After the loss of eight lives at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills, Governor Scott directed the Agency for Health Care Administration to terminate the facility as a Medicaid provider.
This facility was responsible to provide their patients a safe environment and they failed to do so. The state has had multiple points of contact with this facility prior to the tragedy, and at no time did the facility communicate any imminent threats to their patients’ life or safety.
This facility is currently undergoing a criminal investigation from the local authorities, and open investigations from both AHCA and DCF. It is clear that this facility cannot be responsible for Florida’s vulnerable patients, and therefore the State will stop them from providing care.
Anyone found to not be acting in the best interests of their patients will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
All patients have been evacuated from the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills.
Click HERE to see the Governor’s statement from yesterday.
Governor Rick Scott
Gov. Scott: More Than 65 Percent of Power Outages Restored Statewide
Florida Undertaking Largest Single-State Power Restoration in History
Governor Rick Scott today made it clear that while power restoration crews have been working around the clock across the state, Florida’s top priority continues to be restoring power for 100 percent of homes and businesses. Since the height of the power outages, 6.7 million accounts on Monday, power has been restored to more than 4.4 million accounts, which is how utility companies measure each Florida home or business. In three days, more than 65 percent of all outages have been restored by more than 30,000 restoration personnel across Florida – the largest power restoration undertaking in history for a single state. Governor Scott has hosted calls with utility companies and has directed the Florida Highway Patrol to provide law enforcement escorts to utility vehicles to ensure that they can quickly and safely reach communities in need. The Governor will continue to aggressively work with the utility companies until every Floridian has power so the state can fully rebuild and recover from Hurricane Irma.
Governor Scott said, “Over the past few days, I have seen firsthand how Hurricane Irma has impacted our communities, and I know from talking with these families that power restoration is the number one thing they need to start the recovery process. Fully restoring power is my top priority and we have been aggressively working with utility providers to solve this issue as fast as possible. Right now, tens of thousands of people across our state are working day and night to get power restored and in three days, more than 65 percent of all outages have been restored. We will not stop until 100 percent of Florida homes and businesses have power so all families can get back to their normal lives.”
Gov. Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Tour Hurricane Irma Damage with President Donald Trump
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott joined President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to tour damage caused by Hurricane Irma in Collier County.
Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Continued Hurricane Irma Response Efforts
Governor Rick Scott will tour Hurricane Irma damage in Naples with President Donald Trump. This week, Governor Scott has joined FWC officers and members of the Florida National Guard to survey storm damage in Northeast Florida and the Florida Keys. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, city and county leaders, law enforcement and National Guard leaders, and utility officials as Hurricane Irma response continues.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
- Flood warnings are in effect across the state. To see the most current advisories in your county, click HERE.
POWER AND UTILITIES
The current power outage as of 12:00 p.m. is more than 2.5 million accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE. Since the height of power outages, 6.7 million on Monday, power has been restored to more than 4.2 million accounts, which is how utility companies measure each Florida home or business. In less than three days, more than 60 percent of all outages have been restored by more than 30,000 restoration personnel across Florida – the largest power restoration undertaking in history for a single state.
Do not try to handle downed power lines. Contact your local utility company to report it.
Tampa Electric
- In total, 425,000 of Tampa Electric’s 730,000 customers were impacted by the storm. At the peak of the storm, 335,000 customers remained without power. Power has already been restored to more than 335,000 customers.
- Tampa Electric expects to restore power to essentially all customers the night of Sunday, September 17th.
- About 3,200 line, tree and other workers, from other utilities from as far away as the Midwest, Northeast and Canada, continue to arrive today to assist Tampa Electric, as part of the largest restoration effort in U.S. history.
Florida Power and Light
- In total, 4.4 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 3 million customers.
- FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the East Coast the night of Sunday, September 17th.
- FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the West Coast by Friday, September 22nd.
- FPL has mobilized the largest restoration workforce ever assembled with more than 18,000 out-of-state restoration personnel working around the clock.
Duke Energy
- More than 1 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 8,240,000 customers.
- Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for western service areas the night of Friday, September 15th.
- Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for central and northern service areas the night of Sunday, September 17th.
- More than 12,000 restoration workers have been mobilized to quickly restore power to all customers.
Gulf Power
- Gulf Power has fully restored power to the 13,000 customers affected by the storm and has no storm related outages.
- Gulf Power has a restoration team in route to Tampa to assist with power restoration for Tampa Electric.
Florida Electric Cooperatives Assoc.
- More than 760,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 580,000 customers.
- Approximately 3,000 cooperative workers from Florida and nine other states are deploying to the hurricane impact zone to assist with restoration efforts.
Municipal Utilities
- More than 800,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to about 600,000 customers.
- Restoration is expected to be completed by the night of Sunday, September 17th, except hardest hit areas, such as Key West, which will take longer to restore.
- Several utilities such as Tallahassee, Kissimmee and Jacksonville Beach are close to being fully restored. In addition, several smaller utilities like Newberry are already 100% restored.
FUEL
- Port Everglades, Port Canaveral and Port of Tampa are all open and are actively prioritizing fuel tanker ships. The Florida Highway Patrol has 20 troopers dedicated to escorting fuel resupply trucks to communities in need.
- This week, the Governor took the following actions to expedite fuel delivery to gas stations:
- Directed the Florida Highway Patrol to escort fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
- Scott and executive office staff have held daily calls with all fuel supply stakeholders, including Florida Ports;
- Following the Governor’s request, Vice President Pence announced that the federal government has waived the Jones Act, which waives additional rules and regulations to allow more fuel to get to Florida fast. This waiver ensures that all options are available to distribute fuel to Florida. The last Jones Act waiver was issued in December 2012, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
- Following the Governor’s request, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency fuel waiver which allows more fuel to quickly enter the state. For more information, please click HERE.
- Requested eleven states to join Florida in waiving weight and driver restrictions to move goods more quickly into the state, including fuel.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
- More than 200 FWC officers statewide, including partner agencies, are deployed in areas with resources such as trucks, coastal and river patrol boats, ATVs and shallow draft boats to respond to critical areas based on the storm’s path.
- FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) officers, National Guard members and an Urban Search and Rescue Team continuing rescue operations in the Keys.
- FWC has more than 500 law enforcement vessels, including trucks, coastal and river patrol boats, ATVs and shallow draft boats, deployed throughout the state including over 25 officers and boats patrolling areas of Putnam and Clay counties surveying damage.
- FWC has sworn in nearly 200 officers deployed from Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. The 50 officers from Louisiana will be in Lake City to help with flooding issues.
- The entire Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), approximately 1,700 troopers, is on 12-hour shifts, with the primary mission to assist emergency response.
- The Florida Highway Patrol has more than 70 troopers who have conducted numerous missions to escort fuel resupply trucks from Port of Jacksonville, Port of Tampa, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral to communities in need.
- FHP has 50 troopers who have conducted numerous security escorts for utility companies across the state so they may be able to get to damaged areas more expediently.
- 50 troopers have been deployed to assist the Collier County Sheriff and 20 troopers have been deployed to assist St. Johns County law enforcement.
- FHP has troopers in Hardee County for traffic control/road closure support, troopers in Orlando to assist with emergency vehicle traffic, troopers in Duval County assisting with traffic control/road closures due to flooding, troopers to provide security at the DHSMV Lauderdale Lakes office and is anticipating numerous other urgent emergency escorts to damaged areas in south Florida.
- FDLE is coordinating hundreds of law enforcement missions through the state EOC including patrol and escort missions, shelter security and helping staff in the local EOCs in the impacted areas.
MILITARY SUPPORT
- There are more than 10,000 soldiers and airmen on the ground, as a combined force of members of the Florida National Guard, partner National Guard states and active duty components, that have conducted hundreds of missions across the state.
- In addition to Florida National Guard personnel and assets, more than 2,200 Guardsmen from 12 states (Georgia, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Indiana, Nebraska, Kentucky, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Iowa, Mississippi and South Carolina) are currently assisting with Hurricane Irma response operations. If need arises, the Guard stands ready to bring in more than 20,000 additional personnel through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
- Soldiers and Airmen are operating at 14 Points of Distribution (PODs) throughout the state, including the State Logistics Readiness Center (SLRC) in Orlando and various Logistics Staging Areas (LSAs) to ensure supplies are being quickly provided to those who need them.
- All Florida Army National Guard aviation assets are staged in Opalocka, where they are conducting air bridge operations to deliver life-saving supplies to the Florida Keys in coordination with the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Iwo Jima.
- The Florida National Guard is employing two Command Post Nodes (CPN) and two Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) systems to provide desperately needed communication capabilities in the Florida Keys, and the Guard is working closely with Monroe County to identify any additional needs.
SHELTERS
- More than 100 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than 11,000 individuals. More than 60 special needs shelters are open with a total population of 6,000 individuals. This number is being updated throughout the day. Visit floridadisaster.org/shelters/summary.aspx to find information on shelters in your area.
- To find information about available shelter information by county, visit floridadisaster.org/shelters. FEMA is also hosting shelter information on its mobile app which can be found at fema.gov/mobile-app.
- The state is fully committed to ensuring adequate food resources are available to residents impacted by Hurricane Irma, and are prioritizing these resources based on areas where landfall occurred first and based upon urgency of need. USDA Foods from the state inventory have been deployed and the state is distributing ice for shelters, canteens, kitchens, and military support operations.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL
- See the Governor’s statement regarding the tragedy in Broward HERE.
- More than 150 assisted living facilities, 9 hospitals, and 126 other health care facilities, including 44 nursing homes, have evacuated or are closed. Of Florida’s total 309 hospitals, all operational facilities have power or are running on generator power. The 9 Florida hospitals that are currently closed are continuing to coordinate with the state on reopening.
- Disaster Medical Assistance Teams have been deployed to provide healthcare services to communities in need.
- Up-to-date information on boil water notices is available online HERE.
- The state is holding daily calls with assisted living facilities and nursing homes to ensure they have everything they need to serve those in their care. The state is aggressively working to restore power to these facilities.
- Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health staff are conducting assessments throughout the state and epidemiology staff are monitoring emergency department surveillance to identity carbon monoxide poisonings relating to generator use.
- DOH staff continues to provide staffing for special needs shelters and deploy other assets to aid in county recovery efforts. Ambulance strike teams have also been deployed to aid with movements.
- OneBlood is urging all those who are able to visit a local blood center and donate blood to do so. They have an urgent need for platelets and O negative blood.
- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ regional offices have been in constant contact with providers, waiver support coordinators, and APD customers to ensure they are safe and the status of their homes. Two Group Homes run by Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC) evacuated to Orlando and have extended their stay until Monday. They have heard that their group homes were not damaged by Hurricane Irma and they plan to return home as soon as possible. APD has established an email box for specific APD questions related to Hurricane Irma at [email protected].
- Group Home residents are leaving emergency shelters and returning home as mandatory evacuations are rescinded. Two Group Homes run by Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC) evacuated to Orlando and plan to stay until Friday. They are waiting to hear from local officials when it is safe to return to Monroe County.
- Residents, especially residents with special needs, should plan for conditions along their route home as well as conditions in their impacted community. For road conditions, please check 511.com. Residents should contact their local county or emergency management officials for the most up-to-date information regarding curfews, power outages, reentry policies and the availability of necessary commodities.
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) operates six skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility. All state veterans’ homes are currently operational. One veterans home is currently operating on generator power.
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a number of Florida-based medical centers, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers in the storm path. For specific information on all VA closures in Florida, please click HERE or visit http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/hurricane-irma/
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
- Today, the Florida Department of Transportation announced that I-75 will remain open, as flood waters have been receding on the Santa Fe River. As of this morning, FDOT engineers and state meteorologists do not believe that the Santa Fe River will reach a level to make the interstate unsafe.
- FDOT continues to monitor the effect of unprecedented flooding at the Santa Fe River on nearby roadways and its impact on traffic flow. FDOT is watching S.R. 47 and U.S. 121 and will reroute traffic if needed. See the most recent closures below:
- US 27 BRIDGE CLOSURE: Northbound – US 27 traffic to Lake City detour at NW 9th Street in High Springs. Southbound – US 27 to Gainesville and Southbound US 27 traffic to Gainesville detour at SR 47 in Fort White.
- US 41 BRIDGE CLOSURE: Northbound – US 41 traffic to Lake City detour at Winn Dixie in High Springs. Southbound – US 41 traffic to Gainesville detour at CR 778.
- FDOT continues to coordinate with Google’s emergency response team to “close” damaged roads in Google Maps in real time following damage assessments. FDOT is also working closely with WAZE, the Georgia Department of Transportation and other transportation industry partners to communicate the potential reroutes to the public.
- Governor Rick Scott announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved a $25 million Emergency Relief (ER) Quick Release Grant to support response and recovery efforts for Florida’s roadways and transportation system. This federal funding will be used to conduct emergency repairs on impacted roads, embankments, bridges or other infrastructure and help restore traffic on major roadways to ensure Florida residents and visitors can travel safely.
- FDOT debris removal crews have cleared U.S. 1 down to Key West. Local officials will determine when it’s safe to reenter Monroe County.
- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has completed damage assessments on major highways. Every interstate and turnpike is open for Floridians, however, there is heavy traffic volume on I-10 eastbound and I-75 southbound. Everyone should continue to listen to local officials on when to return home.
- FDOT’s cut and toss crews will continue to work with utility crews across the state to clear road debris so power can be restored quickly.
- Bridge inspections and debris clearance are ongoing throughout the state.
- FDOT is continuing to coordinate with other states to deploy additional resources to impacted counties.
- Around the state, FDOT has 13 traffic management centers where hundreds of DOT workers are monitoring traffic cameras 24/7.
- Governor Scott directed the FDOT to suspend tolls across the entire State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Tolls remain suspended and immediate recovery efforts continue.
RECOVERY BRANCH
- An aggressive recovery effort is ongoing, working with FEMA to identify and activate federal grant programs that can benefit Floridians and their communities.
- Today, President Donald Trump’s Administration expanded Major Disaster Declaration for Florida requested by Governor Scott to include individual assistance for Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia counties. Sunday, just hours after Governor Scott’s request, President Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida authorizing federal funding to flow directly to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Irma and reimburse local communities and the state government to aid in response and recovery. See the amendments to the declaration HERE.
- Emergency Protective Measures (Category A and Category B) funded through the Federal Public Assistance Program is available for all 67 counties.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging individuals and families to be alert for false rumors, scams, identity theft, and fraud. For resources on how to protect yourself and your loves ones from disaster fraud, visit https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-irma-rumor-control.
- Residents who sustained losses in the nine declared counties can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Residents who suffered damages from the storm may register now, and if their county is later included in the declaration, the application will be processed automatically.
- Governor Scott will continue to work with President Trump and FEMA to approve more funding to additional communities affected by the storm.
- Residents are also encouraged to download the FEMA App to begin the registration process. Simply click on Disaster Resources.
- If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY); if you use 711 Relay or Video Relay Service call 1-800-621-3362.
- The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
- Please visit www.fldoe.org/irma/ to view all school closures.
VOLUNTEER EFFORTS
- Volunteer Florida and the Department of Management Services are seeking state employee volunteers to transport food to affected areas in Southwest and Northeast Florida beginning Friday, Sept. 15. DMS is also working with rental car companies to secure cargo vans and box trucks for this effort and both agencies are coordinating with the American Red Cross to deliver supplies to shelters and staging areas. For more information, visit www.dms.myflorida.com and click “Hurricane Irma: Volunteer to Help.”
- Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support individuals who are impacted by Tropical Storm Irma. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide financial support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10. Volunteer Florida has also engaged with Facebook to activate a donation portal online.
- In response to Hurricane Irma, Lyft is donating $100,000 to a “Relief Rides” program helping those in need get to/from hospitals and shelters after the hurricane, as well as partnering with Team Rubicon to help their volunteers. If you are associated with a hospital, shelter, or local government, please email [email protected] so that Lyft can get you access to a pre-funded account to help those in need. Click here for information on how partners can use Lyft’s Concierge Service to request rides for those in need and who may not have access to a smartphone. If you are an individual in need of a ride, please use the code HELPFLORIDA. For information on specific locations for Relief Rides please click here.
- Volunteer Florida is working with Uber to transport food to people in shelter. Uber is donating $400,000 of rides, food and relief to families and communities affected as well as first responders. Uber will also provide free rides to and from shelters for residents of Hillsborough and other impacted areas, including Duval County and Lee County. In partnership with Volunteer Florida, Uber will provide free rides to help move volunteers to shelters in impacted areas. Local governments, nonprofits, and organizations with an immediate need can visit [email protected].
- Volunteer Florida is working with Johnson & Johnson, which is donating baby supplies and personal hygiene items to victims, Americares, which is donating pharmaceutical supplies to special needs shelters, Poland Water, which is donating 100 box cars of bottled water, American Logistics Network to stand up a multiple agency warehouse, and multiple volunteer partners.
- A Red Cross advance team is in the Florida Keys evaluating and assessing the most expeditious manner to provide services and emergency supplies there.
- The American Red Cross has accepted 1,000 meals offered through Volunteer Florida from Boar’s Head Provisions. Local arrangements are being made to deliver these meals to areas of need in Duval County.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- 49 Florida State Parks have reopened for day-use only, 125 parks remain closed to ensure visitor safety. Park service staff have formed teams to respond to impacted parks and re-open them as quickly as possible. A full list of closures can be found at https://floridastateparks.org/content/storm-information.
- At Governor Scott’s request, EPA will make it easier for Duke Energy Florida to use available fuel resources for vehicles and equipment responding to power outages in Florida as a result of Hurricane Irma to allow recovery efforts to continue as quickly as possible.
- DEP staff are conducting assessments of beach impacts in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Manatee, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Franklin and Gulf counties. DEP continues to coordinate with USACE to expedite recovery of Florida beaches.
- DEP has mobilized 12 Hazardous Assessment and Response Teams in coordination with the EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard to assess hazardous waste facilities and respond to pollution incidents and other storm impacts. The 40 members of these teams have deployed to Duval and Hillsborough counties tomorrow to begin assessments, and are identifying additional sites north of Lake Okeechobee for assessment. A total of 119 assessments have been completed.
- DEP staff continue to respond to local governments and utilities requests for support. DEP is mobilizing contractors to county-identified debris sites.
- Dune and beach fortification activities in St. Johns, Volusia and Flagler counties that had begun in the week prior to Hurricane Irma have resumed.
- Technical specialists from EPA’s water division have deployed to Florida to assist DEP staff with wastewater and drinking water system recovery.
- DEP has established a mutual aid system to coordinate responses between utilities, the department, and other responders. This system is active and continues to coordinate and respond to the needs of drinking and waste water facilities throughout Florida. This includes ensuring generators are provided to the Town of White Springs, Alachua County, City of Delray Beach, City of Pompano Beach and Manatee County for lift stations, wastewater plant and other vital infrastructure operations.
- DEP continues to coordinate with GIS and subject matter experts to map priority sites for preliminary damage assessments, and with FDOT to assure roads are cleared to priority sites to expedite assessments.
- DEP is coordinating with US Army Corps of Engineers, FDOT, US Coast Guard, FWC, and FEMA on debris removal statewide.
- DEP is mobilizing Beach Response Teams and participating with assistance of USACE in efforts to expedite recovery of Florida beaches.
- DEP has issued an emergency order to ensure recovery efforts are not hampered or delayed. DEP has expanded that order for power plants to cover the entire state to assist any facility recovering from the storm and a new order to waive certain rules for fuel facilities impacted by the storm statewide. Both orders apply only to impacted facilities and have provisions to guard the environment while assisting in quick recovery of critical infrastructure.
- DEP is working with FWC, EPA, and the U.S. Coast Guard to mitigate pollutants from submerged vessels.
WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS
- The Suwannee River Water Management District is working with the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Environmental Protection to manage conditions around the Santa Fe River at 1-75 to ensure public safety.
- The South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) Aerial inspections and Damage Assessment Unit teams have completed inspections of the canals, levees and structures throughout the District. No levee breaches have been found.
- Three 42-inch temporary pumps are being relocated to Collier County to assist with lowering canal levels.
- Pumps along the southern rim of Lake Okeechobee are pumping water into the lake to address flooding, which has affected families and businesses in Glades communities.
- Debris teams have been deployed in Miami-Dade, Broward and Collier counties to assess debris in canals that could slow the flow of water and begin removal. Most canals are receding to normal levels.
- SFWMD continues to coordinate with local drainage districts and to operating flood control structures to address localized flooding. This includes relocating temporary pumps to Collier County and assisting Orlando International Airport with operations to lower its water levels.
- Two major St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) water control structures remain closed, preventing 3,300 cubic feet per second from entering the St. Johns River. So far total discharge to the St. Johns River has been reduced by 8,300 cubic feet per second.
- Two additional SJRWMD structures are open, discharging 5,000 cubic feet per second of water to the Indian River Lagoon, to help mitigate flooding.
- SJRWMD continues to deploy pumps and staff to assist Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties in recovery efforts from flooding caused by Hurricane Irma.
- SJRWMD responded to a request from a local municipality and pumped out flood waters from an assisted living home in Putnam County.
- SWFWMD continues to operate water control structures. All structures without power are being monitored and are discharging as needed. These structures can be manually operated if needed.
BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, & ECONOMIC STABILIZATION
- Governor Scott announced today that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma to provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. To complete an application by the Oct. 31, 2017, deadline, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. For more information contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at 850-898-3489 or email [email protected].
- DEO has launched the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Program to provide assistance to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a result of Hurricane Irma. To file for DUA or for more information go to www.FloridaJobs.org or call 1-800-385-3920.
- A private sector hotline is available at (850) 410-1403 to respond to calls from businesses and private sector support organizations.
- The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is readying the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program to provide temporary income support to eligible individuals in counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance.
- The state is working to identify the “open/close” status of businesses. This information is being posted to the SERT Tropical Storm Irma web page: http://www.floridadisaster.org/info/.
- The Florida Retail Federation is assisting in coordinating information to Florida Retailers regarding restocking of emergency supplies, readying mobile pharmacies, and the transportation of fuel.
- The Florida Small Business Development Center Network is working with federal officials to identify additional staffing and financial resources to support business response activities.
- The Florida Chamber of Commerce is coordinating with their members and local chambers to determine post-storm recovery needs and identifying resources available to be sent to the affected areas.
INSURANCE
- At the Direction of Governor Scott, Insurance Commissioner Altmaier issued an Emergency Order suspending and activating certain insurance rules and statutes for the health, safety, and welfare of Florida’s policyholders. Among other provisions, the Order provides an additional 90 days to policyholders to supply information to their insurance company; prohibits insurance companies from canceling or non-renewing policies covering residential properties damaged by the hurricane for at least 90 days; and freezes any and all efforts to increase rates on policyholders for 90 days. The Order can be found HERE.
- Floridians affected by the storm must now begin the process of surveying damages to their property and belongings. If you need help finding your Florida’s property insurance company’s website and contact information, click HERE. For a list of licensed insurance agents in Florida, click HERE.
- Consumers with questions about their policies and those who need help filing a claim should call the CFO’s free Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236.
- It is important to document all damaged property and belongings. A free smartphone app developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners called “MyHome Scr.APP.book” is available to assist with photo documentation.
- OIR has updated its “Hurricane Season Resources” webpage, which contains links to information provided by the Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, and contact information for Florida’s property insurers.
Gov. Scott Activates Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Damaged by Hurricane Irma
Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. The application period is from today through Oct. 31, 2017.
Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma was a massive storm affecting our entire state, including many of our small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, and families are depending on these businesses recovering as quickly as possible. The small business bridge loan program will help small business owners and communities get back up and running and I encourage all affected business owners to apply today.”
DEO administers the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program in partnership with the Florida SBDC Network to provide cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster. The short-term, interest-free loans help bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of insurance claims or longer-term Small Business Administration loans. Up to $10 million has been allocated for the program.
DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “So many communities across Florida have been affected by this storm. Businesses from the Panhandle to the Keys need assistance, and DEO is working with these businesses to make sure they can recover and be successful. The first step to getting our communities back on their feet, is getting our businesses back on their feet.”
DEO is currently surveying businesses in the affected counties. To access the business survey, please click HERE and select “Hurricane Irma” from the drop-down menu. Response to the damage assessment is not an application for assistance, so businesses that fill out the survey and are interested in the bridge loan program must fill out a bridge loan application as well.
Small business owners with two to 100 employees located in any of Florida’s 67 counties affected by Hurricane Irma can apply for short-term loans up to $25,000. These interest-free loans are granted in terms of 90 or 180 days. To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to Sept. 4, 2017, and demonstrate economic injury or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Irma.
Michael Myhre, CEO and State Director for the Florida SBDC Network, said, “We are saddened to see and hear the stories of damage and loss that individuals and small businesses have suffered due to Hurricane Irma. We want our small business owners to know how important they are to our state and we are here to help walk them through the recovery process to get their employees back to work and growing their business.”
To complete an application by the Oct. 31, 2017, deadline, or for more information on the program, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge 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.
Gov. Scott: $25 Million in Federal Funding Approved to Help Quickly Repair Florida Roadways
Governor Rick Scott today announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved a $25 million Emergency Relief (ER) Quick Release Grant to support response and recovery efforts for Florida’s roadways and transportation system. This federal funding will be used to conduct emergency repairs on impacted roads, embankments, bridges or other infrastructure and help restore traffic on major roadways to ensure Florida residents and visitors can travel safely.
Governor Scott said, “I want to thank President Trump, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and the entire Administration for their commitment to helping Floridians impacted by Irma. The Florida Department of Transportation is already responding in full-force to quickly repair Florida’s roads and transportation infrastructure damaged in the storm and this critical funding will enhance our efforts to ensure the safety of families as they travel through our state.”
FDOT is continuing to work with federal, state and local partners to fully assess storm damages across Florida’s transportation infrastructure. FHWA is prepared to review and approve detailed damage inspection reports so that FDOT and local transportation agencies can begin repairs immediately. The Emergency Relief program provides grants for the repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads on Federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of disasters such as hurricanes.
Gov. Rick Scott: I am Demanding Answers on Fatalities in Broward
Governor Rick Scott this afternoon made the following statement regarding tragic news reports of multiple deaths in a nursing home in Hollywood Hills, Florida.
Governor Scott said, “I am absolutely heartbroken to learn of news reports of the deaths of multiple individuals in a nursing home in Broward County. Protecting the lives of Floridians is my top priority and that’s why we have worked all week to help Floridians prepare and respond to Hurricane Irma. I am going to aggressively demand answers on how this tragic event took place. Although the details of these reported deaths are still under investigation, this situation is unfathomable. Every facility that is charged with caring for patients must take every action and precaution to keep their patients safe – especially patients that are in poor health. I have directed the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Children and Families to immediately work with local law enforcement to conduct an investigation, and if they find that anyone wasn’t acting in the best interests of their patients, we will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I am also asking available first responders to immediately check in with the healthcare facilities in their area to make sure nursing homes and assisted living facilities are able to keep their residents safe.”
The state has taken the following actions regarding Hurricane Irma preparedness and response for healthcare facilities:
- Of Florida’s total 309 hospitals, all operational facilities have power or are running on generator power. Ten Florida hospitals are currently closed and are continuing to coordinate with the state on reopening.
- More than 90 special needs shelters were opened to help patients in need. There are currently 61 open.
- The Division of Emergency Management and the Department of Education worked with school districts to offer school buses to aid in evacuation. Every school district with evacuations offered this service.
- Governor Scott, the Secretary for the Agency for Health Care Administration and the State Surgeon General have held daily calls with hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities since September 5th to ensure they have every needed resource to keep patients safe.
- The Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills is responsible for the safety of their patients. Department of Health officials have been in contact with Larkin Community Hospital Behavioral Health Services management and the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills over the past three days. Hospital administrators were advised to call 911 if they had any reason to believe that the health or safety of patients was at risk. Yesterday afternoon, the facility reported to the AHCA that they had power and access to fans and spot coolers provided by Memorial Healthcare.
- If ANY facility believes that their patients are in danger, they must call 911 and immediately work to get those in their care to safety.
- AHCA and DCF have launched investigations. If they find that this facility was not meeting the state’s high standards of care, they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. These agencies will have investigators on site at the facility today.
- All nursing home facilities are required to have an emergency management plan. For nursing homes, this plan is required to be submitted and kept on hand by county emergency management officials. As part of the licensure process, AHCA confirms that the facility’s emergency plan has been submitted to local officials.
Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Continued Hurricane Irma Response Efforts
Governor Rick Scott today toured impacts of Hurricane Irma in Lee County with City of Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons and Lee County Undersheriff Carmine Marceno, and joined Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, and members of the National Guard on an aerial tour to assess damage from Hurricane Irma in Jacksonville.
Over the past few days, Governor Scott has also visited four shelters in Pensacola, Immokalee, Jacksonville and Fort Myers. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, city and county leaders, law enforcement and National Guard leaders, and utility officials as Hurricane Irma response continues.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
Flood warnings and rip current risks are in effect across the state. To see the most current advisories in your county, click HERE.
POWER AND UTILITIES
The current power outage as of 6:00 p.m. is more than 4.7 million accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
Do not try to handle downed power lines. Contact your local utility company to report it.
Tampa Electric
- In total, 425,000 of Tampa Electric’s 730,000 customers were impacted by the storm. At the peak of the storm, 335,000 customers remained without power. Power has already been restored to 170,000 customers, or about 40 percent of those affected.
- Tampa Electric expects to restore power to essentially all customers the night of Sunday, September 17th.
- About 3,200 line, tree and other workers, from other utilities from as far away as the Midwest, Northeast and Canada, continue to arrive today to assist Tampa Electric, as part of the largest restoration effort in U.S. history.
Florida Power and Light
- In total, 4.4 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to 1.1 million customers.
- FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the East Coast the night of Sunday, September 17th.
- FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the West Coast by Friday, September 22nd.
- FPL has mobilized the largest restoration workforce ever assembled with more than 18,000 out-of-state restoration personnel working around the clock.
Duke Energy
- More than 1 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 375,000 customers.
- Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for western service areas the night of Friday, September 15th.
- Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for central and northern service areas the night of Sunday, September 17th.
- More than 12,000 restoration workers have been mobilized to quickly restore power to all customers.
Gulf Power
- Gulf Power has fully restored power to the 13,000 customers affected by the storm and has no storm related outages.
- Gulf Power has a restoration team of more than 150 personnel in route to Tampa to assist with power restoration for Tampa Electric.
Florida Electric Cooperatives Assoc.
- More than 760,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 318,000 customers.
- Approximately 3,000 cooperative workers from Florida and nine other states are deploying to the hurricane impact zone to assist with restoration efforts.
Municipal Utilities
- More than 800,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to about 400,000 customers.
- Restoration is expected to be completed by the night of Sunday, September 17th, except hardest hit areas, such as Key West, which will take longer to restore.
- Several utilities such as Tallahassee, Kissimmee and Jacksonville Beach are close to being fully restored. In addition, several smaller utilities like Newberry are already 100% restored.
FUEL
Port Everglades, Port Canaveral and Port of Tampa all opened today and are actively prioritizing fuel tanker ships. The Florida Highway Patrol has 20 troopers dedicated to escorting fuel resupply trucks to communities in need.
This week, the Governor took the following actions to expedite fuel delivery to gas stations:
- Directed the Florida Highway Patrol to escort fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
- Waived the tax on fuel entering the state;
- Gov. Scott and executive office staff have held daily calls with all fuel supply stakeholders, including Florida Ports;
- Following the Governor’s request, Vice President Pence announced that the federal government has waived the Jones Act upon Governor Scott’s request, which waives additional rules and regulations to allow more fuel to get to Florida fast. This waiver ensures that all options are available to distribute fuel to Florida. The last Jones Act waiver was issued in December 2012, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
- Following the Governor’s request, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency fuel waiver which allows more fuel to quickly enter the state. For more information, please click HERE.
- Requested eleven states to join Florida in waiving weight and driver restrictions to move goods more quickly into the state, including fuel.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
- More than 200 FWC officers statewide, including partner agencies, are deployed in areas with resources such as trucks, coastal and river patrol boats, ATVs and shallow draft boats to respond to critical areas based on the storm’s path.
- FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) officers, National Guard members and an Urban Search and Rescue Team continuing rescue operations in the Keys.
- FWC has more than 500 law enforcement vessels deployed throughout the state. FWC has three teams of 22 officers with 10 boats in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida conducting search and rescue.
- FWC has sworn in nearly 200 officers deployed from Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas.
- The entire Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), approximately 1,700 troopers, is on 12-hour shifts, with the primary mission to assist emergency response.
- The Florida Highway Patrol has 20 troopers dedicated to fuel escorts from Port of Jacksonville, Port of Tampa, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral now that all three ports have been opened.
- FHP is providing security escorts to 44 tractor trailers with relief supplies into Florida from the Georgia/Florida state line to Miami.
- FHP is providing security escorts to 600 utility trucks into Florida from the Georgia/Florida line into impacted areas of Southwest Florida. In addition, FHP is providing a security escort to 11 Panama City utility vehicles.
- 60 FHP troopers have been deployed to assist the Polk County Sheriff, 50 troopers have been deployed to assist the Collier County Sheriff and 20 troopers have been deployed to assist St. Johns County law enforcement.
- FHP is providing a security escort to seven AT&T communication trucks to assist with communication coverage in Monroe County.
- Despite closed state offices in Volusia Co., DHSMV staff is at Orange City & Daytona Motorist Services offices to offer Driver’s License and ID services.
- FDLE is assisting with search and rescue missions and is coordinating Florida’s law enforcement response. Response teams are supplementing local law enforcement in impacted areas with missions including securing fuel and generators, looting patrols, and local EOC staffing.
MILITARY SUPPORT
- There are more than 9,000 soldiers and airmen on the ground, as a combined force of members of the Florida National Guard, partner National Guard states and active duty components, that have conducted hundreds of missions across the state.
- The Florida National Guard is actively coordinating a multi-service effort to conduct life-saving operations in the Florida Keys, including providing critical capabilities to include road and runway clearance to enable the delivery of life-saving supplies.
- Florida Army National Guard aviation assets have been moved to Opalocka, where they are positioned to begin assisting with air bridge operations in the Keys beginning tomorrow.
- More than 1,800 Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen are supporting more than 250 shelters across Florida.
- More than 900 Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen are operating at approximately 80 Points of Distribution sites for the distribution of food and water as needed.
- More than 150 Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen have conducted search and rescue missions in Clay, Duval and Orange Counties.
- More than 2,200 Guardsmen from five states (Georgia, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina) have responded to assist with Hurricane Irma response operations.
- The full spectrum of U.S. military has supported Hurricane Irma disaster relief efforts, which includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the two amphibious ships USS Iwo Jima and USS New York, which are positioned to begin providing assistance as requested.
SHELTERS
- More than 300 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than57,000 individuals. More than 60 special needs shelters are open with a total population of more than 13,00 individuals. This number is being updated throughout the day. Visit floridadisaster.org/shelters/summary.aspx to find information on shelters in your area.
- To find information about available shelter information by county, visit floridadisaster.org/shelters.
- FEMA is also hosting shelter information on its mobile app which can be found at fema.gov/mobile-app.
- The state is fully committed to ensuring adequate food resources are available to residents impacted by Hurricane Irma, and are prioritizing these resources based on areas where landfall occurred first and based upon urgency of need. These areas include Monroe, Charlotte, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota Counties, and shelters of last refuge. USDA Foods from the state inventory (405,000 meals) as well as inventory from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (427,000 meals) have been deployed. The state is also working to ensure ice is available for shelters, canteens, kitchens, and military support operations. Florida’s Integrated Rapid Response Team (FLIRRT) has been activated for Hurricane Irma. These teams will be conducting assessments of affected food establishments in the impacted areas.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL
- More than 100 assisted living facilities, 13 hospitals, one emergency room and 95 other health care facilities, including 44 nursing homes, have evacuated or are closed.
- Up-to-date information on boil water notices is available online HERE.
- Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health staff are conducting assessments throughout the state and epidemiology staff are monitoring emergency department surveillance to identity carbon monoxide poisonings relating to generator use.
- DOH staff continues to provide staffing for special needs shelters and deploy other assets to aid in county recovery efforts.
- Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health staff are conducting assessments throughout the state and epidemiology staff are monitoring emergency department surveillance to identity carbon monoxide poisonings relating to generator use.
- The state is holding daily calls with assisted living facilities and nursing homes to ensure they have everything they need to serve those in their care. The state is aggressively working to restore power to these facilities.
- OneBlood is urging all those who are able to visit a local blood center and donate blood to do so. They have an urgent need for platelets and O negative blood.
- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ regional offices are communicating with providers, waiver support coordinators, and APD customers to ensure they are safe and the status of their homes.
- Group Home residents are leaving emergency shelters and returning home as mandatory evacuations are rescinded. Two Group Homes run by Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC) evacuated to Orlando and plan to stay until Friday. They are waiting to hear from officials when it is safe to return to Monroe County.
- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Rish Park in Gulf County has reopened today. Operations at Tacachale Center in Gainesville are returning to normal.
- APD will be hosting a statewide call on Wednesday with Waiver Support Coordinators to discuss recovery efforts and any unmet customer needs.
- Residents, especially residents with special needs, should plan for conditions along their route home as well as conditions in their impacted community. For road conditions, please check 511.com. Residents should contact their local county or emergency management officials for the most up-to-date information regarding curfews, power outages, reentry policies and the availability of necessary commodities.
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) operates six skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility. All state veterans’ homes are currently operational. Three veterans’ homes are currently operating on generator power.
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a number of Florida-based medical centers, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers in the storm path. For specific information on all VA closures in Florida, please click HERE or visit http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/hurricane-irma/.
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has completed damage assessments on major highways. Every interstate and turnpike is open for Floridians, however, there is heavy traffic volume on I-10 eastbound and I-75 southbound. Everyone should continue to listen to local officials on when to return home.
- At this point, FDOT damage assessment teams and debris removal crews are working on assessing damage on US 1 south in the Keys. No residents or visitors are permitted into the area until an assessment of damage on roadways and bridges is complete. Local officials will determine when it’s safe to reenter Monroe County.
- FDOT continues to coordinate with Google’s emergency response team to “close” damaged roads in Google Maps in real time following damage assessments.
- FDOT’s cut and toss crews will continue to work with utility crews across the state to clear road debris so power can be restored quickly.
- Bridge inspections and debris clearance are ongoing throughout the state.
- FDOT is coordinating with other states to deploy additional resources to Monroe County. A number of other states have offered assistance. Maryland, Missouri and Delaware are currently deploying crews to Florida. FDOT continues to coordinate with other states.
- Around the state, FDOT has 13 traffic management centers where hundreds of DOT workers are monitoring traffic cameras 24/7. Real-time traffic information is available at www.FL511.com
- Governor Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to suspend tolls across the entire State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Tolls remain suspended and immediate recovery efforts continue.
- FDOT is coordinating with county emergency operations centers directly to coordinate any necessary response needs and actions, including damage assessments and road and bridge closures.
RECOVERY BRANCH
- An aggressive recovery effort is ongoing, working with FEMA to identify and activate federal grant programs that can benefit Floridians and their communities.
- Following Governor Rick Scott’s request a major disaster declaration by President Donald Trump. Individual Assistance is available for Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Duval, Flagler, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota and St. John counties, Emergency Protective Measures (Category A and Category B) funded through the Federal Public Assistance Program is available for all 67 counties.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE
- Residents who sustained losses in the nine declared counties can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Residents who suffered damages from the storm may register now, and if their county is later included in the declaration, the application will be processed automatically.
- Governor Scott will continue to work with President Trump and FEMA to approve more funding to additional communities affected by the storm.
- Residents are also encouraged to download the FEMA App to begin the registration process. Simply click on Disaster Resources.
- If you do not have access to the internet, you may register by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY); if you use 711 Relay or Video Relay Service call 1-800-621-3362.
- The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
SCHOOL AND STATE OFFICE CLOSURES
- Please visit www.fldoe.org/irma/ to view all school closures.
- State offices will continue to follow the lead of local governments. Closed offices currently include Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Glades, Jefferson, Lake, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach Counties.
VOLUNTEER EFFORTS
- Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support individuals who are impacted by Tropical Storm Irma. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide financial support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10. Volunteer Florida has also engaged with Facebook to activate a donation portal online.
- In response to Hurricane Irma, Lyft is donating $100,000 to a “Relief Rides” program helping those in need get to/from hospitals and shelters after the hurricane, as well as partnering with Team Rubicon to help their volunteers. If you are associated with a hospital, shelter, or local government, please email [email protected] so that Lyft can get you access to a pre-funded account to help those in need. Click here for information on how partners can use Lyft’s Concierge Service to request rides for those in need and who may not have access to a smartphone. If you are an individual in need of a ride, please use the code HELPFLORIDA. For information on specific locations for Relief Rides please click here.
- Volunteer Florida is working with Uber to transport food to people in shelter. Uber is donating $400,000 of rides, food and relief to families and communities affected as well as first responders. Uber will also provide free rides to and from shelters for residents of Hillsborough and other impacted areas, including Duval County and Lee County. In partnership with Volunteer Florida, Uber will provide free rides to help move volunteers to shelters in impacted areas. Local governments, nonprofits, and organizations with an immediate need can visit [email protected].
- Volunteer Florida is working with Johnson & Johnson, which is donating baby supplies and personal hygiene items to victims, Americares, which is donating pharmaceutical supplies to special needs shelters, Poland Water, which is donating 100 box cars of bottled water, American Logistics Network to stand up a multiple agency warehouse, and multiple volunteer partners.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- Nearly 140 Florida State Parks remain closed, and 20 have been opened for day-use only. Park service staff have formed strike teams to respond to impacted parks and re-open them as quickly as possible. A full list of closures can be found at https://floridastateparks.org/content/storm-information
- DEP has mobilized 12 Hazardous Assessment and Response Teams in coordination with the EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard to assess hazardous waste facilities and respond to pollution incidents and other storm impacts. The 40 members of these teams will deploy to Duval and Hillsborough counties tomorrow to begin assessments.
- DEP staff continue to respond to local governments and utilities requests for support. This includes providing support to Cocoa Beach Utilities to maintain water pressure and ensure drinking water supplies for the community.
- Dune and beach fortification activities in St. Johns, Volusia and Flagler counties that had begun in the week prior to Hurricane Irma will resume tomorrow.
- Technical specialists from EPA’s water division are deploying to Florida to assist DEP staff with wastewater and drinking water system recovery.
- DEP has established a mutual aid system to coordinate responses between utilities, the department, and other responders. This system is active and continues to coordinate and respond to the needs of drinking and waste water facilities throughout Florida. This includes ensuring generators are provided to the Town of White Springs, Alachua County, City of Delray Beach, City of Pompano Beach and Manatee County for lift stations, wastewater plant and other vital infrastructure operations.
- DEP continues to coordinate with GIS and subject matter experts to map priority sites for preliminary damage assessments, and with FDOT to assure roads are cleared to priority sites to expedite assessments.
- DEP is coordinating with US Army Corps of Engineers, FDOT, US Coast Guard, FWC, and FEMA on debris removal statewide.
- DEP is mobilizing Beach Response Teams and participating with assistance of USACE in efforts to expedite recovery of Florida beaches.
- DEP has issued an emergency order to ensure recovery efforts are not hampered or delayed. DEP has expanded that order for power plants to cover the entire state to assist any facility recovering from the storm and a new order to waive certain rules for fuel facilities impacted by the storm statewide. Both orders apply only to impacted facilities and have provisions to guard the environment while assisting in quick recovery of critical infrastructure.
- DEP is working with FWC, EPA, and the U.S. Coast Guard to mitigate pollutants from submerged vessels.
WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS
- The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) deployed rapid impact assessment and aerial reconnaissance teams to inspect areas of the regional flood control system.
- SFWMD is deploying debris removal teams to remove trees and other debris that could block the drainage of flood waters.
- The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has deployed pumps and staff to assist Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties in recovery efforts from flooding caused by Hurricane Irma.
- On Monday, the SJRWMD began diverting water from the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project to reduce floodwaters flowing north, providing flood protection for people and property downstream. The district closed a structure and four gates to help alleviate extreme flooding in the river’s lower basin in Jacksonville.
- The Southwest Florida Water Management District continues to operate water control structures. All structures without power are being monitored and are discharging as needed. These structures can be manually operated if needed.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District found no areas of concern during post-Irma inspections of Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee in South Florida.
- The current lake level is at 14.55 feet.
BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, & ECONOMIC STABILIZATION
- DEO is preparing to launch the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide support to businesses that suffered economic or physical damage from Hurricane Irma.
- The Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center business damage assessment surveying tool has been activated for businesses to report damages resulting from Hurricane Irma. Businesses are encouraged to visit http://flvbeoc.org/index.php.Click on Hurricane Irma.
- A private sector hotline is available at (850) 410-1403 to respond to calls from businesses and private sector support organizations.
- The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is readying the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program to provide temporary income support to eligible individuals in counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance.
- The state is working to identify the “open/close” status of businesses. This information is being posted to the SERT Tropical Storm Irma webpage: http://www.floridadisaster.org/info/.
- The Florida Retail Federation is assisting in coordinating information to Florida Retailers regarding restocking of emergency supplies, readying mobile pharmacies, and the transportation of fuel.
- The Florida Small Business Development Center Network is working with federal officials to identify additional staffing and financial resources to support business response activities.
- The Florida Chamber of Commerce is coordinating with their members and local chambers to determine post-storm recovery needs and identifying resources available to be sent to the affected areas.
INSURANCE
- Floridians affected by the storm must now begin the process of surveying damages to their property and belongings. If you need help finding your Florida’s property insurance company’s website and contact information, click HERE. For a list of licensed insurance agents in Florida, click HERE.
- Consumers with questions about their policies and those who need help filing a claim should call the CFO’s free Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236.
- It is important to document all damaged property and belongings. A free smartphone app developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners called “MyHome Scr.APP.book” is available to assist with photo documentation.
- OIR has updated its “Hurricane Season Resources” webpage, which contains links to information provided by the Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, and contact information for Florida’s property insurers.
Gov. Scott Visits Hurricane Irma Shelter in Fort Myers
Governor Rick Scott today visited Florida families and American Red Cross volunteers at the Alico Arena shelter in Fort Myers. Over the past two days, Governor Scott has also visited shelters in Pensacola, Immokalee and Jacksonville.
Gov. Scott: More Fuel and Restoring Power is Florida’s Top Priority
Power Restored for Nearly 2 Million Homes and Businesses
Governor Rick Scott today made it clear that Florida’s top priorities continue to be getting fuel delivered to gas stations and getting power turned back on for 100 percent of homes and businesses. While significant progress has been made on both fronts, the Governor will continue to aggressively work until every Floridian can return to work and their kids can go back to school.
Governor Scott said, “Florida is an incredibly resilient state and now it is time that we come together and rebuild. After visiting shelters this week and talking to people who evacuated due to Hurricane Irma, the number one thing I heard from families is that they want their power back on.
“We must make sure Floridians have the fuel they need to get home and back to work, and the electricity they need to live their lives. We are making progress on both fronts, but I will not rest until we are 100 percent recovered. While power has been restored to nearly two million homes and businesses so far, there is much more work that needs to be done. I have directed every state resource to help with these issues, and we are working with local officials, public and private utility companies and the federal government to fill gas tanks and turn on the lights.”
Utility Company Updates
- The current power outage as of 6 p.m. is more than 4.7 million accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
- Since Monday afternoon, nearly 2 million accounts have been restored.
- Do not try to handle downed power lines. Contact your local utility company to report it.
Tampa Electric
- About 3,200 line, tree and other workers, from other utilities from as far away as the Midwest, Northeast and Canada, continue to arrive today to assist Tampa Electric, as part of the largest restoration effort in U.S. history;
- In total, 425,000 of Tampa Electric’s 730,000 customers were impacted by the storm. At the peak of the storm, 335,000 customers remained without power;
- Power has already been restored to 170,000 customers, or about 40 percent of those affected; and
- Tampa Electric expects to restore power to essentially all customers the night of Sunday, September 17th.
Florida Power and Light
- FPL has mobilized the largest restoration workforce ever assembled with more than 18,000 out-of-state restoration personnel working around the clock;
- In total, 4.4 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to 1.1 million customers;
- FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the East Coast the night of Sunday, September 17th; and
- FPL expects power restoration to be completed for the West Coast by Friday, September 22nd.
Duke Energy
- More than 12,000 restoration workers have been mobilized to quickly restore power to all customers;
- More than 1 million customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 375,000 customers;
- Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for western service areas the night of Friday, September 15th; and
- Duke Energy expects power restoration to be completed for central and northern service areas the night of Sunday, September 17th.
Gulf Power
- Gulf Power has fully restored power to the 13,000 customers affected by the storm and has no storm related outages; and
- Gulf Power has a restoration team of more than 150 personnel in route to Tampa to assist with power restoration for Tampa Electric.
Florida Electric Cooperatives Association
- More than 760,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to more than 318,000 customers;
- Approximately 3,000 cooperative workers from Florida and nine other states are deploying to the hurricane impact zone to assist with ongoing restoration efforts.
Municipal Utilities
- More than 800,000 customers were impacted by the storm. Power has already been restored to about 400,000 customers.
- Restoration is expected to be completed by the night of Sunday, September 17th, except hardest hit areas, such as Key West, which will take longer to restore.
- Several utilities such as Tallahassee, Kissimmee and Jacksonville Beach are close to being fully restored. In addition, several smaller utilities like Newberry are already 100% restored.
Fuel Updates:
- All three of Florida’s major fuel ports are open and operational – Port Tampa, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral. Port of Panama City is also open and operational. Each Port is prioritizing fuel shipments and FHP is escorting fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
- Port Everglades has three fuel resupply tankers at berth and are working around the clock to bring more fuel into Florida;
- Fuel trucks are actively filling and leaving the terminals to refuel gas stations;
- Port Tampa will receive ten tanker vessels in the next 48 hours;
- JaxPort is open to traffic on the landside terminals. Fuel trucks are actively filling and leaving the terminals to refuel gas stations;
- The first fuel tanker arrived at Port Canaveral today at 2:30pm, and the Port will continue to receive fuel resupply.
- Eleven states have joined Florida in waiving weight and driver restrictions to move goods more quickly into the state, including fuel.
- The Jones Act, Florida’s gas tax and all weight and driver restrictions continue to be waived to expedite fuel delivery.
This week, the Governor took the following actions to expedite power restoration across the state of Florida:
- Hosted daily calls with Florida utilities companies to make sure they were preparing resources and positioning restoration personnel to help get the power on as quickly as possible.
- As early as the morning of Tuesday, September 5th, utilities were directed to begin contacting mutual aid partners and prepare to report outages as soon as storm impacts were felt. Utilities were also directed to identify any staging areas needed outside of Florida to ensure out of state linemen resources could be fully prepared for deployment as soon as conditions were safe.
- At the direction of Governor Scott, Florida Highway Patrol is escorting utility convoys to areas in need to help quickly restore power, including escorting 600 utility trucks into Florida from the Georgia/Florida line into impacted areas of Southwest Florida. In addition, FHP is providing a security escort to 11 Panama City utility vehicles.
- Governor Scott has directed Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) cut and toss crews to work alongside utility crews across the state to clear road debris so power can be restored quickly.
This week, the Governor took the following actions to expedite fuel delivery to gas stations:
- Directed the Florida Highway Patrol to escort fuel resupply trucks to gas stations;
- Waived the taxes on fuel trucks entering the state;
- Gov. Scott and executive office staff have held daily calls with all fuel supply stakeholders, including Florida Ports;
- Vice President Pence announced that the federal government has waived the Jones Act upon Governor Scott’s request, which waives additional rules and regulations to allow more fuel to get to Florida fast. This waiver ensures that all options are available to distribute fuel to Florida. The last Jones Act waiver was issued in December 2012, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
- Following the Governor’s request, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency fuel waiver which allows more fuel to quickly enter the state. For more information, please click HERE.