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Hurricane Irma

Senator Farmer Thanks First Responders

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On the 16th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and following Hurricane Irma

16 years ago our country suffered a devastating attack that was felt the world over. Today we remember that what makes us stronger as Americans is our dogged persistence, even in the face of hatred and bigotry, to our founding principles of tolerance and love for our fellow man.
It is in our response to adversity that our character is truly revealed. On September 11, 2001 we saw the character of America, and it was one of which we could be proud. Once again, today we are faced with adversity, this time in the form of a devastating hurricane. Much like on the fateful day of 9/11 we have seen our first responders put others first in an effort to secure the safety of our communities. We have seen an outpouring of support from fellow Floridians and our friends in states across the country.  On a day when we remember the sacrifices of those who choose to run into burning buildings, we could not have a better example to look upon than the brave men and women who are actively supporting us now, from far and wide.
Today, recall the amazing work that our police, fire, EMT’s, and national guardsmen do for us each and every day. Remember that there are those who forgo personal safety for the benefit of others. Thank you to our first responders.
As we remember this solemn moment in America’s recent history, I wish you all a path to swift recovery.
-Senator Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

Capital Health Plan updates office closures, reminds members how to access benefits during and after Hurricane Irma

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Capital Health Plan Urgent Care will close today, Sunday, Sept. 10,  at 4 p.m. All CHP locations will remain closed at least until Wednesday (9/13) until further notice.
Members can access comprehensive information about how to receive care during and after the storm by reading the Disaster Care document, located on the red banner of CHP’s homepage. The document outlines how members can access medical care or prescription drugs in the aftermath of Irma.
Capital Health Plan’s member services telephone lines are open and should be available throughout the storm, even if power is lost. There is a potential for phone lines to function intermittently during the power outages.
If you live in an area that has been declared an emergency or disaster and you need emergent or urgent care during this time, you should go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility that can meet your needs. In emergency situations, normal prior authorization and out-of- network requirements will be waived. Inform the doctor or facility staff that you are a CHP member, and provide them with your CHP ID card if you have it. Once CHP’s phone system is operational again, the doctor/facility can confirm coverage, benefit information, and receive claim payment information by calling CHP’s Network Services at 850-523-7361.
Prescriptions will continue to be filled at any of the 50,000 pharmacies nationwide in our pharmacy network. For a list of pharmacies, please visit capitalhealth.com/network. During the declared disaster, CHP’s “refill-too-soon” limitations will be lifted so that you may fill any needed medications that were lost or damaged during the disaster. If a pharmacy has any trouble filling your medications during this time, the pharmacist should be directed to call the PRIME Pharmacy Technical Help Desk at 1-800-821-4795 or 1-866- 469-5662 (Non-Medicare members) and 1-866-590-3010 (Medicare members), 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Please keep any receipts for any medical services or prescription medications that you have to pay for out of pocket during this time.

Sen. Nelson calls on Dept. of Energy to help address Florida's gas shortage

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Sen. Bill Nelson today sent the following letter to Dept. of Energy Secretary Perry regarding Florida’s gas shortage.
Following is the text of Nelson’s letter to the Dept. of Energy:

September 11, 2017

The Honorable Rick Perry
Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585
Dear Secretary Perry:
I write today regarding the gasoline shortages that occurred in Florida prior to landfall of Hurricane Irma, and are likely to persist in the days and weeks that follow.
I appreciate efforts taken to date by the Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to try to expedite the flow of gasoline shipments into Florida in the wake of the storm. At least some of these efforts, however, appear to have been hampered by the apparent lack of adequate gasoline reserves in Florida prior to the storm.
Unfortunately, this was also the case in the Northeast U.S. after Superstorm Sandy – where some communities waited weeks for gasoline shipments after the storm. These shortages hampered relief and recovery efforts in many communities. In response, the Department created a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) in 2014 to ensure an emergency gasoline supply for future natural or man-made disasters in that region.
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, I urge you to consider using your authority to create a similar gasoline supply reserve for the State of Florida. A Florida Gasoline Supply Reserve would ensure that residents and first responders have access to an emergency supply of fuel, and help prevent the shortages that may have kept some from evacuating and may hinder recover efforts going forward.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

28 States and D.C. Provide Assets for Hurricane Response and Recovery

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Governor Rick Scott today outlined support that has been deployed to Florida from twenty-eight states and Washington D.C. to aid in the response and recovery of Hurricane Irma. Governor Scott has worked closely with local, state, and federal governments to coordinate preparation efforts.
Governor Scott said, “Florida has received an incredible outpouring of support from other states in responding to Hurricane Irma. Responding to catastrophic storms like this takes a collaborative and coordinated team effort. The strength and speed of these states’ help has been instrumental in our planned response to Irma. The people of Florida are incredibly thankful for their selfless dedication. Together, we can withstand this storm and come back even stronger.”
The following personnel and resources have been deployed to Florida to assist in Hurricane Irma response and recovery:

  • Alaska – Deployed a Geographic Information Science Supervisor and Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Alabama – Deployed two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, along with cargo trucks and other logistical assets
  • Arkansas – Deployed 28 Swiftwater Rescue Personnel and Boats
  • California – Deployed an Emergency Management Assistance Compact Advance Team
  • Colorado – Deployed Graphical Information Systems and Emergency Operation Center Support Team
  • Connecticut – Deployed two CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • Washington D.C. – Deployed an All Hazards Incident Management Team
  • Indiana – Deployed Tactical Command Post staff and equipment
  • Iowa – Deployed four LUH-72 Lakota helicopters and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • Kentucky – Deployed six FEMA Type II ambulances
  • Louisiana – Deployed Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams, an Animal/Human Swiftwater Search and Rescue Team and Emergency Operations Center Support Staff
  • Massachusetts – Deployed Infrastructure Support Staff, an All Hazards Incident Management Team and a nurse team
  • Michigan – Deployed Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams
  • Minnesota – Deployed an Emergency Operations Center Support Team along with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter
  • Mississippi – Deployed a Type III Urban Search and Rescue Team, 26 Special Response Teams and equipment, an All Hazards Incident Management Team, lead staff for Mass Care, Emergency Support Function 8 Leadership Support and 2 CH-47 Chinook helicopters
  • North Carolina – Deployed Medical Center Evacuation Assistance
  • North Dakota – Deployed an Emergency Management Assistance Compact Advance Team and Nurse Teams
  • Nebraska – Deployed multiple aviation assets
  • New Hampshire – Deployed 2 Air Operations Branch Directors
  • New Jersey – Deployed cargo trucks and other logistical transportation assets
  • New York – Deployed a Type III Urban Search and Rescue Team along with 10 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
  • Ohio – Deployed Type 3 All Hazards Incident Management Teams
  • Oklahoma – Deployed an Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Pennsylvania – Deployed a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with air support
  • Tennessee – Deployed a Type II Urban Search and Rescue Team, Emergency Support Function 8 Augmentation Teams, 40 Nurses and 5 Ambulance Strike Teams
  • Texas – Deployed 66 Swiftwater Search and Rescue Teams
  • Utah – Deployed a Human Services Emergency Operations Center Support Team
  • Washington – Deployed an All Hazards Incident Management Team
  • Wisconsin – Deployed Wide Area Security and Humanitarian Relief on a 30-day mission along with Type III Urban Search and Rescue Teams

Consumer Alert: Managing the Post-Storm Insurance Claims Filing Process

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As Hurricane Irma continues to impact Florida, residents affected by the storm will soon begin the process of surveying damages to their property and belongings. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier have the following tips to help consumers as they begin the process of filing insurance claims on damaged property and belongings:
Tip 1:  Locate all applicable insurance policies. This may include a homeowners’ policy, flood policy (flood coverage is not covered under a typical homeowners’ policy and is separate coverage) and an automobile policy (may cover damage to your car from flooding).
Tip 2:  Document all damaged property and belongings. Take photos or shoot video footage before attempting any temporary repairs. When you file an insurance claim, you may be asked for visual documentation of damages. A photographic home inventory is a handy resource for this situation. A free smartphone app developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners called “MyHome Scr.APP.book” can help you take and store a room-by-room log of photos.
Tip 3:  Contact your insurance company or insurance agent as soon as possible to report damages. Insurance policies require prompt reporting of claims, so it is important to act as soon as possible. If you need help finding your property insurance company’s website and contact information, click here. For a list of licensed insurance agents in Florida, click here.
Tip 4:  Cover damaged areas that may be exposed to the elements in order to prevent further damage. Your insurance company may reimburse the expense of these temporary repairs, so keep all receipts. Remove water-logged and otherwise damaged items from your house to prevent the spread of mold, but document them and do not dispose of any damaged property until your insurance company adjuster has had an opportunity to survey it.
CFO Patronis’ toll-free Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-877-693-5236) can answer business and consumer-oriented insurance-related questions. CFO Patronis has launched a Hurricane Irma Insurance Resources webpage to provide comprehensive insurance information. Access the webpage by clicking on the “Hurricane Irma” button on www.myfloridacfo.com
The Office of Insurance Regulation also has additional storm-related materials online. To visit their website, click here.

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Hurricane Irma Preparedness and Response Efforts as Storm Impacts Florida

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Governor Rick Scott today received a full update from the State Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane Irma impacts Florida. A majority of the state remains under a hurricane warning. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, city and county leaders, law enforcement and utility officials throughout the storm’s impact. For more information on preparedness actions, click HERE. Click HERE to see the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM 
WATCHES AND WARNING –

  • Storm Surge Warning:
    • The Florida/Georgia line southward to Jupiter Inlet
    • North Miami Beach southward around the Florida peninsula to the Ochlockonee River
    • Florida Keys
    • Tampa Bay
  • Hurricane Warning:
    • Fernandina Beach southward around the Florida peninsula to Indian Pass at the Gulf/Franklin County line.
    • Florida Keys
    • Lake Okeechobee
    • Florida Bay
  • Tropical Storm Warning:
    • West of Indian Pass to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
    • North of Fernandina Beach to South Santee River

EVACUATIONS

  • IF THERE ARE ALREADY STORM IMPACTS IN YOUR AREA, DO NOT GET ON THE ROAD. SHELTER IN PLACE.
  • DEM estimates that 6.5 million Floridians have been ordered to evacuate.

SHELTERS

  • More than 530 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than 116,000 individuals. More than 75 special needs shelters are open with a total population of more than 12,700 individuals. This number is being updated throughout the day. Visit floridadisaster.org/shelters/summary.aspx to find information on shelters in your area.
  • Shelters are continuing to open across the state, including shelters for people with special needs, pets and general populations. To find information about available shelter information by county, floridadisaster.org/shelters.
  • FEMA is also hosting shelter information on its mobile app which can be found atfema.gov/mobile-app. 

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The current power outage as of 12:00 p.m. is1,528,282 accounts. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
  • Restoration personnel have been activated to help restore power as quickly as possible following the storm’s impact.
     

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • Governor Scott has activated the entire force of the Florida Army and Air National Guard – 7,000 guard members – to support with planning, and logistics operations in preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Irma. These members are stationing across the state and actively assisting with preparation efforts and supporting more than 200 shelters. The Florida National Guard has 1,000 high water vehicles, 13 helicopters, 17 boats and more than 700 generators on standby.
  • More than 700 more guardsmen are preparing to set up food and water distribution sites as soon as the storm passes and we are working alongside FWC to prepare for search and rescue mission as soon as it is safe.
  • The Florida National Guard is coordinating a multi-state response focused on planning and preparing thousands of forces to enhance security and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. States that have deployed troops or are positioning support include North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Connecticut, Mississippi, New Jersey, Alabama, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland and Iowa.
  • The Florida National Guard is coordinating 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 after the storm.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • More than 200 FWC officers statewide, including partner agencies, will be standing by in areas expected to be safe 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 are staged for reconnaissance once the storm passes that area.
  • FWC has more than 500 law enforcement vessels standing ready and is prepared to sustain these resources as long as necessary.
  • FWC is swearing in more than 200 officers that are being deployed from Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas and Texas. By the end of today, FWC will have 50 additional officers from Louisiana, 28 officers from Arkansas, and 26 from Mississippi.
  • 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 on standby to assist with recovery and road clearance efforts after the storm passes.
  • Florida Incident Management Teams (IMT) are mobilizing to provide overall statewide command and control for all Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) and lifesaving operations.
  • FEMA Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) teams are staged for rapid deployment behind Hurricane Irma, including additional teams standing by in Georgia.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
Sustained winds over 40 miles per hour will prompt the Florida Highway Patrol to close bridges. The state Emergency Operations Center is receiving regular wind status updates from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and closely monitoring the wind speeds across bridges. The following major bridges are currently closed:

  • Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Airport Updates:
The following airports are closed:

  • Airport Manatee (48X)
  • Albert Whitted Airport (SPG)
  • Boca Raton Airport (BCT)
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Heliport (DT1)
  • Everglades Airpark (X01)
  • Fernandina Beach Municipal (FHB)
  • Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (KFLL)
  • Immokalee Regional Airport (IMM)
  • Key West International Airport (KEYW)
  • Keys/Marathon International (MTH)
  • Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM)
  • Leesburg International Airport (LEE)
  • Marco Island Airport (MKY)
  • Miami Seaplane Base (MPB)
  • Naples Municipal Airport (APF)
  • North Perry Airport (HWO)
  • Northeast Florida Regional (SGJ)
  • Ocala International-Jim Taylor Field (OCF)
  • Okeechobee County Airport (OBE)
  • Orlando–Sanford International (KSFB)
  • Ormond Beach Municipal (OMN)
  • Peter O Knight Airport (TPF)
  • Plant City Airport (PCM)
  • Pompano Beach Airpark (PMP)
  • Saint George Island Airport (F47)
  • Sarasota–Bradenton International (KSRQ)
  • St Pete-Clearwater International (PIE)
  • Tallahassee Commercial Airport (68J)
  • Tampa Executive Airport (VDF)
  • Tavares Seaplane Base (FA1)
  • Williston Municipal Airport (X60)

The following airports have terminated Commercial Service:

  • Daytona Beach International (KDAB)
  • Melbourne International Airport (MLB)
  • Palm Beach International (KPBI)
  • Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
  • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

The following airports are conducting emergency operations only:

  • Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (TNT)
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE)
  • Miami Executive Airport (TMB)
  • Miami Homestead General Aviation (X51)
  • Miami International (KMIA)
  • Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF)
  • Orlando International (KMCO)
  • Tampa International (KTPA)
  • Venice Municipal Airport (VNC)
  • Vero Beach Municipal Airport (VRB)
  • Winter Haven’s Gilbert Airport (GIF)

Port Updates:

  • Key West: Port closed
  • Miami: Port closed
  • Port Everglades: Port closed
  • Palm Beach: Port Closed
  • Manatee: Port closed
  • St. Petersburg: Port closed
  • Canaveral: Port closed
  • Ft Pierce: Port Closed
  • Jacksonville: Port closed
  • Fernandina: Port closed
  • Tampa: Port closed
  • Panama City: Port Closed
  • Pensacola: Open with restrictions 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

  • Free Xfinity WiFi hotspots are available throughout the state for individuals in need, including non-Xfinity customers, to help residents and emergency personnel stay connected. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks and businesses, please visit Xfinity.com/wifi.
  • Charter Communications opened all of their Spectrum WiFi hotspots across Florida to help those affected by Hurricane Irma get connected.
  • Telecommunications Partners are monitoring fuel levels for generators and back-up power supply for cell towers, mobile switching centers and central offices.
  • The state is working with city, county and state entities to re-route phone lines. At this point, there are no out of ordinary reports of any major outages.

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER/ CONTACT INFORMATION

  • The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a level one, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.
  • The Florida Emergency Information Line has been activated and is available 24/7 for families and victors at 1-800-342-3557.
  • Floridians can text FLPREPARES to 888777 in order to receive text alerts from FDEM.
  • The media line is 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Irma.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
  • On Monday, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida.

Gov. Rick Scott Requests a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump as Hurricane Irma Makes Landfall

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Shortly after Hurricane Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key in the Lower Florida Keys, Governor Rick Scott today requested a Major Disaster Declaration for every county in Florida from President Donald Trump. Earlier today, Governor Rick Scott spoke with President Donald Trump who reaffirmed his support to provide Florida with every federal resource to aid in response and recovery. To view the request, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott said, “As Hurricane Irma makes landfall in Florida, we are fully committed to providing every resource to Floridians for response and recovery. We will spare no expense to save lives and help Floridians. We’ve worked aggressively all week to prepare for this powerful storm and keep people safe, but we have a long road ahead.”

The Florida Lottery Temporarily Suspends Drawings

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The Florida Lottery announced today that daily drawings are being temporarily suspended, but stressed that players should keep their tickets.  Makeup daily drawings will take place as soon as possible after the potentially catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Irma have passed. Players already holding tickets will still be eligible to win.
Governor Scott’s Executive Order #17-235, and the Lottery’s Executive Order #17-0001 dated September 10, 2017, allows for prudent actions to be taken, including the temporary suspension of business operations, as necessary to ensure the health and safety of all Floridians.
“During this state of emergency, Governor Scott has made it clear that taking care of Florida’s families is his top priority. We at the Florida Lottery share his passion and are doing all we can to ensure the community and our employees remain safe,” said Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Additional State Forest Closures for Hurricane Irma

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In response to the westward shift of Hurricane Irma’s projected track toward the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced the closure of three additional state forests in the to help ensure the safety of Florida residents and visitors. The grounds and all campsites, including primitive and RV, of Lake Talquin State Forest, Wakulla State Forest and Tate’s Hell State Forest are closed until further notice.
The following 30 state forests are closed and will remain closed until further notice:

  • Belmore State Forest
  • Big Shoals State Forest
  • Carl Duval Moore State Forest
  • Cary State Forest
  • Charles H. Bronson State Forest
  • Etoniah Creek State Forest
  • Four Creeks State Forest
  • Geothe State Forest
  • Indian Lake State Forest
  • Jennings State Forest
  • John M. Beathea State Forest
  • Lake George State Forest
  • Lake Talquin State Forest
  • Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
  • Little Big Econ State Forest
  • Matanzas State Forest
  • Myakka State Forest
  • Newnan’s Lake State Forest
  • Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
  • Peace River State Forest
  • Picayune Stand State Forest
  • Ralph E. Simmons State Forest
  • Ross Prairie State Forest
  • Seminole State Forest
  • Tate’s Hell State Forest
  • Tiger Bay State Forest
  • Twin Rivers State Forest
  • Wakulla State Forest
  • Welaka State Forest
  • Withlacoochee State Forest

Depending on Hurricane Irma’s tract, the Florida Forest Service may close additional state forest or campgrounds. The Florida Forest Service team is in constant communication with state and local emergency operations centers.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Hurricane Irma Preparedness and Response Efforts as Storm Impacts Florida

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Governor Rick Scott today received a full update from the State Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane Irma impacts Florida. A majority of the state remains under a hurricane warning. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials, city and county leaders, law enforcement and utility officials throughout the storm’s impact. For more information on preparedness actions, click HERE.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS BY STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM 
WATCHES AND WARNING –

  • Storm Surge Warning:
    • South Santee River southward to Jupiter Inlet
    • North Miami Beach southward around the Florida peninsula to the Ochlockonee River
    • Florida Keys
    • Tampa Bay
  • Hurricane Warning:
    • Fernandina Beach southward around the Florida peninsula to Indian Pass
    • Florida Keys
    • Lake Okeechobee
    • Florida Bay
  • A Hurricane Watch:
    • North of Fernandina Beach to Edisto Beach
  • Tropical Storm Warning:
    • West of Indian Pass to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
    • North of Fernandina Beach to South Santee River

EVACUATIONS

  • IF THERE ARE ALREADY STORM IMPACTS IN YOUR AREA, DO NOT GET ON THE ROAD. SHELTER IN PLACE.
  • Though the below evacuation orders are current and in effect, everyone should check with their local emergency management office or website for the most up to date information regarding evacuation as they are constantly being updated.
  • DEM estimates that 6.5 million Floridians have been ordered to evacuate.
  • Alachua – voluntary evacuations have been issued.
  • Baker – voluntary evacuations have been issued.
  • Bay – voluntary evacuations have been issued.
  • Bradford – voluntary evacuations have been issued.
  • Brevard – mandatory evacuations for Zone A, Merritt Island, barrier islands, and some low-lying mainland areas along Indian River Lagoon
  • Broward – mandatory East of Federal Highway including barrier islands
  • Charlotte – voluntary evacuations for Don Pedro Island, Knight Island (Palm Island), Little Gasparilla Island, Manosota Key, all mobile homes
  • Citrus – mandatory evacuations for residents west of Hwy 19, half-mile east of Hwy 98 excluding Sugarmill Woods. This also includes all of the city of Crystal River, all low lying areas throughout the entire county and anyone residing in mobile homes and manufactured homes throughout the entire county.
  • Collier – mandatory evacuations for Goodland, Everglades City, Chokoloskee and all mobile homes.
  • Columbia – voluntary evacuations have been issued.
  • Desoto- voluntary evacuations for people in low-lying/flood prone areas, residents living in mobile homes and RV parks
  • Dixie – mandatory evacuations have been issued.
  • Duval – mandatory evacuations have been issued for zones A and B.
  • Flagler – mandatory evacuations for nursing homes, all varieties of assisted living facilities, and community residential group homes within coastal and Intracoastal areas; mandatory for Zones A,B,C,F, and substandard housing
  • Glades – mandatory evacuations for areas around Lake Okeechobee (Lakeport, Moorehaven, Washington Park, Benbow and Uncle Joe’s Motel and Campground). Also mandatory for residents in Zone A and anyone in an RV park, mobile home or building constructed before 1992.
  • Gulf – mandatory for visitors, RVs and north of Stump Hole, voluntary for mobile homes
  • Hardee – voluntary evacuations for low-lying areas and mobile homes.
  • Hendry – mandatory evacuations for low-lying areas, non-slab-built homes, mobile homes, trailers and RVs, and areas near Lake Okeechobee (Clewiston, Hookers Point, Harlem, Flaghole, Montura Ranch Estates, Mid-County MSBU which inlcudes Ladeca, Pioneer Plantation and Leon-Dennis Subdivision, Al Don Farming Road)
  • Hernando – mandatory evacuations for residents west of US 19
  • Highlands – voluntary for low areas and mobile/manufactured homes
  • Hillsborough – voluntary for special-needs residents in Evacuation Zone A.
  • Indian River – mandatory evacuations for barrier islands, low-lying areas.
  • Jefferson – voluntary for mobile homes and low-lying areas.
  • Lake – voluntary evacuations for Astor and Lake George areas.
  • Lee – mandatory for Cape Coral west of Burnt Store Road and south of Cape Coral Parkway, east of Del Prado Boulevard to Viscaya Parkway, North Fort Myers south of Bay Shore Road from Moody Road to State Road 31 and areas south of North River Road from State Road 31 to Fichters Creek, areas of Iona south of Maple Drive, west of U.S. 41, San Carlos Park west of U.S. 41, Estero west of U.S. 41, north of the Estero River, Bonita Springs communities along Estero Bay and the Imperial River Basin, and all of the barrier islands.
  • Leon – voluntary evacuations have been issued.
  • Manatee – voluntary evacuations for Zone A and mobile homes.
  • Martin – mandatory evacuations for barrier islands, manufactured homes, and low-lying areas.
  • Miami-Dade – mandatory evacuations for all of Zone A, all of Zone B, and portions of Zone C.
  • Monroe – mandatory evacuations for visitors and residents.
  • Okeechobee – voluntary evacuations have been issued.
  • Orange – mandatory evacuations have been issued for all mobile homes.
  • Osceola – Voluntary evacuations have been issued for residents in low-lying areas or in modular and mobile homes
  • Palm Beach – mandatory evacuations for Zone A and B, voluntary for Zone C and Lake Zone E (Canal Point, Belle Glade, and Pahokee)
  • Pasco – mandatory evacuations for residents living west of U.S. 19. Also mandatory for residents living north of Fox Hollow Drive west of Little Rd. and south of Fox Hollow Drive west of Regency Park Blvd./Rowan Rd./Seven Springs Blvd. Special needs residents, and those living in manufactured homes, mobile homes, RV’s, and anyone living in a low-lying area or an area prone to flooding are also under mandatory evacuation.
  • Pinellas – mandatory evacuations all mobile home and Zone APolk – voluntary evacuations have been issued.
  • Sarasota – mandatory evacuations in Zone A (Longboat, Lido, Siesta, Casey Key, Manasota Key, Venice Island), all mobile homes; voluntary evacuations for Zone B
  • Seminole – mandatory evacuations for mobile and manufactured homes.
  • St. Lucie – mandatory north and south Hutchinson Island, low-lying areas, manufactured homes
  • Sumter – Mandatory evacuations have been issued for those who live in a low-lying or flood prone area, and those living in mobile or manufactured homes.
  • Volusia – Mandatory evacuations have been issued for residents on the beachside, in low-lying areas, and in RVs, mobile and manufactured homes.
  • Taylor – mandatory evacuations Level A coastal and low-lying areas
  • Volusia – mandatory evacuations for residents beachside, in low-lying areas, and in RVs, mobile and manufactured homes.
  • Wakulla – mandatory south of US 98, south of US 319 segment near Sopchoppy, mobile homes and low-lying areas

SHELTERS

  • More than 460 shelters are open throughout Florida with a total population of more than 127,000 individuals. More than 70 special needs shelters are open with a total population of more than 12,000 individuals. This number is being updated throughout the day. Visit floridadisaster.org/shelters/summary.aspx to find information on shelters in your area.
  • Shelters are continuing to open across the state, including shelters for people with special needs, pets and general populations. To find information about available shelter information by county, floridadisaster.org/shelters.
  • FEMA is also hosting shelter information on its mobile app which can be found atfema.gov/mobile-app. 

POWER AND UTILITIES

  • The current power outage as of 6 a.m. is 381,429. For a full breakdown, click HERE.
  • Restoration personnel have been activated to help restore power as quickly as possible following the storm’s impact.

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • Governor Scott has activated the entire force of the Florida Army and Air National Guard – 7,000 guard members – to support with planning, and logistics operations in preparation for potential impacts from Hurricane Irma. These members are stationing across the state and actively assisting with preparation efforts. The Florida National Guard has 1,000 high water vehicles, 13 helicopters, 17 boats and more than 700 generators on standby.
  • The Florida National Guard is coordinating a multi-state response focused on planning and preparing thousands of forces to enhance security and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. States that have deployed troops or are positioning support include North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Connecticut, Mississippi, New Jersey, Alabama, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland and Iowa.
  • The Florida National Guard is coordinating 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 after the storm.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • More than 200 FWC officers statewide, including partner agencies, will be standing by in areas expected to be safe 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 are staged for reconnaissance once the storm passes that area.
  • 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 on standby to assist with recovery and road clearance efforts after the storm passes.
  • Florida Incident Management Teams (IMT) are mobilizing to provide overall statewide command and control for all Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) and lifesaving operations.
  • FEMA Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) teams are staged for rapid deployment behind Hurricane Irma, including additional teams standing by in Georgia. 

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
Sustained winds over 40 miles per hour will prompt the Florida Highway Patrol to close bridges. The state Emergency Operations Center is receiving regular wind status updates from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and closely monitoring the wind speeds across bridges. The following major bridges are currently closed:

  • Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Airport Updates:
The following airports are closed:

  • Airport Manatee
  • Albert Whitted Airport
  • Boca Raton Airport
  • Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport
  • Daytona Beach International Airport
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Heliport
  • Everglades Airpark
  • Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport
  • Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
  • Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport
  • Immokalee Regional Airport
  • Key West International Airport
  • Kissimmee Gateway Airport
  • Leesburg International Airport
  • Marco Island Airport
  • Melbourne International Airport
  • Miami Executive Airport
  • Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport
  • Miami International Airport
  • Miami Seaplane Base
  • Naples Municipal Airport
  • North Perry Airport
  • Northeast Florida Regional Airport
  • Okeechobee County Airport
  • Opa-Locka Executive Airport
  • Orlando International Airport
  • Orlando Sanford International Airport
  • Palm Beach International Airport
  • Peter O Knight Airport
  • Plant City Airport
  • Pompano Beach Airpark
  • Punta Gorda Airport
  • Sarasota / Bradenton International Airport
  • Southwest Florida International Airport
  • St George Island Airport
  • St Pete-Clearwater International Airport
  • Tallahassee Commercial Airport
  • Tampa Executive Airport
  • Tampa International Airport
  • Tavares Seaplane Base
  • The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport
  • Venice Municipal Airport
  • Vero Beach Municipal Airport
  • Williston Municipal Airport
  • Winter Haven’s Gilbert Airport

Port Updates

  • Key West: Port closed
  • Miami: Port closed
  • Port Everglades: Port closed
  • Palm Beach: Port Closed
  • Manatee: Port closed
  • St. Petersburg: Port closed
  • Canaveral: Port closed
  • Ft Pierce: Port Closed
  • Jacksonville: Port closed
  • Fernandina: Port closed
  • Tampa: Port closed
  • Panama City: Open with restrictions
  • Pensacola: Open with restrictions 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

  • Free Xfinity WiFi hotspots are available throughout the state for individuals in need, including non-Xfinity customers, to help residents and emergency personnel stay connected. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks and businesses, please visit Xfinity.com/wifi.
  • Charter Communications opened all of their Spectrum WiFi hotspots across Florida to help those affected by Hurricane Irma get connected.
  • Telecommunications Partners are monitoring fuel levels for generators and back-up power supply for cell towers, mobile switching centers and central offices.
  • The state is working with city, county and state entities to re-route phone lines. At this point, there are no out of ordinary reports of any major outages.

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER/ CONTACT INFORMATION

  • The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a level one, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.
  • The Florida Emergency Information Line has been activated and is available 24/7 for families and victors at 1-800-342-3557.
  • Floridians can text FLPREPARES to 888777 in order to receive text alerts from FDEM.
  • The media line is 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Irma.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
  • On Monday, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida.