipment including shallow draft boats, ATVs, airboats and four wheel drive vehicles.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is monitoring the storm and holding teleconferences with the regional FDOT district offices to ensure local communities are prepared.
  • FDOT has suspended interstate and highway construction in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties until Monday, Oct. 9 to allow for the possible increase in traffic as motorists evacuate from the Florida panhandle coastline area. All rail, transit and seaport facilities are functioning as normal.
  • FDOT will assist first responders with traffic control, detours or road closures, as long as weather permits.
  • For the latest closures and updates, travelers can access Florida’s 511 service from cell phones, landlines and online at www.FL511.com.
  • FDOT district offices are placing emergency crews on standby and reaching out to construction vendors to have them remove any materials that block roads to facilitate potential evacuations and checking on fuel supplies. FDOT is also actively monitoring for roadway flooding in areas already impacted by Hurricane Irma and stands ready to respond as needed.
  • FDOT asset maintenance contractors have been contacted to support potential activities.
  • 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.
  • Florida’s seaports are monitoring conditions. 

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The state has contacted utilities to put them on notice to start reporting outage and restoration information if needed.
  • Utilities are contacting their mutual aid partners to determine availability if external resources are needed to restore services.
  • The state is monitoring the power grid for sufficient power in the state.
  • The state is monitoring the natural gas infrastructure for any damages that can cause a loss of service to power plants. 

FUEL

  • The state is contacting fuel industry partners, such as the Florida Petroleum Council, Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, to prepare for potential storm impacts.
  • The state is currently monitoring for fuel assistance requests. At this time, there are no reported supply, distribution or retail fuel shortages or issues.
  • The state has also contacted emergency fuel and equipment provider for status of emergency fuel supply and equipment. 

SHELTERS

  • The state is preparing to support potential sheltering operations in the Florida Panhandle.
  • More information on shelters will be made available as decisions on potential evacuations are made.
  • The American Red Cross is positioning shelter equipment and staff to support local communities in the North Florida area if needed.
  • The state is working to inventory food and water resources in state contracted warehouses (SCWs) and is prepared to coordinate with the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army on potential feeding needs.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

  • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will join Governor Scott on tropical storm preparedness calls with Florida hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes later today.
  • DOH is standing by to assist with potential needs of healthcare facilities and special needs shelters.
  • DOH and AHCA have requested hospitals, nursing homes and ALFs in regions 1 and 2 to report their facility status daily at 10AM and upon any status change through the FLHealthSTAT database.
  • The Public Service Commission (PSC) is working with Health and Medical Services to identify all nursing homes and assisted living facilities that could be affected by possible electric outages.
  • APD regional office serving the west coast and Panhandle counties of Florida are reaching out to waiver support coordinators, individuals in independent living, and providers to ensure they are prepared.
  • APD is holding daily meetings to review storm preparations.

EDUCATION

  • The University of West Florida will be closed from Saturday, October 7th through Monday, October 9th.

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

  • Water Management Districts are monitoring waterways and water levels, preparing staff and vehicles, and are prepared to adjust flows as necessary.
  • Lake Okeechobee is currently at 16.83 feet and is being continuously monitored by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Lake Okeechobee water levels. The Army Corps will continue releases from Lake Okeechobee until further notice.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) are working to provide updates to private sector partners. Information is available at www.flvbeoc.org.
  • The state has activated the Private Sector Hotline at 850-410-1403, which is available for business inquiries about storm preparedness and response.

CONTACTS

  • The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number is 1-800-342-3557.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSERT or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Tropical Storm Nate.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.

Gov. Scott Directs Florida Department of Education to Take Additional Action to Help Puerto Rican Students and Educators

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Governor Rick Scott today directed the Florida Department of Education (DOE) to waive rules and regulations to ensure Puerto Rican students impacted by Hurricane Maria are able to continue their education in Florida. The Governor has also directed DOE to waive the educator certificate application fee and other requirements to help Puerto Rican educators displaced by the storm more easily continue their teaching careers in Florida.
Governor Scott said, “As Puerto Rican families work to rebuild their lives following the unbelievable devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, we are doing everything we can to help them throughout this process. I have directed the Department of Education to take additional action today to ensure students from Puerto Rico can more easily continue their education here in Florida and that teachers from Puerto Rico have every opportunity to continue to succeed in their careers. We will continue to work together to make sure Puerto Rican families have all the support they need.”
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “As a result of the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria, families from Puerto Rico and elsewhere have relocated to Florida. Entire communities were destroyed and we do not know how long it will take to restore schools and other essential infrastructure. Therefore, it is critical that these students and teachers have the opportunity to participate in our state’s outstanding public education system. We are pleased to remove barriers to enrollment and help these students and teachers return to the classroom.”
K-12 Public Schools
Due to the devastation left in the wake of this record-setting storm, some displaced families may not have immediate access to the records that are typically required to enroll in school. Therefore, at the direction of Governor Scott, DOE has temporarily waived statues and rules that will allow Florida public school districts to enroll Puerto Rican students whose education records are unavailable due to the storm. Upon receiving a request from a school superintendent, DOE will waive the application fee for an initial educator certificate and will allow the acceptance of an unofficial transcript of teaching degrees or copies of a valid teaching certificate issued by another state or U.S. territory.
The supplemental order relating to K-12 public schools is posted HERE.
Florida College System
At the direction of Governor Scott, Commissioner Stewart also signed a supplemental order authorizing state colleges to waive existing rules and requirements to help Puerto Rican students more quickly enroll in college. At the request of Governor Scott, all 28 Florida College System institutions have agreed to offer in-state tuition to Puerto Rican students who were impacted by Hurricane Maria.
The supplemental order relating to Florida College System institutions is posted HERE.

Gov. Scott: Florida Enters New Host-State Agreement to Help Displaced Puerto Ricans

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that the Trump Administration has approved his request to enter into Host-State agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This agreement approves 100 percent federal reimbursement for costs incurred by the State of Florida related to the accommodation of those displaced by Hurricane Maria. In Florida, this includes sheltering operations and other support for those who are currently in Florida and for those who are still arriving from Puerto Rico. Click HERE to see the agreement.
Governor Scott said, “The number one concern that I’ve heard from families displaced by Hurricane Maria is that they need a safe place to stay so they can begin rebuilding their lives. This agreement with the federal government that I asked for will allow Florida to continue helping displaced families while they are in Florida. Since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico last week, we have been engaged in relief and response and we will continue to make sure that Florida is providing as much support and hospitality as possible.”
This week, the Governor announced the opening of three disaster relief centers in Port of Miami, Orlando International Airport and Miami International Director Airport. For a complete list of assistance that Florida has provided to Puerto Rico, click HERE.

Gov. Scott Announces Siemens and Chromalloy to Create 350 New Jobs in Tampa

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Siemens and Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation have chosen Hillsborough County as the headquarters location for their new joint venture, Advanced Airfoil Components. The Advanced Airfoil Components manufacturing facility will lead to the creation of 350 new jobs with a capital investment of approximately $139 million. Siemens and Chromalloy evaluated multiple states before ultimately choosing Florida as the best destination for this new headquarters.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce that Siemens and Chromalloy chose Florida as the best place to start their new joint venture that will create 350 new jobs for families in the Tampa area. We have fought to make Florida more business-friendly by permanently eliminating the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, so Florida manufacturers like Siemens and Chromalloy can invest more in our state. With the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we can ensure our economy will continue to grow so families can succeed in Florida.”
Siemens, a global engineering and technology leader, and Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation, a global engine manufacturer, have formed Advanced Airfoil Components to support manufacturing and producing components that will maximize gas turbine performance. Advanced Airfoil Components will hire workers for a range of skilled positions, including technical engineers, manufacturing technicians and production workers. This facility will be leasing 210,000 square feet at Tampa Regional Industrial Park and is scheduled to open in late 2018. Siemens already has approximately 5,200 employees in Florida.
Siemens USA CEO Judy Marks said, “Siemens is very pleased to make additional investments in the I-4 corridor, where we already have more than 5,000 employees. We’re a global company that is proud to be ‘U.S. local,’ with over 60 manufacturing sites across the country. This joint venture with Chromalloy streamlines our supply chain and ensures we have the most advanced technologies as we pursue performance gains for our gas turbines.”
Chromalloy President Carlo Luzzatto said, “With two existing manufacturing facilities in the Tampa area, Chromalloy is excited to continue our investment in the community and to support technical and professional job growth in Florida. This is a strong market for technical candidates, and we are looking forward to identifying highly skilled individuals to support this new, innovative energy business.”
Florida is one of the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing. Home to over 19,000 companies that employ more than 331,000 people, Florida’s diverse manufacturing industry produces everything from aerospace products, batteries, food and beverages, communications equipment, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, boats, and more. In 2016, Governor Scott championed the permanent elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment so Florida manufactures can invest more money in growing their businesses and creating new jobs.
The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County, and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “This announcement is exciting news for Tampa-area families. We are proud that Advanced Airfoil chose Florida and is planning to create hundreds of high-wage, high-tech manufacturing jobs in Florida’s I-4 Tech Corridor.”
Chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Stacy White, said, “We are excited to welcome Advanced Airfoil Components to Hillsborough County and thank them for their investment in our community. The addition of hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs is great news for local families. We are confident that the quality of our workforce and the responsiveness of our colleges and universities to the industry’s evolving training needs will help Advanced Airfoil Components thrive here for decades to come.”
Chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and President of Hillsborough Community College Dr. Ken Atwater said, “The strength and diversity of our manufacturing sector is encouraging more globally renowned corporations like Siemens and Chromalloy to choose Tampa and Hillsborough County. Advanced Airfoil Components’ success in our market will have a positive impact on our region and help shape our economic future. We look forward to assisting them as they establish roots in our community.”
Enterprise Florida board member and President and CEO and Voltair Consulting Engineers Julius Davis said, “Florida attracts high-tech companies from around the world, and with a qualified workforce and robust infrastructure, it is clear why Siemens and Chromalloy chose Hillsborough County as the location for Advanced Airfoil Components. The 350 new jobs and investment into our community are a direct result of business-friendly policies championed by Governor Rick Scott.”
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global powerhouse focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of systems for power generation and transmission as well as medical diagnosis. With approximately 351,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of $88.1 billion in fiscal 2016. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $23.7 billion, including $5.4 billion in exports, and employs approximately 50,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Chromalloy has expanded from a gas turbine parts repair business into an OEM supplier of production parts and advanced repairs and services for gas turbines used in aviation and land-based applications. Chromalloy serves the airline, military, marine and energy segments with a broad range of services at locations around the globe. Chromalloy is authorized by the FAA and EASA and many other NAAs, and is qualified under ISO and NADCAP. Chromalloy is a subsidiary of Sequa Corporation.
Sequa Corporation is a diversified industrial company with operations in the aerospace, energy and metal coatings industries. Sequa is a Carlyle Group company. For additional information, visit www.sequa.com
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, the Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.
Hillsborough County, Florida is the commercial and industrial heart of Tampa Bay. The fourth largest county in the state of Florida, Hillsborough is home to nearly 1.3 million residents, with thousands more arriving each year. Its strength is drawn from being one of the most advanced economies and having one of the most educated workforces in the state. Hillsborough County and its three municipalities –Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace – offer a competitive business environment and an abundance of regional assets including Port Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport, and MacDill Air Force Base. County government is focused on creating economic prosperity for residents and businesses throughout the area.

Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency to Prepare Florida for Tropical Storm Nate

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Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 17-262 declaring a state of emergency in 29 counties within the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Nate. The counties under the state of emergency areEscambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Baker, Union, Bradford, and Alachua counties. Governor Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe.
Governor Scott said, “Tropical Storm Nate is headed north toward our state and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Tropical Storm Nate and while current forecast models have the storm’s center west of Florida, we must be vigilant and get prepared. Today, given these forecasts, I have declared a state of emergency for 29 counties in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and ensure resources are dispersed to local communities. By declaring an emergency in these counties, we can also ensure that there is no hindrance in the transportation of supplies and assets. I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news and visit FLGetAPlan.com today as we all prepare for Tropical Storm Nate. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Tropical Storm Nate as it approaches the Gulf Coast.”
See below for more information on what the State of Florida is doing to support Tropical Storm Nate preparedness efforts:
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM 
MILITARY SUPPORT

  • The Florida National Guard has 7,000 guard members available for deployment if needed.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) continues to monitor traffic and is coordinating with FDOT and local emergency operations centers regarding any potential evacuations.
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is monitoring the storm and ready to respond as needed.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is monitoring the storm and holding teleconferences with the regional FDOT district offices to ensure local communities are prepared.
  • FDOT district offices are reaching out to construction vendors to have them remove any materials that block roads to facilitate potential evacuations and checking on fuel supplies. FDOT is also actively monitoring for roadway flooding in areas already impacted by Hurricane Irma and stands ready to respond as needed.
  • FDOT asset maintenance contractors have been contacted to support potential activities.
  • 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.
  • Florida’s seaports are monitoring conditions.

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The state has contacted utilities to put them on notice to start reporting outage and restoration information if needed.
  • Utilities are contacting their mutual aid partners to determine availability if external resources are needed to restore services. 

FUEL

  • The state is contacting fuel industry partners, such as the Florida Petroleum Council, Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, to prepare for potential storm impacts. At this time, there are no reported supply, distribution or retail fuel shortages or issues.
  • The state has also contacted emergency fuel and equipment provider for status of emergency fuel supply and equipment. 

SHELTERS

  • The state is preparing to support potential sheltering operations in the Florida Panhandle.
  • More information on shelters will be made available as decisions on potential evacuations are made. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

  • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will join Governor Scott on tropical storm preparedness calls with Florida hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes later today.
  • DOH is standing by to assist with potential needs of healthcare facilities and special needs shelters.  

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

  • Water Management Districts are monitoring waterways and are prepared to adjust flows as necessary.
  • Lake Okeechobee is currently at 16.67 feet and is being continuously monitored by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Lake Okeechobee water levels. The Army Corps will continue releases from Lake Okeechobee until further notice.

CONTACTS

  • The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number is 1-800-342-3557.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Tropical Storm Nate.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.

Gov. Scott: Florida Virtual School to Accept 20,000 Displaced Puerto Rican Students

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida Virtual School (FLVS) will accept 20,000 Puerto Rican students who were impacted by Hurricane Maria to ensure they are able to continue their education. Whether students are still in Puerto Rico or in Florida, they can take advantage of this program.
Governor Scott said, “Families in Puerto Rico have experienced extreme devastation of their homes and communities due to Hurricane Maria. As they work to rebuild their lives, these families should not have to worry about their children falling behind in school. In Florida, our schools offer a world-class education, and I am glad that Florida Virtual School has stepped up to help these families as they rebuild their lives. I encourage Puerto Rican families to take advantage of this opportunity and the State of Florida will continue to do all we can to help them during this challenging time.”
Displaced Puerto Rican families who are interested in signing up for Florida Virtual School should contact Liz Chico at (863) 606-8033.
Additionally, all Florida school districts are prepared to accept displaced K-12 students in local schools, and a number of districts have already begun enrolling displaced students. Families who would like to enroll a student in a local elementary, middle or high school should contact the school district in which they are located. Contact information for each district is posted here.