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Hurricane Irma

Municipal Electric Utilities Working to Restore Power to Customers Across the State Following Hurricane Irma

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According to the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), there are approximately 500,000 municipal utility customers without power following the three days that Hurricane Irma battered the state. Hardest hit areas for municipal electric utilities include the Florida Keys, Homestead, Moore Haven, Clewiston, Wauchula, Lakeland, Bartow, Fort Meade, Orlando, Ocala and the Jacksonville area. Currently, 37 percent of municipal electric utility customers are without power, which is down from 61 percent yesterday.
Power has already been restored to an approximate 300,000 municipal electric utility customers. The City of Tallahassee electric utility and Kissimmee Utility Authority are close to 100 percent restoration and their available resources will be reassigned to other utilities once they are complete.
“Florida municipal electric utility workers, along with our fellow municipal electric utility lineworkers from other states and investor-owned utility personnel, immediately began working on power restoration efforts as soon as it was safe to do so following the incredible destruction and damage caused by Hurricane Irma. Crews are working nonstop to get power restored to all municipal electric utilities following this powerful national weather event.” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director.
Nearly a week before Hurricane Irma hit Florida’s shores, FMEA began coordinating with municipal, cooperative and investor-owned utilities across the state and nation to assemble crews prepared to enter the affected areas once safe to assist with power restoration efforts. There are currently 1,000 Florida-based public power lineworkers working on power restoration throughout the state and more than 1,000 additional public power personnel from other parts of the country assisting. Statewide, there are more than 30,000 total personnel helping to restore power.
Crews are already in Florida or on their way from Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia and across New England.
“Cooperation and assistance from others is critical during times like these. We greatly appreciation the help of personnel from public power and investor-owned utilities who left their homes and families to rush to our aid even before Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida,” added Zubaly.
FMEA reminds residents that there is still danger even after a storm has moved out of the area. Downed power lines pose a significant threat.  Residents should keep these important safety precautions in mind as they clean up after Hurricane Irma:

  • Never, ever touch a downed power line or go near one. Always assume the power line is live.
  • Do not touch anything or anyone in contact with a fallen power line or other equipment.
  • If a power line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle and call for help.
  • Do not pull tree limbs off power lines. Leave those for utility crews to safely handle.
  • Avoid areas with debris and downed trees. There could be live power lines hidden inside.
  • Also avoid chain link fences and puddles that could have become electrified by downed power lines.

The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 34 public power communities across the state, which provide electricity to more than 3 million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.

Flagler College cancels Public Policy Forum lecture

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Due to Hurricane Irma and the clean-up efforts in its aftermath, Flagler College has cancelled its Forum on Government and Public Policy lecture with Nicholas Johnston on Thursday, Sept. 14. The talk, by one of the founding editors of online media company Axios, will be rescheduled and announced at a later date.
Flagler’s Forum series invites nationally-recognized journalists and commentators to St. Augustine to discuss issues of importance in regional, state and federal government.
Please check www.flagler.edu for future updates.

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Hurricane Irma Response Efforts

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This morning, Governor Rick Scott 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 two days, Governor Scott has visited three shelters in Pensacola, Immokalee and Jacksonville. 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.

SHELTERS

  • More than 400 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than 94,000 individuals. More than 80 special needs shelters are open with a total population of more than 17,00 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, Sarasota, 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) are being staged for meal preparation. The state is also working to ensure ice is available for shelters, canteens, kitchens, and military support operations 

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • An additional 24 FWC officers will be deploying and a contingent of National Guard are arriving in Marathon in the Keys.
  • 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 began rescue operations in the Keys yesterday.
  • 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 more than 300 officers deployed from Georgia, Mississippi, Delaware, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, 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 to impacted areas as soon as ports reopen.
  • 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.

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • The Florida National Guard has conducted hundreds of missions, including search and rescue and road and runway clearance across the state, especially in the Keys. The Guard will begin transitions from search and rescue missions to providing humanitarian assistance.
  • 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.
  • Aerial assessments by the Florida National Guard will continue across the state today.
  • 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. 

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The current power outage as of 9:00 a.m. is more than 5.6 million accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
  • Do not try to handle downed power lines. Contact your local utility company to report it. 

FUEL

  • The Florida Highway Patrol has 20 troopers dedicated to fuel escorts from Port of Jacksonville, Port of Tampa, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral to impacted areas as soon as ports reopen.
  • Port Everglades is open to traffic on the landside terminals. Fuel trucks are actively filling and leaving the terminals to refuel gas stations.  Port Everglades is expected to open to ships later today.
  • Port Canaveral has opened landside terminals for fuel trucks to fill and deliver. Port Canaveral is expected to open to ships today.
  • Port of Tampa has landslide terminals open and fuel trucks are actively filling and leaving the terminals to deliver gas to stations. Tankers will begin delivery this evening, with at least seven expected in the next 72 hours. Port Tampa is expected to open this afternoon.
  • 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 ten states to join Florida in waiving weight and driver restrictions to move goods more quickly into the state, including fuel.

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, 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. Follow the direction of local officials regarding entrance into 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 are continuing 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 Florida. 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.

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.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • More than 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.
  • 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 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.
  • DEP is working with FWC, EPA, and the U.S. Coast Guard to mitigate pollutants from submerged vessels.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to closely monitor the lake level, which is currently at 14.46 feet.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deemed the lake infrastructure as safe and will continue to monitor.

BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, & ECONOMIC STABILIZATION

  • 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 web page: http://www.floridadisaster.org/info/ .
  • The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association members are working directly with local Salvation Army Staff to provide meals for shelter evacuees.
  • 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.

After Irma, Report Losses Quickly and Protect Yourself from Unlicensed Individuals

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Following the landfall of Hurricane Irma, many Floridians are now assessing their homes and property for damage and taking steps to make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage before filing insurance claims. CFO Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier encourage Floridians to be prompt in notifying their insurance companies and cautious of repair deals that sound too good to be true.
“If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is and could be fraud,” said CFO Patronis. “Opportunistic scammers may attempt to defraud Floridians following Hurricane Irma, and I encourage all Floridians to be vigilant in guarding against fraud. Floridians should report suspicious activity ASAP by calling 1-877-693-5236.”
Here are the top tips for consumers currently navigating the insurance claims process:

  • Notify your insurance company first. Many insurance companies have reporting deadlines, so it is important to act quickly. Take steps to make temporary repairs that prevent further damage, but remain in contact with your insurance company regarding any outside vendors that are brought in to make repairs. If you need help locating contact information for your insurance company, click here to access the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) directory. Helpline experts working the Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-877-693-5236 can also help Floridians locate their insurance company’s contact information.
  • While making temporary repairs, obtain the licensing or training credentials of all third-party vendors before signing any work agreements. Beware of fly-by-night repair companies and hire only licensed and reputable vendors. Use the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Contractor License lookup to make sure all contractors are properly licensed and bonded. Access DBPR’s licensee search here.
  • Fully review all documentation you are asked to sign and ask questions to make sure you understand the agreements you are signing. Ask specifically who is responsible for paying the vendor, you as the consumer, or your insurance company. For more information about how an assignment of benefits (AOB) for repairs works, visit the DFS “AOB” or Office “AOB Resources” webpages.
  • If considering the assistance of a public insurance adjuster, ask for identification to verify that the adjuster is licensed. Visit CFO Patronis’ Hurricane Irma Insurance Resources website to verify the license of any Florida insurance agent or adjuster.
  • Understand how much a public insurance adjuster charges as well as what services are included before signing any contract.
  • If you suspect fraud or suspicious activity, report it immediately by calling 1-877-693-5236. You concerns will be promptly referred to insurance fraud investigators.

CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-693-5236) is available from 8:00am EST to 5:00pm EST to answer all insurance-related questions for Floridians and businesses.

Daytona State College closed through Wednesday, 9/13

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As we continue to assess the impact of Hurricane Irma,Daytona State College will remain closed through Wednesday, Sept. 13, with all classes – including online – and activities cancelled.
Students, faculty and staff will have additional time to prepare for a safe return. To hear a recorded message regarding the college’s closing and resumption of operations as determined, you may call (386) 506-4357.
The college will reopen as soon as possible.

Gov. Scott Visits Hurricane Irma Shelter in Jacksonville

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Governor Rick Scott last night visited Florida families and American Red Cross volunteers with Tim Tebow at the Landmark Middle School shelter in Jacksonville. Over the past two days, Governor Scott has visited three shelters in Pensacola, Immokalee and Jacksonville. Today, Governor Scott is joining 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.

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Hurricane Irma Response Efforts as Storm Continues to Impact Florida

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Governor Rick Scott this evening received a full update from the State Emergency Operations Center as the state aggressively responses to Hurricane Irma. Earlier today, Governor Scott is joined the U.S. Coast Guard for an responds aerial tour of Irma impacts in the Florida Keys earlier today.
Just hours after Governor Rick Scott’s request, President Donald Trump yesterday approved a major disaster declaration, which authorizes federal funding to flow directly to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Irma and reimburses local communities and the state government to aid in response and recovery. Florida has received support from 28 states and Washington D.C. to aid in the response and recovery of Irma. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, city and county leaders, and utility officials as Irma moves out of the state and the full response and recovery process begins.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
WATCHES AND WARNINGS

  • Storm Surge Warning:
    • North of Clearwater Beach to the Aucilla River
  • A coastal flood warning is in effect for Jacksonville beaches and includes north portions St. John’s River.
  • All tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings have been cancelled.
  • All tornado watches and flash flood watches have been cancelled.

EVACUATIONS

  • Although the storm has passed, everyone should continue to listen to local officials and stay off the roads unless necessary to keep areas cleared for search and rescue missions.
  • For evacuation information by county, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/info.
  • The Division of Emergency Management estimates that 6.5 million Floridians were ordered to evacuate.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The current power outage as of 9:00 p.m. is more than 6.2 million accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
  • More than 30,000 restoration personnel have been activated to help restore power as quickly as possible following the storm’s impact.
  • At the direction of Governor Scott, Florida Highway Patrol is actively escorting utility convoys to areas in need to help quickly restore power.
  • Crews are identifying power need of schools being used as shelters and ensuring they have power.
  • Do not try to handle downed power lines. Contact your local utility company to report it.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

  • Search and rescue operations and reconnaissance are underway in the Florida Keys and Southwest Florida, and missions are ongoing in Northeast Florida.
  • There is an airlift into Key West planned this evening to deploy additional search and rescue members.

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.

SHELTERS

  • More than 600 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than 162,000 individuals. More than 90 special needs shelters are open with a total population of close to 254,000 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.

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • Across the state, guard members are actively engaged in missions including search and rescue, law-enforcement support, humanitarian assistance and conducting post-landfall damage assessments in affected areas throughout the state. The Florida National Guard has 1,000 high water vehicles, 13 helicopters, 17 boats and more than 700 generators to support these efforts.
  • Multi-service operations in support of an air bridge to provide personnel and supplies to the Florida Keys are underway.
  • All Florida Army National Guard aviation assets are currently staged at Cecil Field, and will begin flying operations tomorrow.
  • Governor Scott activated the entire Florida Army and Air National Guard – 7,935 guard members – to support planning, logistical operations in preparation for impacts from Hurricane Irma.
  • The Guard is coordinating a multi-state response focused on planning and preparing thousands of forces. Soldiers have arrived from 23 other states to enhance security and support disaster relief.
  • The Florida National Guard has coordinated with the National Guard Bureau to identify approximately 30,000 troops, 4,000 trucks, 100 helicopters, and air evacuation crews that are standing by for Hurricane Irma support, if needed. 10,000 of those troops are in the process of joining Florida Guard members for deployment following the storm.
  • The U.S. Military has deployed aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the two amphibious ships USS Iwo Jima and USS New York, which will support search and rescue operations as needed.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • An additional 24 FWC officers will be deploying and a contingent of National Guard are arriving in Marathon in the Keys, tonight.
  • 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 began rescue operations in the Keys yesterday evening.
  • 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 more than 300 officers deployed from Georgia, Mississippi, Delaware, South Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
  • The entire Florida Highway Patrol, approximately 1,700 troopers, is on 12-hour shifts, with the primary mission to assist emergency response. In addition, a total of 330 troopers are assisting with recovery and road clearance efforts.
  • Port Everglades is open to traffic on the landslide terminals. Fuel trucks are actively filling and leaving the terminals to refuel gas stations. Photo and video are attached. The Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a survey of the channel to confirm that tankers may safely deliver additional fuel and expects to complete that task no later than tomorrow. Assuming clearance is granted, at least eight tankers with fuel are scheduled to arrive within the next 72 hours, beginning tomorrow.
  • Port Canaveral is opening landslide terminals tonight for fuel trucks to fill and deliver. The Coast Guard is conducting a survey tonight to ensure prompt and safe reopening of the Port. Assuming clearance granted, tankers are queuing up for delivery.
  • Port of Tampa has landslide terminals open. Fuel trucks are actively filling and leaving the terminals to deliver gas to stations. Tankers will begin delivery this evening, with at least seven expected in the next 72 hours.
  • Florida Incident Management Teams (IMT) have mobilized to provide overall statewide command and control for all Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) and lifesaving operations.
  • Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) team members are deployed in multiple locations and identifying requests for search and rescue. 

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has completed damage assessments on major highways.
  • Bridge inspections and debris clearance are ongoing throughout the state.
  • No residents or visitors are permitted back into Monroe County until an assessment of damage on roadways and bridges is complete. At this point, FDOT damage assessment teams and debris removal crews are working on assessing damage on US 1 south in the Keys.
  • 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 are working with utility crews across the state to clear road debris so power can be restored quickly. FDOT and Florida Power and Light (FPL) have completed a convoy from east to west Florida after departing the BB&T Center staging area at sunrise.
  • The State Emergency Response Team will prioritize clearing major roadways, addressing the needs of critical shelters and special-needs shelters, and distributing staged life-saving resources.
  • FDOT has completed clearing Interstate 75, Interstate 95, Interstate 4, Florida’s Turnpike and Interstate 10 along with the Florida National Guard and utility companies.
  • As FDOT works on the major interstate systems, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) assisted in clearance around shelters that were identified as critical special-needs shelters.
  • FDOT is coordinating with other states to deploy additional resources to Florida. 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 and evacuation routes are 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 will remain suspended for the duration of the storm’s impacts to Florida.
  • 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.

Sens. Nelson and Rubio ask Dept. of Transportation for post-storm coordination and support

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio today sent the following letter to Dept. of Transportation Secretary Chao.
Following is the text of the letter sent to the Dept. of Transportation:

September 11, 2017

The Honorable Elaine Chao
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
Dear Secretary Chao:
As you are aware, Hurricane Irma made landfall in the state of the Florida as a category four hurricane early Sunday morning. Local officials have reported substantial damage to the bridges, roadways, and airports across the entire state. We thank the Department of Transportation for its swift release of emergency relief funding to begin addressing the immediate recovery needs.
While the infrastructure has yet to be fully surveyed, the need for assistance is expected to be significant. Florida Highway Patrol has already reported that portions of Interstate four in Central Florida have been washed out, and early indications are that northeast Florida roads are inundated with water. We are also hearing that bridges in the lower keys have sustained damage and are covered with debris. These roads, highways, and bridges may serve as critical routes, necessary for emergency response efforts, or vital to the delivery of much-needed fuel, food, water and other necessities post-storm. In addition, airports serve as a key hub for recovery as well, and are in the process of assessing damage. Without full functionality of these transportation pathways, Floridians are unable to resume their normal day-to-day lives.
The Department of Transportation plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and operability of our transportation network. While the level of damage to our state in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma is unclear, it is essential that all federal resources are provided to aid in restoring our state’s infrastructure to its optimal function and usability for our constituents. As state and local officials continue to assess the infrastructure damage incurred by this natural disaster, we ask the Department of Transportation to continue to coordinate with relevant federal agencies to provide all possible aid, staff and resources to address any deficiencies.
Thank you for your prompt consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

After Irma, Beware of Price Gouging, Disaster Scams and Looting

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As Tropical Storm Irma continues to move through Florida, Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning those in impacted areas to guard against price gouging, contracting scams and looting.
“Irma is still moving through Florida and already we are hearing reports about looting and robbery. This is disgraceful and anyone who steals from Floridians in this time of crisis will be caught and prosecuted,” said Attorney General Bondi. “My office and law enforcement continue to work tirelessly to protect Floridians, but citizens can help by taking steps to avoid being victimized.”
After a natural disaster, consumers should be wary of tree service scams, building and home repair scams, disaster relief scams, and water testing and treatment scams. If you suspect criminal activity such as looting, robbery or any violent crime, call 911 immediately.
Building Repair and Contractors: After a disaster, qualified contractors are in high demand, making things ideal for scam artists. If your home is damaged, be sure to follow these tips when hiring a contractor:

  • Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming they can perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job;
  • Have your insurance company evaluate damage before arranging repairs to ensure that the work will be covered under your policy;
  • Get at least three written, itemized estimates or bids on repairs;
  • Verify a contractor has a license with local and state licensing boards;
  • Additionally, ensure the contractor is licensed for the job. Check to see if a company is properly licensed and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com, the Department of Professional Business Regulation’s website;
  • Research the company and its reputation–ask for references;
  • Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM to see if there are complaints against a company or contractor;
  • Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current;
  • Check to see if the contractor is bonded and verify with the bonding agency;
  • Never pay the full amount of a repair up front and hesitate before providing large deposits;
  • Read entire contract, including the fine print, before signing to ensure it includes the required buyer’s right to cancel language. Understand cancellation rights and penalties you may experience for cancelling;
  • Homeowners may unknowingly have liens placed against their properties by suppliers or subcontractors who have not been paid by the contractor. If the contractor fails to pay them, the liens will remain on the title. Insist on releases of any liens that could be placed on the property from all subcontractors prior to making final payments; and
  • Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until you are satisfied with the work performed.

Tree Service Scams: Heavy winds from a hurricane or tropical storm results in littered roads and uprooted trees. If you plan to have nearby trees removed to protect your home from danger or have fallen trees removed after a storm, follow these tips to avoid being scammed:

  • Watch out for anyone who approaches unsolicited about tree removal;
  • Get multiple written estimates and ask whether debris removal is included in the estimate;
  • Research the company and its reputation–ask for references. Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM to check if there are complaints against the company;
  • Check for proof of insurance and verify with the insurer that their policy is current, and
  • Never pay the full amount up front and do not make a final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work done.

Charity Scams: This scam is particularly effective after a disaster, during which numerous disaster-specific charities crop up. If you would like to donate to help with disaster relief, consider these tips:

  • Avoid solicitors that use high-pressure tactics or are hesitant to provide additional information on the charitable organization;
  • Be wary of charities with similar sounding names. Some phony charities may attempt to capitalize on disasters by using names similar to legitimate, well-known charities;
  • Consider donating to an established disaster-relief charity; and
  • Contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (1-800-HELP-FLA), the agency that regulates charities, to determine if the charity you are donating to has any complaints against them.

Disaster Relief Scams: The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers disaster relief to eligible victims through various programs. When seeking aid, consider the following:

  • No state or federal disaster relief agency will call you for your financial information;
  • State and federal workers carry identification and will not ask for or accept cash;
  • Know that applications for federal FEMA relief programs are free and can be accessed at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA; and
  • Be wary of anyone who offers to fill out, assist with or expedite your application as they may be seeking access to your personal information.

Water Testing and Treatment Scams: Water mains and personal wells can be affected during hurricanes, and dishonest companies and individuals may insist upon pricey tests to determine water safety. Avoid falling victim by following these tips:

  • If someone claims to be a representative of your city, county or utility provider needing to inspect your water line or well, ask for proof of identification;
  • Check for water safety alerts as provided by local media and utility providers;
  • If you doubt the safety of your water, contact your local health department or utility. Local water utilities are required to test water quality on a regular basis;
  • If you doubt the safety of your well water, seek advice from your state or local health department to determine what tests should be performed and find certified testers in your area; and
  • If in doubt, boil water vigorously for one to three minutes or drink bottled water.

The state of emergency is still in effect and that means Florida’s price gouging law still applies to anyone who sells essential commodities or provides essential services to our consumers. We anticipate an uptick in price gouging complaints and complaints about unscrupulous contractors and charities post-Irma, especially tree service scams, building and home repair scams, disaster relief scams, and water testing and treatment scams.  
Please report any scams to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling (866) 9NO-SCAM. If you cannot get a live operator file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.