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Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response and Recovery Efforts for Hurricane Milton

October
18
2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— This week, Governor Ron DeSantis visited areas impacted by Hurricane Milton and made announcements related to state efforts to facilitate recovery following the storm.

In Tampa, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis awarded $1,000,000 through the Florida Disaster Fund to support 20 Hope Florida partners helping Floridians recover from the storms. These funds will be utilized by nonprofit organizations that are serving hot meals and food to disaster-affected communities; helping moms and children with immediate needs after disasters; assisting foster kids, families, and individuals with unique abilities; and serving senior citizens.

In Sarasota, Governor DeSantis also announced the award of $500,000 from the Florida Disaster Fund to education foundations in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. To read more, click here.

Earlier in the week, Governor DeSantis announced the award of $9.5 million to SeaPort Manatee to jumpstart its recovery and help repair infrastructure following significant damage caused by Hurricane Milton. To read more, click here.

The Governor also announced the award of $500,000 through the Florida Disaster Fund to support non-profit organizations that operate in Florida and provide free muck-and-gut services, debris removal, tarping, temporary home fixes, and other volunteer services to those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by a Hurricane. Additionally, the Governor announced the award of $400,000 to support Florida’s first responders, who have worked tirelessly following recent storms to rescue and help people. To read more, click here.

More than $15 million has been raised into the Florida Disaster Fund after Hurricanes Helene and Milton to provide assistance to our communities as they recover from disaster. To read more, click here. To contribute, visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

As of Thursday, October 17, the State of Florida has restored all power to customers who can safely receive it.

Federal Disaster Relief
Governor DeSantis announced that FEMA approved Florida’s request for Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for those impacted by Hurricane Milton. TSA is a FEMA program which allows for temporary, short-term accommodations for eligible survivors when other housing options are unavailable after a declared disaster.

Governor DeSantis announced that Florida secured approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Milton from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declaration includes Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Category B). Individual Assistance, which is assistance to residents and households, is available for Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia Counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Public Assistance, which is available for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, is available for Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia counties for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

The State Assistance Information Line is open and accepting calls 24/7 with English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole speakers available at 1-800-342-3557.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending EO 24-214 and declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties.

To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

State Response and Recovery Efforts

  • The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Hurricane Milton, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
  • Since landfall, nearly 1,800 individuals and 225 animals have been rescued by Urban Search and Rescue Teams and the Florida National Guard.
  • FDEM has nearly 10 Points of Distribution (PODs), over 20 Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) and over 90 cooking and feeding sites open in impacted counties. To find locations and hours of operation, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
  • FDEM has more than 390,900 gallons of diesel and nearly 153,000 gallons of emergency fuels on-hand, with 707,600 gallons of diesel and 152,300 gallons of gas deployed in the field supporting operations.
  • The State of Florida partnered with Lyft to provide residents in mandatory evacuation zones free rides returning home from local shelters.
  • Lyft has activated the Lyft Up Disaster Response Program to provide free and discounted rides to help those in affected areas travel to and from designated shelters with critical resources. Riders can use code MILTONRELIEF24 for two rides up to $25 to and from state-approved shelters.
  • Additionally, residents can find open shelters in their area by visiting FloridaDisaster.org/shelters.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District has opened Operation Blue Roof through Tuesday, November 5. Operation Blue Roof provides temporary roof tarping to impacted residents in Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia counties. Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign up for this no-cost service by visiting blueroof.gov or calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258).
  • The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office’s US&R teams have successfully rescued 349 civilians, 47 pets and provided assistance to 164 others.
  • The Florida State Guard (FSG) has completed over 300 rescues in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
  • The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has activated approximately 3,100 service members for Hurricane Milton response operations.
  • FLNG is providing immediate response in affected areas with liaison officers, route clearing, protection of critical infrastructure, flood mitigation and high wheeled vehicle support with state and local officials.
  • FLNG has four rotary wing aircraft, approximately 500 high-wheeled tactical vehicles, including approximately 200 high-wheeled tactical vehicles and over a dozen boats prepared to provide search and response and damage assessment support post-storm.
  • Over 100 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers rapidly deployed high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources to areas of Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton to assist Floridians in need.
  • As a result of Hurricane Milton, FWC officers have worked with partner first responder agencies to rescue 993 individuals, 55 pets, and performed 910 welfare checks. They also cleared trees, vessels, and debris from numerous roads, homes, and driveways and distributed water and food.
  • FWC officers responded with:
    • 47 boats including airboats and shallow draft boats
    • ATVs/Side-by-sides
    • 132 high-water capable four-wheel drive vehicles
    • 29 high-water capable swamp buggies and UTVs
    • 3 SOG support trailers
    • 4 aerial surveillance drones
    • Self-sustainment equipment, including BERG container units, hygiene trailers, generators and mobile command posts
    • Fuel trucks
    • 1 Skid Steer
  • FWC officers are providing enhanced vessel patrols along area rivers to ensure public safety due to riverine flooding.
  • Three derelict vessel specialists and 17 FWC officers have deployed to areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to locate, identify, and investigate vessels rendered derelict due to the storms.
  • The FWC will work with the owners to get their vessels removed from the water. If officers determine that a vessel has been rendered derelict due to a hurricane, owners will be offered the opportunity to sign a waiver to have it removed at no cost to them.
  • The FWC is working with the Division of Emergency Management to develop a Hurricane Milton Derelict Vessel Hotline. In the meantime, vessels lost or displaced on Florida’s waterways can be reported to 888-404-3922.  Vessels lost or displaced on land should be reported to county officials.
  • On day one of the Hurricane Milton derelict vessel deployment to the Tampa Bay area, FWC officers stickered and recorded 59 derelict vessels.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) mutual aid team is managing 45 active law enforcement missions with more than 150 completed. The missions include:
    • Security for fuel depots
    • Fuel escorts
    • Debris removal
  • More than 200 law enforcement officers are assigned to missions related to Hurricane Milton.
  • The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (FDVA) State Veterans’ Service Officers are available to take your call at (727) 319-7440 or via email at FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV.
  • The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care to support Florida Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care. Call 1-877-741-3400.
  • All youth and staff in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities are accounted for and safe. DJJ continues to assess its facilities for damage and most facilities have had minimal storm impacts.

Health and Human Services

  • The Florida Department of Health (DOH) deployed over 30 emergency response vehicles (e.g., ambulances, ambulance buses, paratransit vehicles) to support emergency evacuations and patient transport as needed.
  • DOH is supporting four special needs shelters, which are accepting clients, located in the following counties: Manatee (1), Pasco (1), Pinellas (1), and Sarasota (1).
  • DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains and health care providers.
  • The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-003, which:
    • Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and
      services expeditiously in response to the emergency.
    • Permits emergency medical transportation services licensed in other U.S. states, territories, and/or districts to operate in Florida in response to the emergency.
    • Permits paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and their medical directors licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
      Permits pharmacies and prescription department managers to operate in multiple or mobile locations.
  • There are 144 active Boil Water Notices as a result of Hurricane Milton. A comprehensive statewide list of notices for residents to access online can be found here:
    • Charlotte (6), Citrus (4), Collier (1), Flagler (1), Hernando (6), Highlands (2), Hillsborough (34), Lake (19), Lee (4), Levy (1), Manatee (2), Marion (4), Orange (4), Osceola (5), Pasco (9), Polk (25), Putnam (1), Sarasota (3), Seminole (1), St. Lucie (1), Sumter (6), and Volusia (5).
  • There have been 66 rescinded Boil Water Notices in the following counties:
    • Charlotte (1), Citrus (2), Flagler (1), Hardee (2), Hernando (1), Highlands (2), Hillsborough (4), Lake (7), Lee (3), Manatee (1), Marion (13), Okeechobee (1), Orange (1), Osceola (1), Pasco (4), Pinellas (3), Polk (9), Putnam (4), Sarasota (3), St. Lucie (1), Sumter (1), and Volusia (1).
  • The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-004, which:
    • Permits paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and their medical directors, physicians and physician assistants, osteopathic physicians and physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, mental health counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
    • Waives telehealth registration requirements for physicians and physician assistants, osteopathic physicians and physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists.
  • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS). Health care providers have been requested to provide information on census, available beds, evacuation status, accepting evacuees and generator needs from counties declared under EO-24-114. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
    • 42 health care facilities have reported evacuations. This includes:
    • 2 adult family care homes
    • 20 assisted living facilities
    • 1 hospice
    • 3 hospitals
    • 1 hospital ED
    • 1 intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled
    • 4 nursing homes
    • 1 residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
    • 5 residential treatment facilities
    • 4 Transitional living facilities
  • As of today, there are 43 health care facilities with loss of power across the state. This includes:
    • 7 adult family care homes
    • 22 assisted living facilities
    • 2 hospices
    • 2 hospitals
    • 1 intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled
    • 2 nursing homes
    • 5 residential treatment facilities
    • 2 transitional living facilities
  • AHCA is conducting daily calls with the Florida Hospital Association and Florida Health Care Association.
  • The Agency has waived all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services beginning October 7, 2024, until further notice.
  • Agency surveyors have completed 879 post storm assessment visits to ensure health care facilities in impacted areas are able to safely care for residents.
  • Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) launched the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Milton to apply for interest-free loans. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property – including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings – or to remove vegetative debris.
  • FDACS is working with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
  • A total of 42 generators were deployed to commercial agricultural facilities to prevent disruption to food and agricultural critical infrastructure.
  • Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Milton. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, and North Carolina.
  • Commissioner Wilton Simpson has issued an emergency order suspending requirements related to the distribution, delivery, storage, and sale of liquid fuels — such as gasoline and diesel — to assist with efforts to ensure adequate distribution and supply of fuel.
  • Commissioner Wilton Simpson has issued an emergency rule to aid the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas to disaster response and recovery operations.
  • Floridians are encouraged to call 1-800-HELP-FLA to report water-contaminated fuel issues to the department.
  • As of Oct. 18, inspectors completed preliminary inspections of all potentially impacted retail fuel stations. Of the 3,666 facilities, 2,444 are open and operating.
  • Additionally, as of Oct. 18, inspectors have completed 31,365 assessments of food establishments in impacted regions. 21,685 facilities are open for business.
  • Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for livestock and animals in critical need, please complete this form and send it to DAIOPSAssessment@FDACS.gov, or call 863-993-5460.
  • Food safety inspectors are responding to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of over 36,000 potentially impacted food establishments.
  • UF/IFAS is studying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from Hurricane Helene. Producers can share information about impacts experienced at your farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation here.
  • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) continues to contact all Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates. Post-storm call-downs to clients have been completed, and there are currently no unmet needs.
  • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues its recovery efforts with post Hurricane wellness checks to clients, families, and Group Homes in affected areas verifying status and resolving immediate need requests.
  • APD leadership teams have sourced and compiled sensory kits and delivered over 410 kits, over 100 noise cancelling headphones, and nearly 150 weighted stuffed animals to families in need at Hope Florida distribution sites, group homes, and partners in counties affected by Hurricane Milton.
  • Over 100 APD evacuated group home clients have returned to the home.
    APD is working with partners and the State Emergency Response Team overseeing Access
  • and Functional Needs (AFN) emphasizing information sharing, fact finding, and problem solving.
  • APD Hope Florida Navigators, and APD emergency recovery teams have deployed to Hope Florida Distribution Centers throughout affected areas.
  • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has updated our request for approval for disaster-SNAP (D-SNAP) benefits from the USDA to include counties severely impacted by Hurricane Milton in addition to our already pending request from Hurricane Helene.
  • DCF is in the process of contacting all foster families, group homes, and providers to assess for unmet needs after the storm. So far DCF has contacted families and group homes serving over 22,000 individuals and over 9,900 providers in impacted areas to ensure all children and families served are safe and to determine needs.
  • DCF has delivered and served over 2.2 million meals, 876,000 bottles of water and other drinks, 405,000 snacks, and 28,000 boxes of food to 45 counties, and has established 30 field kitchens.
  • DCF is working with Mercy Chefs and Operation BBQ Relief to serve hot meals throughout the Tampa Bay area and Manatee County.
  • Through Emergency Support Function 6 – Mass Care, DCF is supporting 8 shelters in impacted areas.
  • The Hope Bus has been stationed in Charlotte, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and St Lucie, and since the storm made landfall, we have served over 43,000 individuals. In addition, Hope Navigators have been deployed to Charlotte, Indian River, Manatee, Martin, Pasco, Pinellas, St. Lucie, and Sarasota counties to go into neighborhoods directly impacted by the storm and offered resources and support to over 6,100 individuals.
  • DCF has deployed Hope Navigators to support individuals and families in shelters.
  • Current SNAP recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement. To learn more, visit myflfamilies.com/milton
  • The Department of Children and Families has been approved to allow the purchase of hot foods with SNAP EBT benefits in Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Volusia counties to assist individuals affected by Hurricane Milton. This allowance is available at participating retailers in the eligible counties until November 15, 2024. To learn more, visit MyFLFamilies.com/Milton
  • All State Mental Health Treatment Facilities and Crisis Stabilization Units are fully operational.
  • The Hope Line is available to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm. It is now available 24/7 for the next two-plus weeks at 833-GET-HOPE.
  • Activate Hope has been deployed to help connect Floridians impacted by the storm with needed resources like food, supplies, home repairs, and more. Serving as the emergency response component of the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope connects the private sector, nonprofits, and government to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Fill out the form here to request help.

Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

  • The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has over 2,000 FDOT team members working directly on storm response.
  • FDOT established a field crew base camp in Seffner to be centrally located for emergency response and recovery efforts.
  • In total, FDOT has picked up over 145,000 cubic yards of debris for pre-storm and post-storm Hurricane Milton efforts.
    • Other state DOTs have sent crews to assist with debris pickup missions. Alabama DOT has sent 18 team members, Tennessee DOT has sent 30 team members, Louisiana DOT has sent 53 team members and FDOT is in contact with South Carolina DOT.
  • FDOT will perform debris pickup within fiscally constrained counties.
  • FDOT continues to monitor water levels at low-lying bridges near major river crossings.
  • Cut and Toss Operations on state-owned facilities are complete, except for inaccessible areas or roadways with hazards. 486 crew members cleared over 12,000 miles of roadway.
  • FDOT completed bridge inspections on all accessible state-owned and locally-owned bridges. Over 150 Bridge Inspectors reviewed and cleared over 2,400 bridges across the impacted areas.
  • FDOT completed the removal of debris on barrier islands in Pinellas and Manatee Counties ahead of Hurricane Milton with the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture, amongst others. In total, over 3,000 truckloads removed nearly 55,000 cubic yards of debris.
  • FDOT has lifted weight restrictions and is allowing bypass of weigh stations for emergency response vehicles, including utility vehicles staging for rapid response.
    • FDOT has coordinated efforts with Georgia and Alabama to allow a bypass of weigh stations for emergency response and supply vehicles.
  • For current road and bridge closures and traffic conditions, please download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com.
  • Transportation Modes:  
    • Florida’s Seaports, Airports, Rail, Transit, and Spaceports made swift progress in recovery efforts.
    • Please check with your service providers directly regarding schedules and service information.
  • Florida Seaports Fuel Supplies are being closely monitored and plans are in place for maintaining adequate supply levels across the state as we work to recover from the storm.
  • State-Owned Road & Bridge Closures (As of 2:00 p.m., 10/18/24) 
  • State road & bridge closures listed below. For real-time updates, Check FL511.com.
    *Please note some access may be restricted to residents only.  
  • Hernando County
    • Flooding on Treiman Blvd Southbound from Cortez Blvd to Trilby Rd. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding on US-301 Northbound from Trilby Rd to Cortez Blvd. All lanes closed
  • Hillsborough County
    • Flooding on Morris Bridge Rd Both Directions at Pictorial Park Dr. All lanes closed.
  • Indian River County 
    • Major Road Damage on CR-512 / Fellsmere Road Both Directions 0.71 Mi Beyond 79th
      Street. All lanes closed.
  • Manatee County 
    • Flooding on Verna Bethany Rd Both Directions 0.48 Mi South of Sr-64 E. All lanes closed.
  • Volusia County
    • Flooding on I-4 East, before MM 111/Saxon Blvd. Ramp closed.
  • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively working to provide any needed assistance to drinking water, wastewater and hazardous waste facilities. Outreach to these facilities to determine operational status is ongoing.
  • DEP’s online portal WaterTracker is live for drinking and wastewater facilities to report their operational status. DEP is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to dispatch generators, fuel and pump trucks and other resources to assist drinking and wastewater facilities.
  • DEP has verified the operational status of all of water and wastewater systems in the affected counties. More than 97% of the community drinking water facilities in the affected counties are operational, while 2% are partially operational.
  • DEP is conducting visits to emergency operation centers and water and wastewater utilities in impacted areas to provide technical assistance to ensure facilities in affected counties resume operations as quickly as possible.
    • In the past three days, staff have visited 15 emergency operations centers.
  • DEP has authorized 170 Disaster Debris Management Sites (DDMS) for Hurricane Helene and 300 for Hurricane Milton. These sites are a critical component of expediting clean-up and reducing environmental and public health impacts post-storm. DEP solid waste field staff, supported by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Landfill Strike Teams, are on the ground in affected counties providing technical assistance at to DDMSs operating as a result of these storms.
  • For counties and local governments in need of additional debris disposal locations, DEP has approved all pending DDMS site activation requests and DEP stands ready to approve the activation of any additional pre-authorized or new DDMSs that may be needed. Today, DEP is expediting review and authorization for 12 new debris staging sites.
  • DEP is working in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard, are identifying oil spills and hazardous material releases in coastal and inland waterways.
  • Florida’s water management districts are actively engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state to support flood control efforts, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding.
    • The St. Johns River Water Management has deployed two temporary pumps to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital.
    • The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has deployed one temporary pump in Pasco County.
    • SWFWMD has activated the Tampa Bypass Canal System to help protect the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa from river flooding. More than 4 million gallons a minute are being moved through this system. This action stops all or part of the flow of the Hillsborough River before it reaches the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa and stores it in the Hillsborough Flood Detention Area. The stored water can then be safely moved down to McKay Bay using the Tampa Bypass Canal. The LHFDA water level is down seven inches from the peak and is dropping.
    • The South Florida Water Management District has deployed two temporary pumps to the upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to move more water south and provide relief to communities experiencing flooding.
  • DEP is coordinating post-storm beach surveys to determine impacts to shorelines and erosion, as well as inspecting damage to beach projects in impacted counties along both coasts.
  • Beach teams are performing assessments along the West Coast by collecting aerial oblique videography (AOV). Staff are working to begin desktop assessments to determine what areas of the coast need immediate attention.
  • On the East Coast, beach teams have completed assessments, collecting 126 windshield survey reports in Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, Volusia and Indian River counties.
  • 10 Florida State Parks strike teams have been assembled to assist with assessment and recovery efforts at impacted state parks. Eight teams are on the ground today, and other teams and equipment will be deployed as conditions allow and needs are identified.
  • 120 state parks have reopened following Hurricane Milton. DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
  • DEP’s Emergency Final Order removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, including coastal structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.
  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has cut crew teams assisting with clearing debris in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk Counties.
  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) deployed Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles to Pinellas, and Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and, Charlotte Counties to provide mobile driver license and vehicle registration services to those impacted by the storm and will deploy additionally to Palm Beach County starting Sunday, 10/20/24.
  • The Florida Department of Education (DOE) has worked with all impacted to school districts as students return to school following Hurricane Milton.  All 50 traditional school districts closed for Hurricane Milton have reopened. For more information on school districts, state colleges, and university reopenings, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.

Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

  • The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Hotels and Restaurants inspection teams have conducted more than 1,700 disaster inspections and outreach calls to impacted licensees in the affected counties.
  • DBPR’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco has visited more than 3,100 impacted locations to complete damage assessments.
  • DBPR’s Division of Regulation teams have conducted unlicensed activity sweeps in impacted communities across Hamilton, Lee, Martin, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Putnam, St. Lucie, Suwannee, Sarasota, and Flagler counties.
  • Outback St. Petersburg has served more than 2,500 meals to impacted Floridians.
  • Volunteer Florida partner resources:
    • Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers: 833-514-2940
    • 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls.
    • Red Cross Hotline is open to assist: 1-800-Red Cross
    • Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386
    • Volunteer opportunities promoted through Volunteer Connect
    • New email for hurricane-related inquiries: hurricane@volunteerflorida.org.
  • FloridaCommerce is communicating and coordinating with more than 200 private sector partners across the state.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Milton. Interested applicants can apply now through December 4, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.
  • In record time, FloridaCommerce has approved more than $5.4 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton. To date, 133 businesses have been approved to receive these funds to bridge the gap while they wait on other funding, such as insurance, with more applications being approved daily. FloridaCommerce has approved more than $12.3 million to 297 small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. FloridaCommerce has also approved more than $4.3 million to 107 businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby.
  • FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Milton. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Milton” from the dropdown menu. More than 2,100 Business Damage Assessment Surveys have been completed.
  • FloridaCommerce has deployed 65 agency employees into more than 175 communities, business to business canvassing, connecting one on one with business owners, providing information about the state’s supports for small businesses including communities in Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia Counties. Several other teams joined the Hope Florida buses and DBPR, DJJ, and APD in multiple sites across Charlotte County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Manatee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County and Sarasota County.
  • Secretary Kelly joined Lieutenant Governor Jeannette Nuñez and met with hurricane-impacted small business owners in Boca Grande, Pine Island and Punta Gorda. Business owners shared how Hurricane Milton impacted their businesses and their unmet needs and the FloridaCommerce team was able to provide direct support and discuss the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan and other small business support programs.
  • Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) has disaster relief resources and information for Floridians in need of housing options and other housing related support. For more information click here. FHFC has also activated FloridaHousingSearch.org to assist hurricane-impacted Floridians in locating an affordable rental property. This free, statewide search platform is being constantly updated to ensure all listings are accurate. Floridians can also call 1-877-428-8844.
  • FloridaCommerce continues to work with the Florida Chamber, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and other private sector partners to consistently updates business open/close status at FloridaDisaster.biz. FloridaCommerce staff have made more than 1,300 calls to rural and small businesses to help with this effort.
  • FloridaCommerce is working with private sector banking partners to ensure that evacuees have access to banks and are able to withdraw cash.
  • FloridaCommerce activated the Private Sector Hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
  • Briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners. For call information email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
  • CareerSource Florida continues to host daily post-storm calls with the 21 Local Workforce Development Boards and 38 Community Action Agencies across the state. Our local workforce development boards have been activated in impacted areas at both Multi-Agency Resource Center sites and One-Stop Business Services sites to assist local employees and employers following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
  • FloridaCommerce has worked with Walmart, City Furniture, Citrus Springs Industrial Holdings, FloridaMakes, Amazon and TECO to successfully identify and secure sites for debris disposal and additional shelters for evacuees.
  • Wawa will be distributing ice and bottled water at various store locations in impacted areas. For more information click here.
  • Wawa stores in Florida provide free coffee and fountain beverages to all first responders, including the National Guard in Florida in appreciation for all they are doing to support and serve our communities during hurricane response and recovery efforts.
  • Wawa has donated $500,000 to the Florida Disaster Fund to support the state of Florida’s private fund established to provide financial assistance to communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster.
  • The Wawa Community Coffee Truck has been deployed to Sarasota County and is distributing free coffee, water and ice to impacted Floridians.
  • Walmart has donated $5,000 in gift cards to HOPE FLORIDA for cleaning supplies, toiletries and water to assist with post-storm deployment in impacted areas.
  • Additionally, the Lennar Corporation generously donated $5,000,000 to the Florida Disaster Fund in support of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.
  • Comcast has opened more than 261,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across the state. The free and public hotspots are open for anyone to use, including non-Xfinity customers. For more information visit Finder.wifi.xfinity.com. Comcast is also positioning crews and equipment to immediately respond after the storm, should there be any service interruptions for Comcast Business or Xfinity customers.
  • Tesla has available charging stations for those evacuating with electric vehicles available at Tesla.com/findus. The live status and availability of superchargers can also be found in the Tesla app.
  • SpaceX has delivered another 400 Starlink kits to the state of Florida to support Hurricane Milton.
  • SpaceX has worked with T-Mobile to active Direct to Cell satellites to
    provide emergency alerts for all cell phones and carriers in affected areas. SpaceX and T-Mobile have enabled basic texting (SMS) via satellite for T-Mobile users in hurricane affected areas
  • The AT&T Weather Operations Center has a team of degreed meteorologists delivering
    business-specific weather intelligence, analytics, and forecasts. The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG) – led by a dedicated team of former first responders – is working around the clock to support public safety’s emergency communications and has liaisons engaged with local and federal agencies.
  • Spectrum announced it will help residents stay connected by offering free, unlimited access to Spectrum Wi-Fi access points in Florida. A map of locations can be viewed at Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi Map: Get WiFi Access Anywhere.
  • VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline are available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
  • Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates for those in the 51 counties declared as under a state of emergency by Governor Ron DeSantis.
    Scenic Stays Vacation Rentals in Northwest Florida has a 35% discount
  • with promotion code MILTON. Go to myscenicstays.com or call 850-407-2244 to book.
  • Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has extended special offers for Evacuees and First Responders in need of accommodations in the event of an evacuation. Please see the linked pages below for more information.
    • EVACUEES Good for stays through October 31. Book by October 29
    • FIRST RESPONDERS Good for stays through December 31. Book by December 29
  • The Florida SBDC Network is coordinating with regional offices and
    stakeholders to better understand impacts to small businesses and share information about state resources.
  • This week, FloridaCommerce strike teams canvassed 275 businesses in Charlotte, Citrus, Hardee, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter Counties connecting with hurricane-impacted small businesses owners, learning about their impacts and providing information about support available for Florida’s small businesses.
  • FloridaCommerce employees have assisted more than 250 hurricane-impacted Floridians at Multi Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in Dixie, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Taylor Counties.
  • The Florida SBDC Network has deployed its Mobile Assistance Center units to impacted areas to support small businesses applying for available resources. Current locations can be found at FloridaSBDC.org/Milton.
  • Florida SBDC Network staff across the state are working with local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development partners to outreach to impacted business owners, supporting applications to state and federal loan programs.
  • FloridaCommerce in partnership with CareerSource Florida, Florida Small Business Development Center Network and DBPR is hosting several One-Stop Business Resource Sites across the state. Business owners and employees impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton can get in-person assistance with recovery resources.
    • Thursday, October 17 – Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 10am – 3pm.
      • Citrus County – Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, 915 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River
      • Charlotte County - CareerSource SWFL, 3745 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
      • Levy County – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, 2175 NW 11th Ave, Chiefland
      • Sarasota County - CareerSource Suncoast, 3660 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota
  • The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) offers online resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services provider(s), including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.
  • The Office of Insurance Regulation has issued and Emergency Order to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Milton. The order applies to all insurers in the state and policyholders in Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.  The order:
  • Extends grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act until December 10, 2024.
  • Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until December 10, 2024.
  • Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired as a result of damage from Hurricane Milton for a period of 90 days after it has been repaired.
  • Directs insurers, surplus lines and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims.
  • OIR, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers. Information can be found here.
  • The Department of Revenue (DOR) has the following update: Florida law allows exporters, petroleum carriers, and importers to request a temporary fuel tax license during a disaster or declared state of emergency. Out-of-state applicants are not required to submit a fee, secure bonding, or undergo a background check if they apply for and receive a temporary fuel tax license. Visit the Florida Fuel Tax webpage for more information on Florida’s temporary fuel tax licensing program: floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/fuel.aspx.
  • The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) has deployed 206 Starlinks for Hurricane Milton.
  • The Florida Department of State (DOS) is working with Florida’s Supervisors of Elections (SOEs) in Affected Counties to implement Executive Order 24-234 to amend EO 24-212. These orders authorize SOEs to make appropriate accommodations to ensure that residents that were impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton still have the ability to vote in this November’s election.

For previous updates see below:
10/6/2024 (1)
10/6/2024 (2)
10/7/2024 (1)
10/7/2024 (2)
10/8/2024 (1)
10/8/2024 (2)
10/9/2024 (1)
10/9/2024 (2)
10/10/2024 (1)
10/10/2024 (2)
10/11/2024 (1)
10/11/2024 (2)
10/12/2024 (1)
10/12/2024 (2)
10/13/2024 (1)
10/13/2024 (2)
10/14/2024 (1)
10/14/2024 (2)
10/15/2024 (1)
10/15/2024 (2)
10/16/2024

10/17/2024

Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Milton.