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Gov. Scott Issues Updates on State Response to Marjory Douglas High School Shooting

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Following the tragic shooting at Marjory Douglas High School in Parkland yesterday, Governor Scott has continued to be briefed by law enforcement and emergency management officials and has remained in communication with state leaders to ensure all state resources are made available. The Governor has also spoken with President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security and local school officials. Governor Scott remains in Broward County and additional details regarding the Governor’s schedule will be made available throughout the day. Governor Scott also announced that he will be organizing meetings with state and local leaders in Tallahassee next week to discuss ways to keep Florida students safe, including school safety improvements and keeping guns away from individuals struggling with mental illness. For more information, click HERE.

Information on the State of Florida’s response:

Florida Department of Education

  • The Department of Education has offered to send crisis management teams to Broward County. These individuals have extensive experience in crisis situations and stand ready to coordinate with Broward County’s crisis management teams to provide any additional community support.
  • Grief counseling is available today, Thursday, February 15, 2018, at a number of locations in Broward County for anyone needing support following the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: http://bit.ly/2o7sIkw
  • Broward College is offering students counseling and 24-hour crisis support. To schedule an appointment or speak to a mental health professional, students should call 954-424-6916.
  • The Florida Department of Education has communicated with the Florida Association of School Psychologists, and their health care professionals, which are on standby to assist, and with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association, a branch of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which have offered virtual and in-person support.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents are assisting Broward County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation and FDLE analysts are gathering information.
  • Florida’s See Something Say Something number is activated to accept calls for information regarding the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Anyone who has information, please call 1-855-FLA-SAFE.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) provided perimeter support and is assisting law enforcement with the ongoing investigation.
  • The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will be deploying two Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) Mobile units to provide credentialing services to those impacted from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In addition, impacted customers will be offered priority service in all DHSMV credentialing offices. Obtaining a Florida credential (DL or ID) will invalidate any previously-issued credential.

Florida Department of Children and Families

  • The Florida Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) local managing entity, Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, has community providers, including Henderson Behavioral Health, offering grief and crisis counseling services to students, families, and school personnel. Currently there are eight counselors available at four sites designated by Broward County Public Schools.

Florida Department of Health

  • The Department of Health has been in contact with our partners at the Florida Emergency Mortuary Operation Response System (FEMORS) and stand ready to assist Broward County’s medical examiner.
  • OneBlood has responded to meet the current blood needs of the Parkland area hospitals, however OneBlood is requesting that those who are able donate O negative in order to replenish supply. Find donation locations here: https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/
  • DOH continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to assist in any way.

Volunteer Efforts

  • The Salvation Amy is supporting with meals and water at the Family Assistance Center established by the Broward Emergency Operations Center.
  • American Red Cross staff, including Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Health Services, Disaster Client Services as well as management and logistics support, are on scene at the Family Assistance Center. Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) have also been deployed.
  • Approximately 45 American Red Cross volunteers have responded in support of the families and first responders.
  • Volunteer Florida is supporting partner agencies responding to the event and will continue to coordinate with their local and state partners regarding potential unmet needs.

Florida Office of the Attorney General

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi, her director of victim services and approximately a dozen advocates are on the scene helping victims and their families with counseling services and funeral, burial and medical expenses.
  • Victims of the attack in need of assistance can contact the office toll-free at 1(800) 226-6667 or use the following contact form: http://myfloridalegal.com/Contact.nsf/Contact?OpenForm&Section=Crime_Victim_Services.