Florida Response to Hurricane Ian Continues

On October 1, 2022, in News Releases, by Staff

Florida Response to Hurricane Ian Continues

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued updates on Hurricane Ian after surveying various impacted areas and meeting with impacted communities. Governor DeSantis traveled to Waffle House in Punta Gorda to serve food and meet with first responders, emergency response staff and volunteers. The Governor also traveled to Fort Myers to visit points of distribution for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian.

 

Today, the Governor announced that 30 Starlink units have been deployed to Lee and Charlotte Counties to help residents communicate once they check into established points of distribution in these counties, in addition to 10 smaller Starlink units for Emergency Operations Centers and first responders to use to communicate in the field. There are currently 42,000 linemen responding to the more than 1.2 million reported power outages. They have already restored power to more than 1.4 million accounts across the state.

The state website for reporting missing persons related to Hurricane Ian is http://missing.fl.gov. If you need to report a missing person, fill out the form on behalf of “Someone Else.” You can also fill out the form on behalf of yourself if communications are limited. Safe and found persons can be reported safe at http://safe.fl.gov.

 

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the first awards from the Florida Disaster Fund, to read more info, click here. The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to provide financial assistance to our communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with public, private, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

 

State preparation and response efforts include:

Search and Rescue

  • As of 7 a.m. this morning, more than 1,100 rescues have been made.
  • There are more than 1,000 team members performing search and rescue.
  • Florida National Guard members are conducting Liaison missions in 14 counties to support and coordinate emergency response missions and requests in those counties.
  • Florida National Guard engineering resources were deployed to assist with route clearance in Pinellas and Lee Counties.
  • The Missouri Task Force 1 Disaster Situational Assessment and Reconnaissance (DSAR) Team is deploying to Florida through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to support urban search and rescue efforts and incident assessment.
  • Florida National Guard began executing search and rescue (SAR) missions in support of local authorities, to recover distressed civilians throughout southwest and central Florida, including 1,076 civilians rescued and evacuated from flooded areas, two hoist rescues, 78 civilians transported from flooded elderly care facility, and a total of 178 rotary wing rescues.
  • A Florida Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team deployed to Central Florida to support state USAR Task Forces and incident assessment.
  • The National Guard and the Coast Guard are landing helicopters on barrier islands to perform search and rescue.
  • Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, a total of 5,000 Florida Guardsmen have been activated to State Active Duty for Hurricane Ian response operations. Up to 2,000 Guardsmen from neighboring states are also activated to assist. The Florida National Guard are supporting a total of 152 active missions.

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)

  • FDEM is identifying locations and resource needs for Points of Distribution (POD) in Charlotte, Hardee, Highlands, Lee, Okeechobee and Sarasota counties. 200 trucks of food, water and ice are currently en route to provide meals ready-to-eat (MREs) and bottled water to impacted residents.
  • Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), more than 1,800 personnel from 26 states have deployed to Florida to assist in response and recovery efforts. PODs currently being mobilized include:
  • 7 in Lee County
  • 3 in Highlands County
  • 6 in Sarasota County
  • 4 in Collier County
  • 2 in Charlotte County
  • 1 in Hardee County

 

  • FDEM is working with feeding partners to open kitchens for impacted and displaced residents. More than 63,000 hot meals were served on-scene at food banks in Alachua, Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole and Union counties yesterday, Friday, September 30. More than 100,000 hot meals will be served today, October 1.
  • FDEM has activated the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) to provide an additional resource for Floridians to receive up-to-date information regarding Hurricane Ian. Residents and visitors can call this toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557.
  • FDEM Recovery staff are conducting rapid damage assessments in Polk, Sarasota, Collier and Manatee counties to expedite available federal assistance for disaster recovery.
  • FDEM has six active fuel depots and is staging an additional four fuel depots today throughout Central and Southwest Florida to ensure first responders have the fuel they need to conduct search and rescue operations.More than 1.2 million gallons of fuels has been mobilized.
  • FDEM Liaisons have been deployed to county EOCs in Brevard, Charlotte, Dixie, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Pinellas, Sarasota and Seminole counties.
  • At the direction of FDEM Director and State Coordinating Officer Kevin Guthrie, Incident Management Teams (IMT) from Ohio and Colorado are on-scene to ensure additional support for response and recovery efforts after the storm.
  • FDEM is deploying several hundred shelter support staff to address staffing needs in counties that have opened their Special Needs hurricane shelters. Currently, more than 200 public shelters are open and available to impacted residents, with more than 50 of these being Special Needs Shelters.
  • FDEM is leading the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) for the Hurricane Ian response, with more than 350 SERT members staffing the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
  • FDEM has received more than 2,700 resource requests for Hurricane Ian and fulfilled. Over 2,300 of these requests are currently being processed and are either en route or being mobilized. This includes the coordination of resources such as: trucks of food and water, generators and water pumps.
  • FDEM is mobilizing pet food and supplies for displaced pets in Charlotte County, including: dry and canned dog food, dry and canned cat food, cat litter, disposable pet bowls and disposable leashes.
  • FDEM is deploying the following resources for distribution to impacted areas:
    • More than 4,000 gallons of diesel to Lee County to power water plants that provide water to nearby hospitals
    • Drone teams to assess flooded areas
    • 500 traffic barrels to Charlotte County to safely modify traffic patterns
    • More than 400 bottles of oxygen to Charlotte County.
    • 255 ambulances
    • 200 trucks of food, water and ice
    • 200 large generators
    • 2 full service mechanical shops
    • 500,000 tarps
    • 375 kits for parents of infants and toddlers with critical supplies that will last for 10 days each
    • Four mobile triage units to Miami-Dade County
    • Five truckloads of blankets and five truckloads of cots to support displaced residents
    • FDEM is currently coordinating the provision of meals for first responders staged in Orange County.
  • FDEM is in constant communication with all 67 county emergency management offices and state agencies to coordinate recovery actions and needed resources as communities experience storm impacts.

Power

  • There are currently 1.6 million people without power.
  • More than 1.4 million accounts have already been restored across Florida.
  • For a full report on current outages, click here.
  • 42,000 linemen from utilities across the state are working 24/7 to restore power.
  • 325 Florida Highway Patrol are transporting utility crews.

 

Health and Human Services

  • Since Hurricane Ian made landfall, 642 patients were evacuated from 6 health care facilities in Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota, Orange, and Volusia County. These facilities cannot safely operate while sustaining critical damage to their infrastructure from Hurricane Ian.
  • Visits are being conducted at all health care facilities in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian. As of this morning, we have completed 76 assessments at facilities in Collier, Lee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Hardee, and Desoto county.
  • Secretary Simone Marstiller has signed Emergency Order 22-002 extending the deadline for the submission of letters of agreement required for the Supplemental payment programs, this can be found here.
  • To support hospitals in Lee County without potable water, Florida is shuttling 1.2 million gallons of water on 20 trucks from Lakeland to Fort Myers.
  • DOH has partnered with Volunteer Florida to develop an online portal for health care practitioners who wish to volunteer their expertise, skills, and experience in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian.
  • Boil Water Notices have been issued for 99 areas, over 20 counties, following the impacts from Hurricane Ian. DOH continues to monitor and maintain a comprehensive statewide list of notices for residents to access online.
  • AHCA has activated reporting in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) and is requesting all health care providers report their census, available beds, evacuation status and generator status information. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
  • DOH and AHCA’s Patient Movement Mission has evacuated roughly 8,500 patients from 200 health care facilities in areas of Hurricane Ian’s path. The Department continues to assess and support any additional necessary evacuations.
  • This mission also supports the evacuation of nearly 9,000 patients and residents from more than 200 health care facilities.
  • Nearly 400 ambulances, paratransit busses, and support vehicles are responding to areas of anticipated landfall.
  • The Agency sent a Medicaid Provider Alert outlining Key Medicaid Information for Fee-For-Service and Managed Care Providers during Hurricane Ian, this can be found here.
  • AHCA has activated the Emergency Patient Look-Up System (E-PLUS).  Special needs shelters for 16 counties are able to utilize the system to retrieve patient medical records. E-PLUS is also available to assist medical providers and emergency response personnel with locating missing or displaced persons after the storm.
  • The State Surgeon General has signed a letter to allow staff of the Department and Agency for Health Care Administration to travel past curfews across state lines to conduct any necessary health and safety actions, this can be found here.
  • AHCA has identified Home Medical Equipment providers that can assist with supplying oxygen supplies to Special Needs Shelters.
  • As of today, 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
  • The state has been monitoring several healthcare facilities on generator power, two healthcare facilities are in the process of evacuating.
  • 400 additional nurses are moving into southwest Florida to assist.
  • 287 health care facilities have had power restored since the onset of the event.
  • Secretary Simone Marstiller has signed Emergency Order 22-001 suspending statutes or rules pertaining to level 2 background screening made necessary by Hurricane Ian. This allows health care facilities to deploy out of state health care workers to the same roles in Florida during the emergency. This can be found here.
  • APD is reaching out to the Qualified Organizations in the impacted areas to ensure the health and safety of Waiver Support Coordinators and clients.
  • APD is gathering unmet needs information from partner organizations and providers and working with the proper authorities to resolve the issues.
  • 50 APD-licensed group homes that originally evacuated have returned back to their homes. 50 APD-licensed group homes remain evacuated.
  • The APD Suncoast Region has checked on the health and safety of 700 clients who live independently.
  • DOEA CARES Assessors are being deployed to serve in special needs shelters as requested through the Emergency Operations Center.
  • The Office of Public and Professional Guardians is checking in with public guardian offices to ensure wards are safe and needs are met.
  • Local agencies are assessing needs and impacts on the senior population served by the Department.
  • Agencies from unaffected areas are identifying staff that can be deployed to impacted areas.
  • All providers in Pasco-Pinellas county expect to be fully functioning on Monday.
  • Senior Connection Center provider in Hardee and Highlands County is working with the Emergency Operations Center to get food and water to distribute to seniors in their counties.
  • All providers in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties expect to be fully operational by Monday.
  • The Elder Helpline, 1-800-96-ELDER, is still active during business hours, and after hours/weekend calls are being returned the following business day. Seniors may call for assistance with non-emergency needs.
  • Some Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida service providers and staff are without power and still assessing operability to reopen services in Sarasota, Collier, and Glades counties.
  • Several thousand shelf stable meals will be delivered this weekend to Pasco and Pinellas county for seniors; currently assessing needs with SW Florida for additional meals.
  • The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will offer Mental Health and Primary Care services on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a walk-in basis only:
    • C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center (VAMC)
    • North Pinellas VA Clinic
    • Bradenton VA Clinic
    • Sarasota VA Clinic
    • Petersburg VA Clinic
  • The Sebring VA Clinic will also be open for walk-ins only on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, they will only offer Primary Care services.
  • The Lee County Healthcare Center, as well as the Naples and Port Charlotte VA clinics, will remain closed until further notice. Those U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs clinics sustained significant damage from the hurricane and, as a result, may remain closed longer than initially anticipated. Staff will continue working diligently to assess the impact at all our locations and safely restore our operations.
  • The VA Outpatient Clinic in Daytona Beach will also remain closed until further notice.
  • If you have a medical emergency, and cannot reach one of the open locations, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest open emergency room. For non-urgent medical care, please contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400.
  • DOH has deployed 5 teams of 2 to conduct nursing home facility assessments, in support of AHCA, to Lee, Charlotte, Collier, and Sarasota counties. Lee county assessments were completed on Thursday. The assessments for the remaining facilities are ongoing.
  • DOH is assessing its programs and community resources such as WIC, Healthy Start, and pharmacy operations to ensure continued access to critical health-related services.
  • DOH’s Healthy Start Coalitions are working with county health departments and county emergency managers to assist with any infant formula needs in impacted communities.
  • Alternative solutions for powdered formulas are being implemented, which may include pre-mixed formulas or supplemental drinking water in addition to powdered formulas.
  • DOH is monitoring emergency department data for priority health conditions that may need additional public health response and public messaging in impacted areas. Priority health conditions include carbon monoxide poisonings, injuries, gastrointestinal illnesses, animal/insect bites, respiratory complications, and mental health.
  • The Regional Poison Control Centers, 1-800-222-1222, remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assess, triage, and manage poison information and exposure calls. DOH continues to monitor calls to assess where additional support is needed.
  • DOH has deployed health advisories and resources to assist the public in identifying potential hazards that may be present following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Resources have been distributed to local communities and are available through social media channels and online.
  • DOH is supporting local 911 dispatch efforts by providing an additional 40 ambulances to local emergency county EMS providers.
  • The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 22-004 authorizing licensed health care professionals in good standing from out of state to practice in Florida for the duration of the EO. These professionals include: Physicians, Osteopathic Physicians, Physician Assistants, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Paramedics, and Emergency Medical Technicians. In addition, the following licensed health care professionals are authorized to practice in Florida via Telehealth: Physicians, Osteopathic Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Advanced Practice Nurses. The EO can be found here.
  • The State Surgeon General has signed Emergency Order 22-001 waiving statutory procurement requirements to ensure DOH is able to deploy necessary action due to Hurricane Ian. This can be found here.
  • DOH has coordinated with the Office of Insurance Regulation to distribute an alert regarding permitted early prescription refills during a State of Emergency. This alert was sent to health insurers, managed care organizations, health entities, and licensed health care providers. The alert can be found here.
  • DOH has coordinated with Federal partners to support the deployment of nearly 100 individuals through various health and medical teams. These teams stand ready in Orlando, Atlanta, and Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia.
  • Currently, DOH and AHCA’s Patient Movement Mission and other partners have evacuated 8,788 patients, as of 8:32 AM EST on Oct. 1, 2022. Currently, 152 health care facilities are actively evacuating individuals in areas of impacted from Hurricane Ian. The Department continues to assess and support evacuations as needed.
  • DOH has deployed 8 environmental health strike teams to support DeSoto, Sarasota, Hendry, Manatee, Highlands, Charlotte, St. Johns and Lee counties to conduct field assessments to evaluate environmental and public health risks. They are trained to identify issues with generator safety, drinking water contamination, and other safety hazards.
  • DOH continues to direct Florida health care practitioners interested in volunteering to the Volunteer Florida registration portal.
  • DOH’s Healthy Start Coalitions distributed pack and plays, diapers, wipes, and formula to shelters and continue to monitor the needs of the surrounding communities.
  • The Newborn Screening Laboratory in Jacksonville will be operational today and tomorrow to offset closures due to Hurricane Ian. Normal operations will resume on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022.
  • DOH in Orange County is facilitating the movement of children with special needs to Nemours Children’s Hospital.
  • DOH in Seminole County with community partners opened a shelter for children with enhanced medical needs, including those on ventilators, serving over 80 registered pediatric clients.
  • More than 450 emergency medical service vehicles have been provided to impacted counties and are being used to respond to community needs.
  • Emergency medical services staff are engaged in the tasks required to marshal and deploy ground and air EMS assets for disaster response. DOH’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support has handled mission requests to assist hospital and health care facility evacuations as well as special needs shelter requests for patient movements. Requests are ongoing and include augmentation of day-to-day EMS services for impacted areas.
  • Alachua and Pasco County health departments are assisting with providing oxygen to locations statewide, as needed.
  • DOH’s Office of Children Medical Services provided expedited translation services in Spanish and Haitian Creole, on topics such as carbon monoxide safety, boil water notices and food safety, to ensure public safety.
  • DOH continues to coordinate across 67 county health departments on any necessary preparation resources, in coordination with county emergency managers.
  • DCF is partnering with its community based care lead agencies to contact all caregivers/foster families with dependent children in their home to assess needs and ensure safety.
  • DCF has opened two Family Resource Support Centers with staff on site, including Hope Navigators, behavioral health partners who specialize in disaster recovery response, and public benefit eligibility specialists to help individuals and families. More information can be found here: www.myflfamilies.com/frsc
    • Locations include: New Port Richey and Tampa
  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Thursday additional resources and flexibilities available in response to Hurricane Ian in the State of Florida. More information can be found at: CMS Announces Resources and Flexibilities to Assist with the Public Health Emergency in the State of Florida

 

Infrastructure

  • The Myakka River under I-75 continues to rise, no longer making it safe to drive. Motorists should take an alternative route or follow the detour map located here.
  • Cut and Toss crews cleared over 4,457 miles (83% complete) of state roadways. Continue to listen to local law enforcement and county officials for potential detours
  • FDOT bridge inspectors continue to inspect bridges. Currently, 2,355 bridges have been inspected as of 7 a.m.
  • All High Priority Bridges Cleared in Tampa Bay, Southwest Florida, Northeast, and Central Florida
  • Projects under construction in the following counties can resume activities:

o   Alachua, Bay, Baker, Bradford, Broward, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Martin, Miami Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, Putnam,  Santa Rosa, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, Washington

Turnpike Service Plaza Closures

  • Turnpike Customer Service Walk-in Office in St. Pete

 

Road and Bridges

Current Major Road and Bridge Closures. The list of closures as of 7:00 a.m., 10/1/22 is listed below. Up-to-date closures listed on FL511.com:

 

  • Brevard County

o   A Max Brewer Memorial Parkway at Indian River – All lanes closed, both directions

 

  • Charlotte County

o   I-75 at MM 179 through MM 193 – All lanes closed, both directions

o   Tamiami Trail Southbound at Peace River – All lanes closed

o   US-41 Southbound at Peace River Bridge – All lanes closed

 

  • Columbia County

o   I-10 Westbound at I-75 Southbound – Off-ramp closed

o   I-10 Eastbound to I-75 Southbound – Off-ramp closed

o   I-75 Southbound at I-10 – All lanes closed

 

  • DeSoto County

o   NE Highway 70 at SE Mahon Avenue – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-70 from CR-661 to N Baldwin Avenue – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-72 Eastbound from CR-661 to SR-70 – Lane closed

o   US-17 at SW Welles Road – All lanes closed, both directions

o   US-17 Northbound from SW Welles Avenue to SW Fletcher Street – All lanes closed, both directions

 

  • Flagler County

o   S Oceanshore Boulevard at S 15th Street – Lane closed, both directions

o   S State Street at W Court Street – All lanes closed

o   SR-100 at S Church Street – All lanes closed, both directions

 

  • Hardee County

o   Florida Cracker Trail at CR-665 – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-64 at Parnell Road – All lanes closed, both directions

o   SR-64 at Old Town Creek Road – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-64 Eastbound at Golfview Drive – Lane closed

o   SR-64 at Peace River – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-64 at Charley Bryan Road – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-64 from Florida Cracker Trail to School House Road – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-636 from N 5th Avenue to SR-64 – Lane closed, both directions

o   US-17 at Bronco Drive – All lanes closed, both directions

o   US-17 from 9th Avenue W to Moffitt Road – All lanes closed, both directions

 

  • Lee County

o   Pine Island Road Bridge (SR-78/Pine Island Road at Matlacha Draw Bridge)

o   Sanibel Causeway

o   CR-865 at Broadway Channel – Lane closed, both directions

o   I-75 at MM 179 through MM 193 – All lanes closed, both directions

o   Estero Boulevard at Broadway Channel – Lane closed, both directions

 

  • Manatee County

o   SR-37 at Manatee/Polk County Line – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-64 at Kersey Road – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-70 Eastbound at Verna Road – Lane closed

o   SR-70 at County Line Road – Lane closed, both directions

 

  • Orange County

o   I-4 Eastbound at Ivanhoe – On-ramp closed

o   I-4 Eastbound at MM 71/Central Florida Parkway – Off-ramp closed

o   N Orange Avenue at S Ivanhoe Boulevard – All lanes closed

 

  • Osceola County

o   I-4 Eastbound at MM 65/Osceola Parkway – On-ramp closed

o   I-4 Eastbound at MM 67/SR-536 – Off-ramp closed

o   Pleasant Hill Road at Northgate Drive – All lanes closed, both directions

 

  • Polk County

o   6th Street Northbound at Mirror Terrace NW – All lanes closed

o   Lucerne Park Road at Lucerne Loop – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-17 Northbound before and beyond Hunt Brothers Road – All lanes closed

o   SR-544 before and beyond US-27 – All lanes closed, both directions

o   US-98 at Laurel Lane – Lane closed

o   US-98 at US-17 – All lanes closed, both directions

 

  • Sarasota County

o   CR-780 at Sinclair Drive – Lane closed, both directions

o   CR-780 at Manatee/Sarasota County Line – Bridge closed

o   I-75 Southbound at Exit 193: Jacaranda Boulevard – All lanes closed

o   I-75 Northbound at Exit 179: Toledo Blade Boulevard – All lanes closed

o   I-75 at N Sumter Boulevard – All lanes closed, both directions

o   SR-776 Southbound beyond Old Englewood Road – All lanes closed

o   SR-776 at N Elm Street – All lanes closed, both directions

 

  • Seminole County

o   Oviedo Road at Walsh Street – Lane closed, both directions

o   SR-426/Fairbanks Avenue/Aloma Avenue before Lake Jessup Avenue – All lanes closed, both directions

o   SR-46 Eastbound at N Jungle Road – Lane closed

 

  • Volusia County

o   Dunlawton Avenue Eastbound at US-1 Southbound – All lanes closed

o   Dunlawton Avenue Westbound at S Peninsula Drive – All lanes closed

o   I-95 Southbound at Exit 244/SR-442 – On-ramp closed

o   LPGA Boulevard Eastbound at W International Speedway Boulevard – Lane closed

o   LPGA Boulevard Westbound at Welshinger-Butler Circle – Lane closed

o   Ridgewood Avenue at 6th Street – All lanes closed

o   SR-46 Westbound at Morgan Alderman Road – Lane closed

o   US-1 Southbound at Commonwealth Boulevard – All lanes closed

o   US-92 Eastbound at I-4 Ramp Overpass – All lanes closed

o   US-92 Westbound at Doctor MLK Boulevard – All lanes closed

 

Ports:

  • All Ports are now OPEN
  • Fuel Terminals:

o   Port Everglades: Fuel terminals are open for normal operations

o   Port Tampa Bay: Fuel terminals are open for normal operations

o   Port Manatee: Fuel terminals are open for normal operations

o   Port Canaveral: Expect all fuel terminals to be operating 7:00am Saturday

o   Jacksonville Terminals: (Off Port Private Terminals) will be fully operational Saturday 6:00am.

o   Airports

  • All Florida Airports are open for commercial service, except:

o   Punta Gorda Airport

o   Southwest Florida International Airport

 

Transit

  • Operations normal except for:

o    Charlotte County

o    LeeTran

o    Sarasota County Area Transit

o    Lynx (modified service)

o    Votran (modified service)

o    Flagler

o    Levy County

o    St Johns County

o    Citrus County

Passenger Rail

  • SunRail’s corridor sustained damage in Osceola County. Passenger service will resume a modified schedule on 10/3.
  • Amtrak suspended

 

Freight Rail

  • Per FRA: CSX special weather inspections were completed and determined there are no main line disruptions
  • Seminole Gulf Railway sustained significant damage

 

Mass Care

  • The Adult Care Food Program has submitted a waiver to USDA requesting flexibilities in the meal pattern on a case-by case basis. This flexibility will allow Adult Day Care providers to continue to serve participants when food shortages or caterer closures occur. The waiver is currently pending USDA approval.
  • 295 truckloads of food and water are on their way into affected areas, including 40 truckloads of ice headed to Central Florida.
  • Over 3.5 million meals and over 1.8 million gallons of bottled water are being deployed to impacted areas.
  • DCF released $235,351,849 in early SNAP benefits to a household population of approximately 773,579 people at risk of impact for Hurricane Ian. More information can be found here: ACCESS Florida – Florida Department of Children and Families (myflfamilies.com)
  • DCF is pursuing federal waivers to assist with food assistance benefits (SNAP).  Once approved, information will be provided about accessing these benefits. The Department is pursuing the following waivers to assist individuals/families:
  • Disaster SNAP allows affected Floridians to be eligible for food assistance due to loss of income due to Hurricane Ian.
  • Automatic replacement of 70% of September food assistance benefit for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian who did not receive an early release of SNAP benefits. Floridians who are not eligible for the automatic replacement can request a replacement of a portion of their September food assistance due to food loss.
  • The ability to use SNAP benefits to purchase hot food.  Typically, food assistance benefits can only be used to buy unprepared foods, such as breads, cereals, meats, fruits, vegetables, and poultry.
  • 34 licensed group homes have been evacuated across the state.
  • DCF is hosting daily calls with Managing Entities and Community Based Care lead agencies to remain apprised of all storm updates.
  • Florida Housing Finance Corporation has updated its Disaster Relief webpage to provide families with information on housing resources and assistance. This webpage will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. Disaster Relief Resources and Information (floridahousing.org).
  • Florida Housing has ensured that all current listings are up to date in the event that families need to quickly relocate at www.FloridaHousingSearch.org.
  • Each SHIP office has an adopted disaster strategy that allows for assistance in the immediate aftermath of a declared disaster. Strategies may include temporary relocation and rental assistance, debris removal and short-term repairs to prevent further damage to the structure or to allow for occupancy until further repairs are made. Please contact your local office directly for more information: Local Government Information (floridahousing.org)

 

Law Enforcement

  • FDLE’s mutual aid team is coordinating the deployment of more than 1,000 law enforcement officers statewide from more than 30 agencies.
  • FDLE’s base camp in Lee County is fully operational serving first responders deployed to the area.  Base camps include meal service, sleeping quarters, showers, laundry and restroom facilities.
  • More than 100 FDLE agents are deployed in Southwest Florida assisting with traffic control, security needs and law enforcement check-ins.
  • FHP continues to assist FDOT with bridge and road closures across impacted areas.
  • FHP has deployed a mobile command center to the State Emergency Operations Centers and southwest Florida to provide enhanced communication capabilities and additional resources.
  • More than 1,700 sworn FHP members are ready to assist with enhanced evacuation and response efforts.
  • FHP has deployed approximately 200 Quick Response Force troopers to affected areas to aid search and rescue efforts..
  • FHP is strategically utilizing high-water rescue vehicles to aid search and rescue and damage assessment efforts.
  • FHP has strategically using its fixed-wing aircraft to monitor traffic routes and to aid search and rescue and damage assessment efforts.
  • FHP has deployed its unmanned aerial vehicle teams to assist in search and rescue and damage assessment efforts.
  • FHP Regional Communications Centers are preparing to perform take-over services for other impacted FHP dispatch centers to ensure all state law enforcement officers continue to receive dispatch services.
  • FHP is providing liaisons to affected county emergency operations centers.
  • FHP encourages evacuating motorists to report disabled vehicles or dangerous driving conditions to *FHP (*347).
  • FLHSMV is preparing 5 Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobile units to deploy to provide no-fee driver license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, and vessel registrations and titles to impacted individuals.
  • FLHSMV driver license and motor vehicle service center closures can be found here.
  • FLHSMV has issued Emergency Order 092422, which waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; and
  • Waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
  • The FWC has established a field base of operations in Lee County and deployed a mobile command center and 6 BERG units to provide communications and operational support to officers in the area while they respond to calls for assistance.
  • Approximately 120 FWC officers and support personnel are currently deployed for Hurricane Ian response and recovery efforts.
  • FWC officers have teamed up with US Coast Guard and National Guard air assets to perform rescues, deliver emergency supplies, and support personnel, services, and equipment to Sanibel Island.
  • FWC officers are conducting search and rescue patrol on Sanibel Island.
  • FWC officers are using vessels to transport additional rescue personnel, supplies, and equipment to all affected barrier islands inaccessible to vehicles.
  • In DeSoto and Hardee Counties, FWC officers are responding to significant inland flooding along the Peace River.
  • 9 FWC Special Operations Group officers from the North Central Region have deployed with vessels and equipment to Volusia County to assist with response and recovery efforts.
  • FWC captive wildlife investigators continue to check and aid captive wildlife facilities located in the affected area.
  • In addition to public safety missions, FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams are serving as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and reporting back on the damage.
  • FWC Aviation Section is providing the EOC with aerial assistance, reconnaissance and post-storm damage assessments.
  • FDLE regional support and logistics teams throughout the state are preparing to deploy personnel and equipment for a ready response to the aftermath of the storm. FDLE has started pre-staging equipment and mobile command posts at strategic locations. Teams with chainsaws, tarps, and other supplies are assembling.

 

Private Sector Support

  • Partners including Walmart and Publix have indicated that they are constantly bringing additional supplies into the state to restock inventory.
  • 192 individuals participated on the ESF-18 private-sector to share critical updates with the DEO and ESF-18 team related to supply chain issues, emergency inventory issues, business closures, and exemplary efforts to assist impacted Floridians during this time.
  • T-Mobile has four Community Support Trucks loaded with supplies including chargers, charging cords and cell phones, as well as three wi-fi trailers with the ability to charge up to 80 phones each, along with Wi-Fi. These assets are staged just outside of the impact area and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so. Most T-Mobile customers are on plans with unlimited talk, text, and data, for those who aren’t, T-Mobile continues to offer unlimited talk, text, and data starting September 28 through October 3 for those most impacted by the storm.  Text to Give opportunities are also available and the most updated information from T-Mobile can be found at https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/hurricane-ian.
  • Verizon residential and small business customers in affected ZIP codes impacted by Hurricane Ian will have access to unlimited domestic Talk, Text & Data through October 4, 2022. Click here to see eligible zip codes. Verizon Wireless’ crisis response team will also provide free communications support to public safety agencies responding to the hurricane, setting up portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, free charging stations and other services.
  • Publix has delivered more than 700 truckloads of water equal to almost a million cases, delivered more than 3 million pounds of ice, and is storing double inventory volumes. Prior to closing stores impacted by the storm, Publix donated perishable products to local police, firefighters, and emergency response teams, and also ensured that associates that work nearby and prepare these stores for the storm received donated product for themselves and their families. Publix associates have diligently taken care of their customers, communities, and each other. There are 31 Publix locations in the Southwest region of Florida that are closed.
  • AT&T is waiving talk, text, and data overage charges for AT&T Postpaid & PREPAID customers with billing addresses in 828 zip codes across Florida from September 28, 2022, through October 28, 2022, to keep customers connected.
    • To assist the recovery, AT&T is now welcoming other carriers’ customers to roam on AT&T networks so they can connect, even if their carrier’s service isn’t available after the storm. Once this roaming begins, customers will automatically be connected to AT&T network.
    • At this time, only four AT&T store locations in Sarasota, Naples, Port Charlotte, and Venice are closed. All other store locations in the impacted area and around the state are open and ready to address customer needs.
  • Walmart, Sam’s Club, and the Walmart Foundation are committing up to $6 million to Hurricane Ian recovery and relief efforts, with $1.5 million toward the Florida Disaster Fund. This support will include donations of essential supplies and grants to organizations providing relief on the ground. Walmart will provide a 1:1 match contribution (up to $2.5 million) when customers, members, and associates donate at registers or through Walmart and Sam’s Club associate giving program.
  • Rosen Hotels and Resorts is activating their Florida Residents Distressed Rates to give Floridians a safe, affordable place to ride out Hurricane Ian. Evacuees can call 866-33-ROSEN (76736) to reserve a room.
  • VISIT Florida has activated the Emergency Accommodations Portal at Expedia.com/Florida, which is updated with the latest information on available listings.
  • Comcast has opened Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Central, North and Southwest Florida, and the Panhandle for Xfinity customers and non-customers to stay connected during and after the storm. Details are available at Florida.Comcast.com/2022/09/27/comcast-opens-free-xfinity-wifi-hotspot-network-as-hurricane-ian-approaches/.
  • The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is getting the word out to lodging establishments to relax their pet policies and to share that there are still available hotels and other lodging available from Tallahassee to Pensacola and Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade.
  • Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is in regular communication with seaport, rail, airport, fuel, and power providers to coordinate between public and private sector partners ensuring that assistance, goods, and services during and after the storm are being delivered.
  • UHaul is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box container usage at 43 Florida locations. Find additional information at www.uhaul.com/about/ listed under “Top Stories.”
  • Uber, is offering round-trip rides to and from Southwest Florida shelter locations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Pasco, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Orange, Brevard, Seminole, Volusia, and Osceola counties listed at www.FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare/Shelters. Riders can enter promotional code IANRELIEF in the app to redeem a free round-trip up to $30 each way. Rides must be requested to or from any state-approved evacuation shelter in Florida.
  • DEO is updating www.FloridaDisaster.biz with real-time information for business owners to prepare their businesses, families, and employees for Hurricane Ian.
  • DEO has alerted the statewide Community Action Agency (CAA) Network to initiate disaster preparedness activities following the Emergency Order.
  • DEO’s Secretary Dane Eagle distributed a memo on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, releasing $1.4 million in Low-Income Home Energy Assistant Program (LIHEAP) set-aside emergency funding for use by LIHEAP providers across the state to support preparedness activities such as transportation and temporary housing to preserve health and safety.
  • DEO’s Rebuild Florida team continues to monitor Hurricane Ian and is preparing to remobilize their disaster recovery efforts following a safe passage after the storm.
  • CareerSource Florida is reaching out to assess needs at local workforce development board partners in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian. We will be working closely with our partners at DEO to support recovery efforts and help connect affected residents with temporary employment and other recovery assistance.
  • The following local workforce development boards are temporarily closed due to Hurricane Ian:
    • CareerSource Gulf Coast – Gulf and Bay Co. centers
    • CareerSource North Florida – Live Oak, Mayo and Madison centers
    • CareerSource Florida Crown – Dixie and Columbia centers
    • CareerSource Northeast Florida
    • CareerSource North Central Florida
    • CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
    • CareerSource Flagler Volusia
    • CareerSource Brevard
    • CareerSource Pinellas
    • CareerSource Tampa Bay
    • CareerSource Pasco Hernando
    • CareerSource Polk
    • CareerSource Suncoast
    • CareerSource Heartland
    • CareerSource Research Coase – Indian River and Martin centers
    • CareerSource Southwest Florida
  • VISIT FLORIDA has activated its Emergency Accommodations Module on Expedia to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
  • VISIT FLORIDA is working with Expedia and their partners to encourage flexible pet policies and cancellation/change fees.
  • Enterprise Florida activated its Disaster Assistance page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
  • DEO’s Bureau of Economic Self-Sufficiency (BESS) team is actively engaging the Communication Action Agency (CAA) network executive leadership to assess their organization and staff safety status as well as county specific needs in their coverage areas.
  • DEO’s Rebuild Florida team will perform updated damage assessments beginning next week for active Irma projects in an effort to evaluate any new or subsequent damage from Hurricane Ian. Construction crews may benefit from an authorization letter or passage approval in order to enter and resume construction in Hurricane Ian-impacted areas.
  • Target is working quickly to ensure its team members are safe and is mobilizing its supply chain to fast-track critical supplies to Target stores. Target is also working with its team members, guests, and regional partners in the coming days to help ensure that all communities impacted by Hurricane Ian have the resources they need to support recovery and rebuilding.
  • The Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles has implemented special discounted rates for Floridians needing accommodations in the wake of Hurricane Ian. The resort welcomes pets under 40 pounds, and as a condo hotel, offers kitchens and laundry facilities in all of their rooms. To book a reservation, please call 866-976-0383 or use the following link: https://bit.ly/3E4sV0o
  • Charter Communications has opened Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi access points in response to Hurricane Ian. Spectrum WiFi access points are typically found in public parks, marinas, city streets and other public areas. A map of access points is available at spectrum.com/internet/wifi-access-points.
  • Anheuser-Busch has coordinated seven trucks – more than 360,000 cans – of emergency drinking water in response to Hurricane Ian.
  • The Lowe’s Command Center remains in full activation to support stores impacted by Hurricane Ian, moving more than 1000 trucks into impact zones, and continues to move much-needed response and recovery product, such as generators, water, gas cans, sand, plywood, batteries, flashlights, and other materials. All Lowe’s stores in Florida are now open; opening and closing hours are being monitored to ensure the safety of associates and customers. Additionally, Lowe’s has committed $2 million to support disaster relief efforts for associates, customers and communities in Florida. Funding will assist Lowe’s disaster relief partners and nonprofit Pro customers, helping these organizations and others provide critical relief and recovery supplies.
  • Wawa has made a $500,000 donation to the Florida Disaster Fund to help aid in recovery efforts. Wawa stores in Florida are providing free coffee and fountain beverages to all first responders in Florida, including police, fire, EMT and the National Guard for all they are doing to support and serve our communities during Hurricane Ian response and recovery efforts.
  • Amazon has activated its Disaster Relief Hub, a special warehouse in Atlanta where the company prepositions over 1 million relief items most needed when a disaster strikes; loaded 10 trucks with over 360,000 bottles of water and strategically prepositioned the vehicles around Florida and in other southern U.S. states to quickly deliver clean water to impacted communities; and, reserved a parking lot at one of its Jacksonville, Florida, facilities to park up to 75 trailers to transport relief items as they’re needed.
  • Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is working with food chains and restaurants to provide support for first responders and volunteers:
    • Chick-fil-a
    • Firehouse Subs
    • Burger King
    • McDonald’s
    • 4Rivers
    • Texas Roadhouse
    • Culver’s
    • Popeyes
    • Benihana
    • Anna Maria Oyster Bar
    • Great Southern
    • Darden
    • Brinker
    • Red Lobster
    • Waffle House
    • Bloomin Brands
  • Enterprise Florida activated its Disaster Assistance page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.

 

Florida Department of Education (DOE)

  • DOE is working with all superintendents in the impacted areas to coordinate damage assessments and identify resources that will be needed to support these counties.
  • At the peak of the storm, 59 school districts were closed. 20 school districts have confirmed they will open either tomorrow or Monday.
  • Early Learning Coalitions have closed in the following counties: Bradford, Baker, Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Martin, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Putnam, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Volusia.
  • School districts, state colleges and universities are beginning to announce reopening dates as they assess conditions following Hurricane Ian. For the most up-to-date reopening information, please visit fldoe.org/storminfo.

 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

  • DEP has requested two mobile testing labs from EPA to help process drinking water and surface water samples for the protection of public health. The first lab is currently being deployed. DEP is gathering supplies and testing kits for utilization by the labs, as well as identifying staging areas.
  • DEP is currently conducting post-storm beach surveys to determine impacts to our shorelines and erosion from Hurricane Ian. This information is used for the development of a Hurricane Recovery Plan, which is submitted to the Legislature for supplemental funding consideration.
  • DEP is actively working to provide any needed assistance to hazardous waste, wastewater and drinking water facilities. Outreach to these facilities to determine operation status is ongoing.
  • DEP is coordinating the dispatch of fuel and pump trucks to assist drinking water and wastewater facilities.
  • Hazardous Area Response Teams have been deployed to aid with assessment and resources for addressing impacts to hazardous waste facilities in impacted areas.
  • Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, DEP issued an Emergency Final Order waiving permitting requirements for the storage and processing of solid waste, including storm debris.
  • DEP has also issued an Emergency Final Order to expedite necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems damaged by the storm.
  • Nine Florida State Parks strike teams have been assembled to assist with assessment and recovery efforts at impacted parks. Five teams are on the ground today in impacted areas. Other teams will be deployed as conditions allow and needs are identified.
  • Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at impacted parks will be notified of their reservation status.

 

Telecommunications

  • The Division of Telecommunications is engaged with law enforcement with aerial and drone assessments.
  • The Division of Telecommunications continues to work with telecom partners to ensure that the state’s communications networks have redundancies and remain operational for first responders to respond to Floridians during the recovery.

 

Licensing

  • Temporary Veterinarian License Application: The Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine has a 30-Day Temporary Veterinarian License available to out-of-state veterinarians who do not currently hold a Florida Veterinary License but wish to come to Florida to provide relief veterinary services.
  • DBPR EMERGENCY ORDER 2022-02 waives the $200 application fee for the issuance of a temporary license to out-of-state veterinarians, effective with the date corresponding with the effective date of Executive Order 22-218, as amended by Executive Order 22-219.
  • Florida licensed veterinarians interested in offering volunteer services should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Vet Corp for information at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352).
  • Food Industry Bulletins: DBPR has published Emergency Recovery Guidelines and Boil Water Notice Guidelines on our website, and DBPR’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants is distributing the notices to licensed businesses in impacted areas.
  • DBPR Emergency Order 2022-01 extends the renewal deadline from September 30 or October 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022, for the following licenses:
  • Real Estate: Sales Associates, Broker Sales Associates, Brokers, Corporate Brokers, Partnerships, and Corporations and Branch Offices;
  • Alcoholic Beverages: Retail Vendors, Distributors, Manufacturers, Importers, Brokers, Sales Agents, and Passenger Common Carriers;
  • Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics: Prescription Drug Wholesalers, Prescription Drug Wholesaler – Broker Only, Out-of-State Prescription Drug Wholesalers, and All Other DDC Licenses;
  • Hotels and Restaurants: Public Lodging Establishments, Vacation Rentals, Timeshare Projects, and Public Food Service Establishments; and
  • Community Association Managers.
  • Licenses renewed on or before October 31, 2022 shall be considered as timely renewals and will not be assessed any late fees.
  • DBPR Emergency Order 2022-01 also extends the deadline for the filing of monthly reports and returns by certain alcoholic beverage and tobacco license holders from October 10, 2022, to October 31, 2022.  Additionally, the order suspends and tolls through October 31, 2022, all final orders reflecting final agency action and all time requirements and deadlines for filing responses outlined in agency orders.
  • DBPR Board Meeting cancellations and other updates can be found at http://myfloridalicense.com/emergency.
  • DBPR’s Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics is coordinating with wholesale distributors of prescription drugs and medical gases to provide information and support relating to exceptions for the emergency distribution of these critical supplies where needed.

 

Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)

  • OIR required insurers to begin reporting preliminary catastrophe claims for Hurricane Ian. To date, insurers have reported a total of $473,828,401 in estimated insured losses and a total of 62,047 claims. This aggregate information is compiled from claims data filed by insurers, it has not been audited or independently verified. Additional claim data and information can be found on OIR’s Hurricane Ian information page here.
  • OIR issued Emergency Order 300997-22-EO in response to Hurricane Ian regarding the extension of grace periods, limitations on cancellations and nonrenewals, deemers and limitations on “use and file” filings. This Emergency Order is issued to protect the public health, safety and welfare of all Florida policyholders.
  • OIR instituted a data call for the purpose of collecting catastrophe claims data related to Hurricane Ian. OIR is requiring daily catastrophe claims reporting for Hurricane Ian starting Friday, September 30 to assist with determining the impact of Hurricane Ian on Florida’s insurance industry. More information regarding catastrophe claims data and reporting is available here.

 

Resource Management

  • Department of Management Services (DMS) continues to support search and rescue efforts with aerial and drone assessments.
  • DMS continues with contracting for equipment from heavy equipment, chain saws and alternate care site supplies to support recovery efforts.
  • DMS continues to locate and secure agreements for staging areas within the area of recovery.
  • DMS continues to be engaged with our logistical partners to source and supply food and water being shipped into the effected area.

 

Department of State

  • Secretary of State Cord Byrd has issued Emergency Order 22-01 suspending the filing deadline for campaign finance reports contained in Section 106.01(1) and 106.0703(1) until Friday, October 7, 2022. The EO can be found here.

 

Office Closures

  • State facilities closed can be found at dms.myflorida.com/buildingclosures and the Florida DMS Emergency Information Hotline at 888-336-7345.
  • County health departments remain closed in 39 counties. DOH is actively on the ground assessing the impacts to facilities and reopening county health departments as conditions are safe to do so.
  • Players are encouraged to visit www.flalottery.com for the most up-to-date information regarding Lottery office closures.

 

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