Governor DeSantis Issues Updates on Debby Response; Announces Activation of Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan to Support Local Impacted Businesses

ByBay County News

STEINHATCHEE, Fla.—Today, Governor DeSantis was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie at Roy’s Restaurant in Steinhatchee to provide updates on Hurricane Debby response and recovery efforts.

Governor DeSantis announced the activation of 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.

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 Efforts

  • FDEM is mobilizing nine Points of Distribution (PODs) in Dixie, Jefferson, Lafayette, Manatee and Taylor counties to provide food, water and tarps to impacted residents.
  • FDEM has deployed:
    • Over 1.5 million bottles of water
    • Nearly 900,000 shelf-stable meals
    • Over 17,000 tarps
    • 156,000 sandbags
    • 120 cots
    • Staff 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.
    o 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 activated the following:
  • Over 100 FSG soildiers to support response and recovery operations
  • Nine shallow water vessels staged for deployment.
  • 10 UTVs are staged for deployment.
  • Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment.
  • Seven search and rescue crews prepared to be deployed from Camp Blanding
  • The 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:
    • Airboats
    • Shallow draft boats
    • ATVs/Side by Sides
    • Larger platform vessels
    • Four-wheel vehicles
    • Aerial surveillance drones
  • These 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 areas
    • 50 high-water capable four-wheel drive patrol trucks
    • 9 airboats
    • 12 shallow draft vessels
    • 10 high-water capable swamp buggies/Fat Truck/UTVs
    • 4 drone teams
    • Mobile command unit
    • BERG self-sustainment container units
    • Fuel trailer
    • Generators
    • Hygiene trailers
  • In 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 coordinating the law enforcement response to Lake Manatee dam with increased water levels impacting downstream neighborhoods.
  • 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 more than a dozen missions including establishing refueling stations.
  • Nearly 120 law enforcement officers are deployed to the impacted areas.
  • 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 Department of Management Services (DMS) wireless partners have assets pre-staged for post-landfall assistance.
  • 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 Resources
    • Disaster Legal Aid

  • 833-513-2940
  • Disaster survivors anywhere in the state may call to apply for free civil legal services.
  • United Methodist
  • 855-228-3862
  • Disaster survivors in the state may call to register for disaster assistance such as debris removal, tarping, muck and gut.
  • Crisis Clean Up
  • 844-965-1386
  • Disaster 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 Tuesday, August 6. VA Clinics in Lecanto and Brooksville will be open Tuesday.
  • The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7 for virtual urgent care at 1-877-741-3400.

    Health and Human Services

  • The Florida Department of Health (DOH) county health offices in Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Sarasota, Suwannee and Taylor counties are closed today, Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
  • Currently, there are 12 boil water notices in Hillsborough (2), Lake (4), Lee (2), Marion, Orange (2) and Pasco counties.
  • DOH is supporting nine special needs shelters, which are accepting clients, in the following counties: Citrus, Columbia, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Madison, Manatee, 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.
  • DOH has 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 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 footprint
    • Food Bucket/Cleanup Kit delivery and partner distribution beginning today and will continue
  • VOAD partner hotlines open:
    • Disaster Legal: Aid: 833-513-2940 assisting disaster survivors with free civil legal services
    • United Methodist: 855-228-3862 assistance with debris removal, tarping and muck & gut
    • Crisis 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 Villages
    • Coordinating with FDEM and VOAD members for access to fuel depots
  • Supporting FLVOAD members with logistical needs
  • Key Messaging to Partners:
    • Emphasizing the importance of “Cash, Confirm, Connect” strategy
    • Promoting volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Connect
    • Encouraging documentation of all donated resources and volunteer hours
    • Current rate of volunteer hours in the state of Florida is $31.61

 

  • Agency 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 17 Post-Onsite Assessment visits on 08/05/2024. 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:  15 Assisted Living Facilities, and 8 nursing homes.
  • There are 5 ALFs and 3 nursing homes reporting evacuation.
  • Since the start of the activation, the Agency has conducted 818 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 Department
    • Lee County Sheriff’s Office
    • Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (2 users)
    • Department of Health’s Special Needs Shelter Unit
    • Jackson-Gulf-Calhoun County Health Departments
    • Okaloosa County Health Department (3 users)
    • Bay County Health Department (2 users)
    • Levy-Gilchrist-Dixie County Health Departments
    • Osceola Emergency Management (2 users)
    • Department of Health’s Region 1 regional coordinator
      Glades-Hendry County Health Departments
  • E-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.com
  • The 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.
    • All other counties are reporting no significant damage and will return to normal business operations.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    • Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc. (PSA 8)
    • The agency is following the storm closely in partnership with their local EOC’s.
    • There are currently no unmet needs.
    • There are no closures planned.
  • Alliance for Aging, Inc. (PSA 11)
    • The agency has begun client call downs.
    • There are no unmet needs.

  • Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

  • The 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.
    • No major damage reported for traffic signals on state roads.
  • 26 traffic signals are not operational (all in NE FL region)
  • 150 crews completed damage assessments on over 10,000 lane miles.
  • 181 crews completed Cut & Toss operations on 6,596 miles. State roadways are now clear except for inaccessible and flooded roadways.
  • FDOT will begin debris pick up on state roads in some areas as early as today, 8/6.
  • FDOT Crews pumped 1,000’s of gallons of water off I-10 in Columbia County in just one hour.
  • Northbound Howard Frankland Bridge has reopened 2 lanes of traffic.
  • Sunshine Skyway Bridge has been reopened.
  • Resources deployed in the field or available as needed:
    • Over 1200 generators
    • Nearly 70 pumps
    • Over 230 pieces of heavy equipment and trucks
  • FDOT Teams continue to 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.
  • 69 Bridge Inspectors Teams completed nearly 2,000 inspections.
  • FDOT 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.
  • FDOT has increased the number of Road Rangers deployed to assist motorists along critical roadways.
  • 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.
    • JAXPORT and Port of Fernandina are open with restrictions, no inbound vessels.
    • All other seaports are open.
    • Fuel Terminals: Normal Operations.
  • Airports:
    • All commercial service airports are open.
    • 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 9:00 a.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 County
  • Flooding on SR-26 Both Directions at SR-222. All lanes closed.
  • Baker County
  • Flooding on E Macclenny Ave near Road 99.
  • Columbia County
  • Flooding on SR-247 Both Directions from W US-90 to SW Bascom Norris Dr. All lanes closed.
  • Flooding on SR-247 Both Directions at CR-240. All lanes closed.
  • Dixie County
    • Debris on Roadway on US-19 Southbound at SE 259th St. Right lane closed.
  • Gilchrist County
    • Debris on Roadway on US-129 Southbound at SW 15th St.
    • Debris on Roadway on SR-26 Northbound at US-98 Northbound
    • Debris on Roadway on US-129 Northbound at NW 47th Pl.
    • Debris on Roadway on US-129 Northbound at NW 110th St.
  • Hillsborough County 
    • Flooding in Hillsborough County on SR 580 East, beyond Dale Mabry Hwy. 2 Right lanes blocked.
    • Flooding in Hillsborough County on SR-580 West, before Dale Mabry Hwy. All Lanes Closed.
    • Flooding on ramp from W Hillsborough Ave to N Dale Mabry Hwy. All lanes closed.
  • Manatee County
    • Flooding in Manatee County on SR-62 East, beyond US-301. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding in Manatee County on SR-62 West, before 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 on SR-64 Westbound near Rutland Rd. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding on SR-64 at CR-675. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding on SR-64 Eastbound at White Eagle Blvd. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding on SR-64 Westbound at White Eagle Blvd. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding in Manatee County on SR-70 East, before Uihlein Rd. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding in Manatee County on SR-70 West, beyond Uihlein Rd. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding in Manatee County on SR-70 West, at Betts Rd. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding on SR-70 near Mizell Rd. All lanes closed.
  • Polk County
    • Flooding 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 County
    • Flooding 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.
    • Flooding in Sarasota County on SR-789 North, at Saint Armands Circle. Left lane blocked.
  • Suwannee County
    • Flooding on US-129 Both Directions from Duval St NE to Hamilton Ave NW. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding on US-90 Both Directions at US-129. All lanes closed.
    • Flooding on US-90 near Goldkist Blvd SW.
  • Taylor County
    • Flooding on SR-51 Both Directions at US-19 Northbound. All lanes closed.
  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) F.L.O.W. (Florida licensing on wheels) is participating in a one-stop business resource event today (8.6.24) along with other state agencies to provide Taylor County residents with support following the storm.
  • FHP is working with FDOT in support of clearing roadways and supporting county sheriffs and local police agencies.
  • 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 is now staffing the State EOC 24/7 effective this morning at 7:00 a.m. EST
  • The 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; 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.
  • 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) Hope Bus will be at Taylor County Middle School, 601 East Lafayette Street, Perry, FL 32347 Tuesday, August 6, from 11 a.m. – 5p.m. Supplies available will include baby items, snacks, water, and nonperishable items. Hope Navigators will also be onsite.
  • DCF is establishing mass feeding sites in Taylor, Madison, and Sarasota counties.
  • DCF is accessing impacted areas for additional sites to deploy the Hope Bus in the coming days.
  • DCF, through its contractors, has contacted foster families and group homes to check for needs after the storm.
  • DCF has begun contacting all licensed entities, including almost 12,000 child care centers, to assess needs.
  • 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 DAIOPSAssessment@FDACS.gov, or call 863-993-5460.
  • 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.
  • 35 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 beach projects. Engineers completed assessments in Franklin County yesterday, and additional teams are mobilizing in the Big Bend and along the southwest coast today.
  • 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 Consumers

  • The 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) has organized Emergency Response Teams across 13 offices statewide, who are ready to deploy once it is safe to complete damage assessments and disaster inspections of licensed establishments.
  • 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’s Division of Hotel and Restaurants has proactively communicated with more than 83,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide them with flood preparation and post-storm food safety resources.
  • 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.
  • FloridaCommerce and the Florida Division of Emergency Management announce a One-Stop Business Resource Center is open today at Taylor County Middle School in Perry (601 E. Lafayette St) beginning at 10:30 am.
    • This One-Stop Business Resource Center is operated by FloridaCommerce in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, CareerSource Florida, the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, Office of Insurance Regulation, Citizens Insurance and other state agencies and private sector partners.
    • On site is:
      • FloridaCommerce
      • Division of Emergency Management
      • Department of Business and Professional Regulation
      • Department of Children and Families
      • Hope Florida Bus
      • CareerSource Florida
      • Office of Insurance Regulation
      • Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – FLOW mobile
      • Small Business Development Center Bus
      • Citizens Insurance
      • Walmart
      • Publix
      • AT&T
      • Verizon
      • T-Mobile
      • Comcast
  • 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.
  • 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 and FloridaCommerce staff are making direct outreach to businesses in rural communities to help with this effort.
  • 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 esf18@em.myflorida.com.
  • FloridaCommerce 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.
  • 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 ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
  • Updates 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.

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