Governor DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response to Hurricane Debby

Governor DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response to Hurricane Debby HomeGovernor DeSantisMeet Ron DeSantisScheduling RequestsPhotos with Ron DeSantisContact Governor DeSantisFirst Lady DeSantisMeet Casey DeSantisScheduling RequestsPhotos with First Lady DeSantisContact First Lady DeSantisLt. Gov. NuñezMeet Jeanette NuñezPhotos with Lt. Gov. Jeanette NuñezScheduling RequestsEmail the Lt. GovernorMediaNews Releases ArchiveMedia InquiriesPhotosLong Range Program PlanGubernatorial AppointmentsRequest a Public RecordPress BriefingsScheduleInfo CenterExecutive OrdersOpen GovernmentNotary SectionReport Waste, Fraud and AbuseMyFlorida.comFlag InformationVolunteer FloridaExplore AdoptionLegislationJudicialContactContact Governor DeSantisGovernor’s OfficeContactsEspañol Governor Ron DeSantis Visits Taylor County to Provide Storm Updates, Survey Hurricane Damage, and Bring Support for Residents Following Hurricane Debby Governor DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response and Recovery to Hurricane DebbyGovernor DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response to Hurricane Debby On August 6, 2024, in News Releases, by Staff TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—As of this morning, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) emergency response personnel have completed preliminary assessments of over 10,000 lane miles of state roads. 181 FDOT crews have performed cut-and-toss operations removing road debris on over 6,596 miles of road. State roadways are now clear except for inaccessible and flooded roadways.The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is operational. Residents needing resources after Hurricane Debby can call 1-800-342-3557. There are English and Spanish speakers available to answer questions.State Response EffortsFDEM has pumped more than 43 million gallons of floodwaters from impacted communities statewide.FDEM is mobilizing twelve Points of Distribution (PODs) in Dixie, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Manatee, Suwannee and Taylor counties to provide food, water and tarps to impacted residents.FDEM has deployed:Over 1.5 million bottles of waterNearly 900,000 shelf-stable mealsOver 17,000 tarpsNearly 11,000 hygiene kits156,000 sandbags120 cots960 clean-up kitsStaff to support county shelter operations.FDEM has mobilized three logistical staging areas in multiple regions of the state to ensure food, water, tarps, shower trailers, pumps, flood protection devices and staff can quickly deploy as requested.More than 9,400 feet of flood protection devices are deployed to critical infrastructure sites to protect against flooding, including schools, health care facilities, public works, lift stations and roads and bridges.For the first time, the state of Florida and its partners are also deploying flood control barriers around utility substations as a new best practice to ensure power is maintained throughout the storm for as many Floridians as possible.Approximately 17,000 linemen have been mobilized to assist with power restoration efforts.Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, the Florida National Guard (FLNG) is prepared to support the state’s response operations to Hurricane Debby. The Florida National Guard is mobilizing up to 3,500 Guardsmen.The FLNG Joint Operations Center is operating in St Augustine, FL.The FLNG continues activating and mustering Guardsmen at their local armories, staffing the State Logistics Response Center (SLRC), and assisting Counties across the Big Bend area with LNOs. The FLNG is supporting 27 Counties with LNOs.Mobilized units are postured to support humanitarian assistance and security missions throughout the area of operations.The Florida National Guard is well-equipped, with assets including high-wheeled vehicles, helicopters, boats, generators and more. We currently have 14 rotary aircraft and over 450 tactical vehicles staged to support relief operations.We appreciate the support of neighboring states, especially South Carolina and Kentucky, which are providing a truck company and rotary aircraft respectively, to support the FLNG’s response operations.The Florida State Guard (FSG) has:Over 100 FSG soldiers to support response and recovery operations.Assisted with logistics distribution at the State Logistics Response Center.Helped with damage assessments and surveys in impacted communities.Cut-and-Toss MissionsIncidental Flood ResponseWorked POD Mission in Perry, FLThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) deployed extra personnel, high-water vehicles and storm response resources to assist Floridians in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Debby.The FWC is fully integrated into the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and local FWC law enforcement representatives continue to coordinate closely with county and city emergency operations centers.FWC officers are responding with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:AirboatsShallow draft boatsATVs/Side by SidesLarger platform vesselsFour-wheel vehiclesAerial surveillance dronesThese officers and assets are in addition to local FWC officers already assigned to any affected areas. FWC officers have the training, capacity, equipment, and experience to be particularly effective following extreme weather events.FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams are serving as fast response teams and reconnaissance units for the State EOC.FWC Aviation Section has readied all appropriate aircraft and is performing aerial assistance, reconnaissance and post-storm damage assessments for the State EOC.The main FWC deployment force, comprised of a total of 33 officers and one mechanic, staged Sunday at a centralized point, linked up with the Florida State Guard and a Department of Financial Services (DFS) Cut Crew and deployed to impacted areas as soon as it was safe to do so.Teams mobilized post-landfall with the Florida State Guard to coastal areas to assist residents in the direct path of the storm. Officers have reported widespread power outages, moderate flooding and damage due to wind and rain.Teams linked up with DFS Urban Search and Rescue Teams to conduct search and rescues and wellness checks.Teams are addressing flood conditions inland and have moved resources to assist residents impacted by high water conditions.The entire response force has an extensive loadout of high-water and self-sustainment equipment to facilitate operations in case of reduced infrastructure in the impacted areas50 high-water capable four-wheel drive patrol trucks9 airboats12 shallow draft vessels10 high-water capable swamp buggies/Fat Truck/UTVs4 drone teamsMobile command unitBERG self-sustainment container unitsFuel trailerGeneratorsHygiene trailersIn Manatee County, 12 local FWC officers are assisting residents with high-water evacuations along the Manatee River.A team of 8 additional officers from Collier County has deployed with an airboat, shallow draft vessels and a swamp buggy to assist Manatee County officers to address additional needs due to rising rivers in the area.Two SOG teams, each comprised of 8 officers, from the Florida Panhandle have mobilized to serve as a force multiplier for deployed personnel and to respond to mission requests from county EOCs in the westernmost portion of the impacted area.Officers assigned to the North Central portion of the state are currently coordinating with county EOCs and responding to missions as necessary.The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams are deployed and working with their local partners.FDLE is operating responder base camps in Taylor and Suwanee counties.FDLE is assisting with 911 outages and working with local agencies for unified radio communications.FDLE is coordinating law enforcement response with USAR teams in the impacted areas.FDLE’s mutual aid team is coordinating 20 active missions including establishing refueling stations.Nearly 120 law enforcement officers are deployed to the impacted areas.FDLE is coordinating increased law enforcement patrols on the roadways and waterways in areas with no power.The Department of Corrections (FDC) Institutions:Multiple facilities in the impacted areas have faced minor structural damage with no compromise to safety, security, or wellbeing of staff and inmates.FDC staff and inmates in FDC custody are safe and accounted for.Multiple K9 units are on stand-by and stand prepared to respond as needed/requested by local officials.Community Corrections:Community Corrections officers across the state have ensured the ongoing supervision and compliance of offenders in the community while prioritizing the safety of its staff.FDC staff remain in contact with local Emergency Operation Centers in every county and stand ready to provide support to local communities where applicable.Updates to FDC closures, evacuations, and visitation suspensions will continually be posted at fdc.myflorida.com/weather-updates.The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)There has been minimal damage to multiple DJJ facilities in impacted areas and all staff and youth are safe. Juvenile probation officers across the state continue to do wellness checks on youth and families and have ensured community supervision continues while prioritizing the safety of staff.The Department of Management Services (DMS) wireless partners have assets pre-staged for post-landfall assistance.32 additional Starlink kits pending coordination for deployment, bringing total to 125.Number of Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) on generator power due to power restorations has reduced to 19.40k+ Xfinity WiFi Hotspots provided by Comcast available to customers and non-customers. Residents can find their nearest hotspot at https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/wifi/hotspot-map-mobile. This has been pushed out to ESF 14 to communicate.Starlink units are pre-staged for immediate deployment should needs arise. DMS has activated an additional 40 Starlink bringing total to 93 so far.ATT FirstNet Colt en route to Dixie County per Public Safety request.Volunteer ResourcesDisaster Legal Aid833-513-2940Disaster survivors anywhere in the state may call to apply for free civil legal services.United Methodist855-228-3862Disaster survivors in the state may call to register for disaster assistance such as debris removal, tarping, muck and gut.Crisis Clean Up844-965-1386Disaster survivors in the state may call to register for assistance with debris.Local Relief is a tech-driven social media mobile app that bridges the communication gap between communities and vital resources during times of disaster. Download the app here.Volunteer organizations such as Midwest Foodbank, Feeding Florida, Farm Share, and Meet the Need have begun coordination of resources and readying their inventory to meet potential feeding needs.The American Red Cross has begun mobilizing their Tallahassee and Jacksonville teams and contacted committed counties for plans on sheltering.The Florida Disaster Volunteer Leave Act allows salaried state employees to request administrative leave to volunteer after a disaster. Salaried state employees may request up to 120 hours of administrative leave to volunteer with a 501(c )(3) or a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that is providing nonpaid services for disaster response and recovery to a declared disaster area covered under a state of emergency.The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in Perry will be closed through Thursday, August 8.The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7 for virtual urgent care at 1-877-741-3400.Health and Human ServicesThe Florida Department of Health (DOH)All county health offices anticipate re-opening tomorrow, Wednesday, August 7, 2024.Currently, there are seventeen (17) boil water notices in Columbia (2), Dixie, Hillsborough (2), Lake (4), Lee (2), Marion (2), Orange (2), and Pasco (2) counties.DOH is supporting five (5) special needs shelters, which are accepting clients, in the following counties: Columbia, Hamilton, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor.DOH’s Bureau of Public Health Lab in Jacksonville, FL, re-opened today, Tuesday, August 6, 2024.DOH continues to distribute information on social media platforms regarding emergency health topics, including flood water safety, special needs shelters, boil water notices, and more.The Florida Department of Health (DOH) deployed over 100 emergency vehicles (e.g., ambulances, ambulance buses, paratransit vehicles) to support emergency evacuations and patient transport as needed. Staging is currently in Jackson and Marion counties.DOH utilized ambulance strike teams to perform 87 home wellness visits for hard-to-reach special needs clients in Wakulla, Taylor, Madison, Gilchrist, Dixie, and Levy counties.DOH deployed oxygen generators to support fire rescue in areas of anticipated landfall.DOH Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Managed Care Plan conducted outreach to providers and high-risk clients, ensuring clients have access to early prescription refills and any additional needs are being met.DOH remains in contact with Medical Foster Care families to ensure services and needs are met.DOH provided Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clients in affected areas with an early pickup schedule for medical formula. WIC clients are being contacted regarding clinic closures as needed to ensure services are not disrupted.DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-156. 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 24-001, which:Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency.Permits emergency medical transportation services to operate across county lines.Permits paramedics and emergency medical technicians licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.Ongoing efforts with Volunteer Florida Partners:Continued coordination calls with Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Diesters (VOAD)Coordinating and collaborating strategic response footprintFood Bucket/Cleanup Kit delivery and partner distribution beginning today and will continueVOAD partner hotlines open:Disaster Legal: Aid: 833-513-2940 assisting disaster survivors with free civil legal servicesUnited Methodist: 855-228-3862 assistance with debris removal, tarping and muck & gutCrisis Cleanup: 844-965-1386 survivor registration for assistance with debris. Crisis cleanup is not a direct service organization other VOAD members can claim workorders. Registration does not guarantee services*Ongoing coordination efforts with Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)Coordination with FDEM to support Volunteer VillagesCoordinating with FDEM and VOAD members for access to fuel depotsSupporting FLVOAD members with logistical needsKey Messaging to Partners:Emphasizing the importance of “Cash, Confirm, Connect” strategyPromoting volunteer opportunities through Volunteer ConnectEncouraging documentation of all donated resources and volunteer hoursCurrent rate of volunteer hours in the state of Florida is $31.61Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated its Emergency Patient Look-up System (E-PLUS), initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS), and reached out to health care associations.AHCA conducted 59 Post-Onsite Assessment visits on 08/06/2024. Additional visits will be conducted today in hospitals and residential health care facilities that reported no power on generators.Health care facilities that are currently on generators include:  10 Assisted Living Facilities, and 7 nursing homes.There are 2 ALFs and 3 nursing homes reporting evacuation.Since the start of the activation, the Agency has conducted 1,100 outreach tasks related to this storm, such as email communications and phone calls with health care facilities in the impacted areas.Since activation, the following organizations have logged into E-PLUS for storm preparation:Charlotte County Health DepartmentLee County Sheriff’s OfficeCharlotte County Sheriff’s Office (2 users)Department of Health’s Special Needs Shelter UnitJackson-Gulf-Calhoun County Health DepartmentsOkaloosa County Health Department (3 users)Bay County Health Department (2 users)Levy-Gilchrist-Dixie County Health DepartmentsOsceola Emergency Management (2 users)Department of Health’s Region 1 regional coordinatorGlades-Hendry County Health DepartmentsE-PLUS team provided account support services for Duval County Health Department and Humana.16 Special Needs Shelters are contributing data to E-PLUS.85 individuals were checked into Special Needs Shelters through E-PLUS.22 Encounter Notification Service Subscribers were notified of patient encounters at the above Special Needs Shelters.5 patient searches for clinical records and medication fill histories have been conducted.AHCA has received 3 intake files from the Department of Health containing registration data from Special Needs Shelters.AHCA is ensuing reimbursement for critical Medicaid services provided in good faith to eligible recipients who reside in the counties impacted by the storm.The Agency will waive all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services beginning August 4, 2024, until further notice.Early prescription refill edits have been lifted for all maintenance medications (Note: This does not apply to controlled substances).If a recipient requires critical Medicaid services beyond the limits stated in policy to maintain safety and health, providers can furnish the service.Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) processes are postponed until further notice by the Agency.Retroactively performed screenings or resident reviews must document the reason for delay in the completion of PASRR requirements.The Agency is waiving the PASRR process for recipients who evacuated due to an evacuation order or power outage and are admitted and discharged during the storm.Transportation vendors should continue providing services to all Medicaid enrollees as long as they are able.To locate blood donation centers in Florida, visit: Floridadonates.comThe Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has shifted to recovery efforts and looking into riverine flooding maps while simultaneously utilizing the Everbridge technology and it’s GIS tracking feature to map and plot APD clients and Group Homes near various flooded rivers and areas.The Agency will begin its post storm calls with clients, providers and partners in affected areas.APD is working with our Northeast and Northwest regions to support our Medicaid Fraud Control (MFCU) partner in visiting 4 Northeast and 2 Northwest Group Homes.APD is meeting with partners and developing the reporting framework to support the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) function for Hurricane Debby with the Human Services Branch and partners (Human Services/ESF6).Identify and schedule APD Hope Florida Navigators and APD volunteers for deployment to affected areas as needed.The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office has reopened offices in all circuits except in Circuit 3 and in Sarasota County in Circuit 12.The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) contacted all our Area Agencies on Aging partners and received the following updates on Hurricane Debby:Advantage Aging Solutions (PSA 2)All call downs have been completed.There are no unmet needs.The following counties are still without power at this time and are expected to be closed on August 6: Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor.Elder Options (PSA 3)The Elder Options office is open with regular operations resumed.Call downs to clients are ongoing.Suwannee River Economic Council’s administrative offices closed and services are paused due to flooding. There are no unmet needs reported.Columbia County Senior Services’ services are paused, and meal sites closed while the storm passes through.ElderCare of Alachua County will open on August 7.Citrus County Support Services’ office is open on August 7.Marion Senior Services’ services are paused, meal sites closed while the storm passes through. No unmet needs reported at this time.ElderCare of Alachua County reports that Al’z Place, their adult day care, had a water intrusion from heavy rain affected the restrooms. They are working on the issue and may have to close on August 6.Columbia County Senior Services’ have no unmet needs.ElderSource (PSA 4) All providers have been contacted.The agency has conducted client call downs.Duval County has 3 shelters open and are expected to close on August 6.Aging True in Duval and Clay counties are expected to reopen on August 6.Baker County Council on Aging plans to reopen on August 6.City of Jacksonville Senior Services anticipate normal operations on August 6.Nassau County Council on Aging’s C1 Meal site in Fernandina Beach and Hilliard and their transportation will not be running on August 6.Aging True in Duval and Clay counties reopened on August 6.Baker County Council on Aging reopened on August 6. There are no unmet needs.City of Jacksonville Senior Services reopened on August 6. There are no unmet needs.Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. (PSA 5)The agency is conducting client call downs.Sandbag locations are open.Senior Connection Center (PSA 6)Senior Connection Center has resumed normal operations.In Manatee County, client call downs have been completed. There are no client concerns or unmet needs.Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc. (PSA 8)The agency is open and there are no unmet needs.Alliance for Aging, Inc. (PSA 11)The agency has begun client call downs.There are no unmet needs.Infrastructure, Roads and State ClosuresThe Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues to coordinate closely with state EOC officials and partners.Overall, the State transportation system sustained minimal damage, which includes some isolated areas of wind damage and localized flooding.Damage Assessments Complete: 150 crews assessed over 10,000 lane miles.All state road traffic signals have been restored except one.Bridge Inspections Complete: 69 Bridge Inspector Teams reviewed over 2,000 bridges.Cut & Toss Operations Complete: 181 crews cleared 6,596 miles of roadway. State roadways are now clear except for inaccessible locations.FDOT will begin debris pick up on state roads in some areas as early as today, 8/6.FDOT Teams continue to closely monitor water levels near major river crossings including Aucilla, Suwannee, Santa Fe, Fenholloway, Econfina, Withlacoochee, St Marys, Manatee, Myakka, and Alapaha Rivers.FDOT Drone teams deployed to waterways and a local dam to review water levels and any potential impacts.In one hour, FDOT Crews pumped 1,000’s of gallons of water off I-10 in Columbia County.Resources deployed in the field or available as needed:Over 1200 generatorsNearly 70 pumpsOver 230 pieces of heavy equipment and trucksFDOT waived standard size and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles transporting fuel, emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agriculture commodities and citrus. Commercial vehicles have an increased weight restriction to transport goods.Multiple ITS trailers are deployed and being used to monitor conditions.Remember, never drive through flooded areas. The area of the roadway beneath the water may be washed out or may conceal debris or even power lines. Turn Around; Don’t Drown.FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated.Seaports:Port of Port St. Joe is closed waterside.All other seaports are open.JAXPORT and Port of Fernandina are open with restrictions, no inbound vessels.Fuel Terminals: Normal Operations.Airports:All commercial service airports are at normal operations.Some flight cancellations or delays are being reported. Please check with airlines directly on specific flight updates.Rail:Rail partners are conducting damage assessments, no major issues to report.Spaceport:Spaceport partners are at normal operations.Transit:Sarasota Breeze fixed route is suspended. Paratransit is only performing life-sustaining trips Tuesday, 8/6.Breeze OnDemand is suspended in the Downtown Sarasota/Lido Key/Longboat Key Zone.Manatee County is only performing life-sustaining trips Tuesday, 8/6.Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority suspended service to the SunRunner stations along the beach.Suwannee Valley Transit Authority suspended service on Tuesday, August 6.State-Owned Road Closures (As of 4:30 p.m., 8/6/24)State road closures listed below. For real-time updates, Check FL511.com.FDOT assisting city/county partners with localized flooding as requested.Alachua CountyFlooding on SR-26 Both Directions at SR-222. All lanes closed.Columbia CountyFlooding on SR-247 Both Directions at CR-240. All lanes closed.Hillsborough CountyFlooding in Hillsborough County on SR 580 East at Dale Mabry Hwy. Right lane blocked.Flooding in Hillsborough County on SR-580 West at Dale Mabry Hwy. Right lane blocked.Manatee CountyFlooding in Manatee County on SR-62 East, beyond US-301. All lanes closed.Flooding on SR-62 Eastbound at Spencer Parrish Rd. All lanes closed.Flooding on SR-62 Westbound at Corbett John Rd. All lanes closed.Flooding in Manatee County on SR-70 West, at Betts Rd. All lanes closed.Polk CountyFlooding in Polk County on SR-37 South, at SR-674. All lanes closed.Flooding in Polk County on SR-37 North, at SR-674. All lanes closed.Sarasota CountyFlooding in Sarasota County on FRUITVILLE RD East, beyond McIntosh Rd. 2 right lanes blocked.Flooding in Sarasota County on SR-777 / S River RD North, beyond Center Rd.Flooding in Sarasota County on SR-777 / S River RD South, before Center Rd.Suwannee CountyFlooding on US-129 Both Directions from Duval St NE to Hamilton Ave NW. All lanes closed.Flooding on US-90 near Goldkist Blvd SW. All lanes closed.Flooding on US-90 Both Directions from 153rd Rd to 149th Rd. All lanes closed.Union CountyFlooding on SR-18 Both Directions at Bradford Union County Line. All lanes closed. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)One FHP MRAP (high water rescue and debris removal vehicle) has been deployed to Suwannee County to assist the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office with roadway clearance, debris removal and any needed rescue and/or recovery operations.FHP is working with FDOT in support of clearing roadways and supporting county sheriffs and local police agencies.Ten (10) FHP UAV/drone teams are currently deployed across impacted areas surveying damage. An additional fifteen (15) FHP UAV/drone teams are available for search & rescue and damage assessment missions, if needed.Four (4) FHP troopers are currently assisting the Perry Police Department at the Disaster Distribution Center in Perry.FHP will be assisting with traffic control tomorrow in Taylor County for the movement of several hundred utility trucks.Issued Emergency Order 24-03, which:Waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief.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.Two FHP Mobile Kitchens are prepared for deployment if and/or when necessary.FHP began staffing the State EOC 24/7 effective 8.4.24 at 7:00 a.m. ESTThe Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is working with FDOT in support of clearing roadways and supporting county sheriffs and local police agencies.Four (4) FHP UAV/drone teams are available to survey impacted areas for damage and are available for search & rescue missions.FHP Troop H canceled normally scheduled days off in order to provide a full force to assisted affected areas during and following Hurricane Debby.Two FHP Mobile Kitchens are prepared for deployment if and/or when necessary.FLHSMV has issued Emergency Order 24-03, which:Waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; andWaives 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.FHP remains in close communication with law enforcement and transportation partners and stands ready to assist with impacts across the state.The Department of Children and Families (DCF).Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) activated the Hope Bus with Hope Navigators to serve individuals and families recovering from Hurricane Debby. The Hope Bus was stationed at Taylor County Middle School in Taylor County on Tuesday, August 6th, and distributed baby items, snacks, water, and nonperishable items, and other essential resources to hundreds of households.The emergency response arm of the Hope Florida program, Activate Hope, was deployed today. Activate Hope helps Floridians impacted by a natural disaster by connecting them with the resources needed to help them get back on their feet, including food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Fill out the form at https://hopeflorida.com/get-help/hurricanedebby.html to request help today!Current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Debby can apply for food assistance replacement online at MyFLFamilies.com/DebbyDCF is establishing mass feeding sites in Taylor, Madison, and Sarasota counties.DCF, through its contractors, has contacted all foster families and group homes to check for needs after the storm. All children and families are safe.DCF has contacted all licensed entities, including almost 12,000 child care centers, to assess needs. No major issues identified.The state mental health treatment facilities are fully operational.DCF has provided necessary staffing for shelters in Columbia, Hamilton, Jefferson, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Wakulla counties.The Managing Entities stand ready to deploy mental health resources, as needed.The Florida Department of Education is in contact with all school districts and state colleges and the Department is actively coordinating resources to ensure that campuses are able to reopen as quickly as possible. For the latest information from the Florida Department of Education regarding early learning providers, school districts and colleges reopening, please visit fldoe.org/storminfo.The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is coordinating with agricultural partners to ensure producers have adequate resources and support.To request assistance for your livestock and animals in critical need, please complete this form then send it to [email protected], or call 863-993-5460.UF/IFAS is studying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from Hurricane Debby. Producers can share information about impacts experienced at your farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation hereCommissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby will be able to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans beginning next week through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program.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.Fuel inspectors are responding to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are working properly and testing the quality of fuel.Floridians are encouraged to call 1-800-HELP-FLA to report water-contaminated fuel issues to the department.Food safety inspectors are responding to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of permitted food establishments.Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule to aid the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas to disaster recovery operations in impacted areas.Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals. 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), and South Carolina.The Florida Forest Service has announced State Forest closures. A updated list can be found here. Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule authorizing out-of-state licensed security guards to protect people and property in Florida.The department is coordinating with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida.The Florida Forest Service has announced State Forest closures. An updated list can be found here.The Florida Forest Service has activated an incident management team to support response efforts and is staging equipment, like high-water vehicles, to support recovery operations.The department is coordinating with agricultural partners to ensure producers have adequate resources and support.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 is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to dispatch fuel and pump trucks to assist drinking and wastewater facilities.DEP and response agencies are working 1-on-1 with partially- and non-operational drinking and wastewater facilities to get them back to operational status as quickly as possible to meet the immediate service needs of the communities they serve. Areas under boil water advisories can be found at https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/boil-water-notices/index.html.DEP is working in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard to identify oil spills and hazardous material releases in coastal and inland waterways.42 Disaster Debris Management Sites have been authorized to operate for Hurricane Debby. These sites are a critical component of expediting clean-up and reducing environmental and public health impacts post-storm and meeting federal reimbursement requirements.DEP is conducting post-storm beach surveys to determine impacts to shorelines and erosion, as well as inspecting damage to beach projects from Pinellas through Sarasota counties. Detailed damage assessments have also been completed by coastal engineering staff in Franklin and Levy counties.DEP has conducted outreach to local officials regarding emergency authorization processes to address coastal erosion, offering assistance in emergency authorizations to address coastal safety issues.Prior to the storm, Florida’s water management districts prepared their river and canal systems to receive excess runoff, and they continue to operate those systems to move flood waters.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. Today, the South Florida Water Management deployed two temporary pumps to Collier County.Florida’s water management districts’ webpages include links for real-time tracking of water levels.13 Florida State Parks strike teams have been assembled to assist with assessment and recovery efforts at impacted parks.More than 50 state parks have reopened following Hurricane Debby. 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.Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, DEP issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.DEP’s Emergency Final Order also 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.Resources for Employees, Businesses, and ConsumersThe Florida Attorney General’s Office has activated the Florida price gouging hotline to accept reports of extreme price increases on essential commodities. The hotline number is (866) 966-7226.The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)DBPR encourages Floridians to report unlicensed activity, by calling, 1-866-532-1440, visiting our website at myfloridalicense.com/unlicensed-activity, downloading our DBPR Mobile App or emailing [email protected], DBPR co-located with FloridaCommerce and fifteen other state and private-sector partners to distribute supplies and provide resources at the One-Stop Business Resource Center in Taylor County.DBPR Emergency Response Teams have begun to deploy to complete damage assessments, unlicensed activity sweeps and disaster inspections of licensed establishments.DBPR has communicated with more than 1.2 million licensees, urging them to complete the state’s Business Damage Assessment Survey.DBPR’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants inspection teams conducted 57 disaster inspections and 25 outreach calls to impacted licensees in Jefferson, Taylor, Madison, Columbia and Suwannee Counties.DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.DBPR has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to waive pet policies and fees for evacuees at Florida-licensed lodging establishments.Through this effort, anti-price gouging information and resources have been provided to more than 49,000 lodging establishments.FloridaCommerceGovernor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. 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 Debby. Interested applicants can apply now through September 30, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.FloridaCommerce has deployed more than 30 agency employees into impacted communities to help provide support for businesses in impacted communities.FloridaCommerce is working with Publix, Walmart, CVS Health, Visit Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Florida Retail Federation and other private sector partners to consistently update business open/close status on FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates. FloridaCommerce staff have made more than 600 calls to rural businesses to help with this effort.FloridaCommerce and the Florida Division of Emergency Management announce a One-Stop Business Resource Site is open tomorrow, Wednesday, August 7, at Taylor County Middle School in Perry (601 E. Lafayette St) from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Business owners and residents can get in-person assistance with recovery resources.Private sector partners Walmart and Amazon have provided Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detectors to impacted communities.T-Mobile has set up charging stations in Suwannee and Columbia Counties.Lowe’s has provided materials and equipment to secure damaged buildings in impacted communities.FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Debby. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Debby. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Debby recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Debby” from the dropdown menu.FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector coordination calls beginning Monday, August 5, 2024. Briefings will be provided by SERT meteorology, transportation, and energy, as well as private sector partners such as the Florida Retail Federation, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and VISIT FLORIDA. For call information email [email protected] is working with private sector partners CVS Health and Walmart to establish staging areas for ambulance strike teams in impacted areas.VISIT FLORIDA has activated Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected] Florida SBDC Network is hosting regular coordination calls with regional leadership to ready resources and staff. Mobile Assistance Center units are also readying to deploy to assist business owners in impacted areas.FloridaCommerce worked with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, ESF 6 Mass Care and private sector partners Walmart and Publix to coordinate emergency food supplies for special needs shelters in Suwannee and Taylor Counties.CareerSource Florida hosted a call with Local Workforce Development Boards across the state to coordinate resources and prepare teams to assist local employees and employers after the weather event. To find your local career center, visit Find Your Local Team or Career Center Directory.FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected] on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.The Florida SBDC Network is hosting regular coordination calls with regional leadership to ready resources and staff. Mobile Assistance Center units are also readying to deploy to assist business owners in impacted areas.FloridaCommerce is working with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, ESF 6 Mass Care and private sector partners Walmart and Publix to coordinate emergency food supplies for special needs shelters in Suwannee and Taylor Counties.The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR)  issued an amended proclamation to financial institutions and securities professionals.The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) Insurance Commissioner Yaworsky called property and casualty insurance companies with consumers in the projected path of Hurricane Debby and directed insurers to be prepared to implement their disaster claims-handling procedures and be able to provide prompt and efficient claims-handling service to impacted policyholders.Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Debby. ###   Comments are closed.  Contact Governor DeSantis Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis400 S Monroe StTallahassee, FL 32399(850) 488-7146Email Governor DeSantisEmail First Lady DeSantisEmail Lt. 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