Deadly Dorian Moving Dangerously Close Tonight to Florida’s East Coast

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September 2, 2019, PM Update – Dorian continues to be essentially stationary, just northeast of Grand Bahama Island.  It has already claimed five lives in the Bahamas.  Maximum sustained winds are 145 mph – a strong Category 4 hurricane.  It is 105 mph east of West Palm Beach with little forward motion.  There is no change in its forecast track, which means it’s hurricane time for the millions of people along the Central and Northern Florida coast.  Forecasters don’t expect a steadier northwest motion until sometime tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday.  (Scroll below for specific state preparedness actions, including evacuations.)

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the storm’s center.  A National Hurricane Center forecaster said late this afternoon that they don’t have the storm staying more than 45 miles off the coast of Florida, regardless of the track.   And if Dorian wobbles to the left, it could go even more onshore (and if to the right, more to sea).  He said they won’t know until tomorrow when Dorian is expected to take a more definitive track.  Tropical–storm-force winds extend outward from the center up to 150 miles.  So if you live less than 100 miles from the coast in those areas, you too, should now expect tropical storm winds as of this forecast.

So Hurricane Warnings have been extended from Jupiter Inlet north now to Ponte Vedra Beach, at the Jacksonville line. We are expecting hurricane conditions along the north Florida coastline in the warning area by late tonight or tomorrow.  Forecasters say they’re also noticing the storm’s wind field has expanded, meaning Dorian’s winds have a further reach now onto the Florida Peninsula.

Likewise, the Storm Surge Warning has been extended from Lantana, Florida northward now to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.   Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches are now posted northward to the South Santee River, near Charleston, South Carolina.  A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect as well from Deerfield Beach north to the Jupiter Inlet.  Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area by late tonight and tomorrow.    

There is no change in the storm surge potential or rainfall forecasts. The rainfall forecast is 4-8” with isolated spots of 10”, but any shift in the track will bring a difference to rainfall totals.

Potential storm surge of 4-7 feet above ground water is possible in the warning area, from Lantana, Florida north to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.  Surge of 2-4 feet is possible from Deerfield Beach to Lantana.  A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.

Again it bears repeating for a storm that has been predictable only in its unpredictability: Forecasters warn these numbers could change if the forecast track changes.

Water levels are already rising in North Florida.  Forecasters warn tonight that even if Dorian’s center stays offshore, the dangerous combination of storm surge and the tide will cause waves to overtop the ocean dunes and we will have water problems.

Emergency managers that we’ve heard from are concerned that as Dorian’s winds and rain get into the St. Johns River (which runs northerly from near Orlando up through Jacksonville to the Atlantic Ocean), the backup effect it has will impact communities all along the mighty river.  They are anticipating a significant storm surge event.

So the hurricane will move “dangerously close” to the Florida east coast late tonight through Wednesday evening and then move up the coast “dangerously close” to the Georgia and South Carolina coasts on Wednesday night and Thursday.  Several million people who live along the Florida coast are watching and waiting tonight.

Dorian’s outer rain bands reached the central and south Florida coast this afternoon.  It’s raining this evening from Cape Canaveral south to Key Largo, with wind gusts in spots upward of 50 mph.

There are mandatory evacuations continuing and shelters open along the east coast with several thousand evacuees being housed (see News from the Governor’s Office below) and tolls on roads in South and Central Florida have all been suspended.  State officials are monitoring traffic and are prepared to open the shoulders of the highways to create additional lane capacity for evacuations.

The Governor said he had a telephone call with the President this morning and that the full resources of the federal government are at Florida’s disposal.  He has spent the day meeting with legislative leaders and doing media interviews to spread the warning to prepare to Floridians.

We remind those in the path of the storm of the wise adage, “Run from the water, hide from the wind,” especially given the lessons from flooding in the Carolinas from Hurricane Florence.  Please make sure you are finishing your emergency preparations with the hope that we won’t need them but the confidence that we’re ready.

The news is obviously not good for insurance interests either, which have been doing their own forecasting and analysis, based on the number and value of properties in harm’s way from Dorian’s wind and water.  RMS’s US industry loss has increased slightly from yesterday, to $11.9 billion generated from 23 potential storm tracks.  AIR Worldwide’s US industry loss decreased from yesterday to $10.4 billion.  Claims Response Teams from across the insurance spectrum are standing by to hit the streets, once Dorian has passed and it’s safe to do so.  All of the southeastern U.S. remains in peril.

Click here for a full briefing with maps.   You can also review our past Hurricane Dorian Update and click here to subscribe to future Updates.

Please know that we at Lisa Miller & Associates are here 24/7 for you …don’t forget it.  It may sound trite but we are all in this together, my friends and colleagues.  Please prepare and be aware!

Lisa & the LMA team

Here’s the latest News from the Governor’s Office of specific state preparedness actions, with updates noted in orange:

EVACUATIONS

  • The following counties have issued mandatory evacuation orders for coastal areas:
    • Brevard County
    • Duval County
    • Flagler County
    • Indian River County
    • Martin County
    • Nassau County
    • Palm Beach County
    • Putnam County
    • St. Johns County
    • St. Lucie County
    • Volusia County
  • The following counties have issued voluntary/phased evacuation orders for coastal areas:
    • Glades County
    • Hendry County
    • Highlands County
    • Okeechobee County
    • Osceola County
  • For up to date information on evacuation orders, including exact locations and zones, please visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders/.

SHELTERS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

  • Comcast opened its network of almost 200,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout Florida to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers, free of charge.
  • Charter Communications, Inc. has opened more than 32,000 Spectrum WiFi hotspots from Volusia County to Pinellas County – open to all users until further notice in Spectrum service areas across the state.
  • The Department of Management Services (DMS) has set up an emergency telecommunications provider coordination group to ensure coordinated recovery efforts to aid in the emergency response and recovery after the storm has passed.
  • There are almost 25,000 linemen, tree crews, and support personnel staged around Florida to help quickly restore power.
  • Verizon is offering unlimited calling, texting and data for customers in the path of the hurricane. Verizon’s prepaid, postpaid and small-business customers in the path of the hurricane will have unlimited calling, data and texting from September 2nd – September 9th.
  • AT&T announced it is waiving data overages in affected Florida areas from September 2 – September 8.

FUEL

  • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has escorted fuel trucks to ensure fuel reaches critical areas more quickly. The State is working closely with the fuel industry to ensure there is an adequate fuel supply statewide.
  • Through Executive Order 19-189, Governor DeSantis waived hours of service and truck weights for fuel trucks. Neighboring states, specifically Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia have waived requirements as well so that fuel can be moved more quickly and efficiently.
  • The State of Florida is working with industry partners to identify additional resources, including trucks, staff, etc. to distribute more fuel throughout the state.
  • Florida officials are working with ports along the East Coast of Florida to monitor resources and assist with closures and re-openings.

FOOD AND WATER

  • The State has 819,000 gallons of water and 1.8 million meals ready for distribution.
  • The State has submitted a request to FEMA for 9 million liters of water and 6.5 million shelf-stable meals.
  • The State has pre-deployed 860,000 bottles of water to preparing counties.
  • The State has 730,000 pounds of ice ready for distribution.

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, a total of 2,276 Florida Guardsmen have been activated to State Active Duty for Hurricane Dorian response operations, with an additional 2,286 Guardsmen supporting in a variety of statuses, bringing the total number of responding Soldiers and Airmen to 4,562.
  • The Florida National Guard is currently supporting missions including:
    • Staffing and supporting the State Logistics Readiness Center (SLRC) in Orlando
    • Operating a Logistics Staging Area (LSA) in White Springs
    • Providing liaison officers to 17 counties
    • Supporting two aviation missions in one county
    • Supporting one communication mission in one county
  • The Florida National Guard is well-equipped, with assets including high-wheeled vehicles, helicopters, boats, generators and more.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

  • 21 Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces in Florida are ready for engagement.
  • Three reconnaissance teams have been deployed and are ready for engagement.
  • Two HazMat Teams have been deployed and are ready for engagement.
  • A Helicopter Search and Rescue Team (HSART) is currently on standby with eight different airframes (two UH-60 Blackhawks, two CH-47 Chinooks, two HH-60 Blackhawks and two LUH-72 Lakotas), which will provide search and rescue capabilities in support of State Search and Rescue if needed.
  • Two Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will deploy for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • More than 1,200 state sworn law enforcement officers are on standby for potential deployment.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has prepared its emergency response equipment and resources for staging as the storm approaches the state.
  • FHP is conducting a mission to provide various fuel escorts to communities in need at this time.
  • FHP is also in contact with its local law enforcement and transportation partners to identify and assist with any local needs before, during and after the storm.
  • FHP is providing 2 Troopers for security at each of the 8 Service Plazas on the Florida Turnpike to expedite service at the fuel pumps.
  • FHP has 68 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Troopers on standby for pre-deployment.
  • FHP has activated 12-hour Alpha/Bravo shifts for approximately 1,400 Troopers in the Eastern portions of the state.
  • FHP deployed an aircraft to monitor traffic on I-75 and I-95 in the southern portion of the state.
  • To assist local officials with evacuations and traffic safety, FHP has 10 troopers assigned to Nassau County and 14 troopers assigned to St. Johns County.
  • FHP is assisting the Department of Corrections with various escorts in predicted impact areas.
  • Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles have been prepared and are ready to deploy and serve impacted customers immediately following the storm.
  • FDLE’s mutual aid team is leading Florida’s law enforcement response coordinating more than 40 missions including evacuations and pre-staging.
  • FDLE has pre-positioned logistics teams along Florida’s East coast ready to respond after the storm makes landfall.
  • FDLE has a mobile communications team pre-positioned to ensure emergency communications continue following the storm
  • FWC has more than 800 officers and resources prepared for potential deployment wherever they are needed. They have a variety of specialized equipment, including, aircraft, shallow draft boats, ATVs, airboats and four-wheel drive vehicles to assist with recovery.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • Governor DeSantis has directed the suspension of tolls on Florida’s Turnpike Mainline, and selected toll roads across the state.
  • The toll suspensions include the following:
    • Alligator Alley
    • The Turnpike Mainline (SR 91), including the -Homestead Extension (SR 821)
    • Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869)
    • Beachline Expressway (SR 528)
    • SR 417 – Eastern beltway around Orlando from I-4 in Osceola County to I-4 in Seminole County.
    • SR 429 – The Daniel Webster Western Beltway from I-4 in Osceola County to US 441 in Apopka.
    • I-95 Express Lanes
    • I-595 Express Lanes
    • I-75 Express Lanes
    • I-295 Express
    • SR 23
  • Tolls suspended as announced by the Central Florida Expressway Authority:
  • SR 408
  • SR 414
  • SR 451
  • SR 453
  • SR 538
  • SR 551
  • FDOT is working with state and local officials to assess the current situation and needs and holding teleconferences with the FDOT district offices.
  • Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is one of the most effective ways drivers can keep informed about the state’s roadways during severe weather.
  • FDOT is operating the I-595 Express lanes in the westbound direction until Hurricane Dorian has passed. Eastbound traffic will continue to use the general-purpose eastbound lanes throughout this period.
  • Currently traffic is flowing smoothly with no major issues.
  • Traffic counters currently report a small up-tick on flow on I-10 westbound with free flow speeds.
  • Fort Lauderdale International Airport is closed to flights.
  • Palm Beach International Airport has suspended all commercial flights.
  • Daytona Beach International Airport remains open.
  • Jacksonville International Airport remains open.
  • Orlando-Melbourne International Airport has suspended all commercial flights.
  • Orlando-Sanford Airport is open and fully operational.
  • Orlando International and airports on the west coast of Florida are open.
  • The following Florida seaports are currently closed:
    • Port of Miami
    • Port Everglades
    • Port of Fort Pierce
    • Port of Palm Beach
    • Port Canaveral
  • Port Condition Yankee (vessel movement restricted as determined by the Captain of the Port)
    • Port of Fernandina
    • Port of Jacksonville
  • DMS is actively monitoring local conditions to determine the closure status of state buildings. As local conditions change, DMS will make updates for state building closures at: (https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/real_estate_development_and_management/bureau_of_operations_and_maintenance/building_closure_information
  • State buildings in the following counties will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3: Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Levy, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is redirecting resources from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to Florida.
  • The Corps has received a FEMA Regional Activation Mission Assignment to provide an ESF 3 (Public Works & Engineering) team leader, assistant team leader and subject matter expert on debris, infrastructure assessments and water/wastewater.
  • The Corps also received a mission assignment for temporary roofing planning, temporary emergency power, temporary public facilities and debris planning.
  • Lake Okeechobee is at 13.78 feet as of September 2, 2019.
  • The U.S. Army Corps expects the lake to rise up to 2-3.5 feet because of Hurricane Dorian. The Corps continues to indicate they are not concerned about Herbert Hoover Dike integrity and potential storm surge on the lake.
  • During the storm, the U.S. Army Corps is not releasing water. After the storm, the Corps expects to make releases through St. Lucie/Caloosahatchee.
  • The Corps is continuing to monitor their construction sites around the Lake with each storm update and informing Emergency Managers of its condition.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

  • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated the Emergency Status System (ESS) for health care facilities statewide to enter their storm preparedness status including generators and utility company information, emergency contacts, and bed availability.
  • Information about nursing homes and assisted living facilities generator status can be found here: http://fl-generator.com/.
  • Of the 3,062 licensed assisted living facilities (ALF) in Florida, 3,020 facilities have a generator on site. Five facilities have emergency plans to evacuate if needed. AHCA is conducting extensive outreach with these facilities to ensure generators are being acquired or there are appropriate plans to evacuate in place.
    • AHCA has confirmed that every ALF and nursing home located in a coastal county along Florida’s East Coast from Palm Beach County north to Nassau County either has a generator on site or has plans to evacuate.
  • AHCA is deploying staff to any facility in the coastal counties for which we do not have current updated information on their generator status.
  • 684 nursing homes have a generator and must have the generator onsite as a result of the state of emergency, and 3 facilities have emergency plans to evacuate if needed.
  • AHCA is participating in daily calls with the Florida Health Care Association and all residential and inpatient healthcare facilities, and the Florida Hospital Association and all hospitals.
  • Nursing Home and Hospital Evacuations:
  • 93 nursing homes and assisted living facilities along the east coast have been evacuated.
  • Some Florida hospitals have begun evacuating or are making plans to evacuate.
  •  Full Evacuation (7):
    •  Advent Health New Smyrna (Volusia County)
    •  Baptist Medical Center Nassau (Nassau County)
    •  Baptist Medical Center – Beaches (Duval County)
    •  Cape Canaveral (Brevard County)
    •  Cleveland Clinic South (Martin County)
    •  Port St. Lucie Hospital (St. Lucie County)
    •  Good Samaritan Medical Center (Palm Beach County)
    •  Steward Sebastian River Medical Center (Indian River County)
    •  Halifax Psychiatric Center North (Volusia County)
  •  Partial Evacuation (1):
    •  Port St. Lucie Hospital (St. Lucie County)
  • DOH has communicated with County Health Departments (CHDs) to pre-identify and pre-stage resources.
  • DOH is monitoring availability for 10 Nursing Strike Teams, 10 Medical Task Forces and 10 Ambulance Strike Teams through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
  • DOH has conducted outreach to all 280 EMS providers in Florida to determine availability of ambulance strike teams.
  • DOH has distributed general sanitation messaging to CHDs for all shelters through MassCare, encouraging disinfection of restrooms at least once a day.
  • DOH has requested 390 EMS resources through the National EMS Contract for ambulances and para-transit vehicles.
  • 150 personnel, including nursing staff, has been mobilized to assist special-needs shelters.
  • DOH has requested 10 Nursing Strike Teams through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
  • DOH is drop-shipping 2,365 doses of Narcan to all 67 County Health Departments to be distributed to all shelters. Additionally, DOH is distributing fact sheets to shelters to educate how to recognize signs of an overdose.
  • DOH is coordinating with fuel vendors, who are prepared to support all hospitals and assisted living facilities (ALS) in the potential areas of impact.
  • 319 ambulances are staged throughout Florida ready to assist with health care facility evacuations.
  • Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) Task Forces are also strategically placed throughout the state to provide emergency medical support to hospitals.
  • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is monitoring the storm and regularly sharing information with employees, stakeholders, waiver support coordinators, and providers to ensure the health and safety of the customers the agency serves.
  • One group home in Palm Beach County with six residents is evacuating to another group home in western Palm Beach County. Three group homes in Martin County are evacuating to their training facility, which was built as a hurricane shelter.
  • APD’s Recovery Toolkit at www.apdcares.org provides the last information about the hurricane, disaster preparations and resources before and after the storm.
  • The APD state-run facilities located in Gainesville, Chattahoochee, and Marianna have secured homes, buildings, vehicles, and grounds in preparation for the approaching storm.
  • 43 APD licensed group homes along the Eastern coast of the state have evacuated to areas not expected to be impacted by the storm.
  • The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) operates six skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility. All state veterans’ homes are currently operational.
  • A toll-free number has been established for veterans who receive care in the impacted area.  Call 1-800-507-4571 to receive information on where to go for care, how to receive prescription drugs, or any other concerns they may have about their care. The phone line will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) continues efforts to assist elderly and disabled clients who are most at risk, including those with limited mobility, oxygen dependence, or other accessibility challenges.
  • Working with our Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), DOEA remains vigilant in tracking the storm and are in constant contact with our local service providers, who currently have no unmet needs.
  • DOEA is working with our local service providers to assist in transporting clients to emergency shelters, as appropriate, and we are coordinating to ensure that our clients under mandatory evacuations are following those orders.
  • DOEA has provided shelf-stable meals to home-delivered meal clients throughout the state.
  • Through the DOEA Cares Office, we are coordinating efforts at Special Needs Shelters that are being opened across St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Osceola, and other counties, which will include discharge planning assistance after the storm.
  • DOEA is also in contact with one of our contracted managed care organizations in South Florida regarding their emergency response efforts planned for after the storm. They have prepared and staged two tractor trailers, each with 4,700 boxes of emergency meals. One trailer will be staged in Tampa and the other in Miami with ground crews ready to deploy emergency meals to any impacted area with DOEA’s elderly or disabled clients following the storm.
  • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has activated the departments’ disaster-related information website:www.myflfamilies.com/disaster.
  • DCF announced it has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
    • SNAP customers who were scheduled to receive their benefits between September 1 and September 14 can now access those benefits using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This is an early release of regular benefits, not a distribution of additional funds.
  • DCF is communicating with community-based-care lead agencies to ensure there are plans in place to begin making pre-landfall status checks on children in the department’s care.
  • Continue to check the DCF website at: www.myflfamilies.com/disaster and social media accounts for the latest updates.
  • DCF is holding daily calls with regional directors, program leads, and facility directors to ensure programs and facilities are prepared.
  • DCF offices in Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Levy, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has completed pre-storm beach surveys, and pre-storm prep guidance has been distributed to all hazardous waste, drinking water and wastewater facilities.
  • Florida state park closures can be found at www.floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates.
  • State Office closure information, including DEP offices, can be found here.
  • Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at impacted parks will be notified by ReserveAmerica of their reservation status. Cancellation fees have been waived for overnight accommodations.
  • 1,038 Disaster Debris Management Sites have been pre-authorized and 76 have been authorized for the 67 counties addressed by the Governor’s Executive Order.
  • An online tool for the public to report the location of storm debris has been deployed. 
  • Pre-storm prep guidance has been distributed to local governments and all hazardous waste, drinking water and wastewater facilities.
  • DEP has issued an Emergency Final Order which authorizes repairs, replacement, restoration, and certain other measures due to impacts from Hurricane Dorian. 
  • State Parks Field staff are continuing their efforts to prepare parks for potential closures statewide.
  • DEP has activated StormTracker which is an online reporting tool that tracks drinking water and wastewater facility status and needs as a result of storm impacts.
  • DEP is monitoring generator requests for post-storm impacts.
  • Four (4) Hazardous Area Response Teams (HARTs ) have been identified for potential deployment.
  • Sixteen (16) strike teams have been identified for park cleanup deployment and are ready with equipment and staff.
  • DEP continues to work on dune fortification in Flagler County. Fortification in St. Johns County is currently suspended until post-storm.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

  • Uber is offering rides to those needing transportation to a shelter. Use code DORIANRELIEF in the app, request, and select any of the Florida evacuation shelters listed as your destination. Shelters can be found at www.floridadisaster.org/info.
  • In response to Hurricane Dorian, Airbnb hosts across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama are offering free places to stay to evacuees and/or relief workers (paid or volunteer) between August 31 and September 16 through the Open Homes program. Visit the following link to find temporary no-cost accommodations: https://www.airbnb.com/dorianmainland.
  • The US Chamber of Commerce has activated the Disaster Help Desk at 1-888-692-4943 for businesses who may have questions before and after a storm.
  • The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and Florida Retail Federation, and VISIT FLORIDA, in coordination with the Department of Economic Opportunity, have representatives in the State Emergency Operations Center providing information and coordination for lodging and resources to support first responders, utility workers and emergency management professionals responding to Hurricane Dorian.
  • The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is encouraging lodging members to register for FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance program, to relax cancellation policies and to relax pet policies for evacuees.
  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) continues to encourage businesses to visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz for disaster preparedness tips and register to receive updates as the storm progresses.
  • Following the storm, DEO is encouraging businesses to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey. To access the business survey, please click HERE and select “Hurricane Dorian” from the drop-down menu. Response to the damage assessment is not an application for assistance and information provided will be shared with various state and local agencies to execute appropriate relief programs. For additional assistance, businesses can call the private sector disaster recovery line at (850) 815-4925.
  • DEO is extending the deadline for local governments to submit applications for the $85 million Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program.
  • VISIT FLORIDA is constantly updating the emergency response website Florida Now. This includes encouraging Floridians with plans to return to Florida’s East Coast from Labor Day vacation to extend their time out of the area or to go to Northwest Florida, which is not in Hurricane Dorian’s forecast cone.
  • Through VISIT FLORIDA’s partnership with Expedia, the Emergency Accommodations Module has also been activated at www.expedia.com/florida. This tool provides travelers with real-time information on accommodations availability throughout Florida and neighboring states.
  • VISIT FLORIDA sent a targeted Facebook post to domestic and international visitors currently traveling in Florida advising them of Hurricane Dorian and urging them to take the necessary precautions. The post drives recipients to Floridadiaster.org/info. This message reached an estimated 420,000 Florida visitors on Facebook.
  • The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) offers a Hurricane Guide with information about hurricane preparedness, what to do as a storm approaches, disaster recovery, and helpful hurricane-related resources. DBPR has shared the Guide on social media and it is available at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/documents/HurricaneGuide_web.pdf.
  • The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has activated a consolidated hurricane information webpage for updates regarding the status of department operations and actions of the agency related to license processes, compliance deadlines, board meetings, and related matters of interest for regulated license holders. Click here: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/Hurricane/.
  • Secretary Beshears has ordered the suspension and tolling of time requirements, notice requirements, and deadlines applicable to certain final orders, notices of intended agency action, and pending applications for permits, licenses, rates or other approvals.  This suspension will continue through September 30, 2019, unless extended by subsequent order.  Review DBPR Emergency Order 2019-01 for more information.
  • DBPR’s Division of Drugs, Devices, and Cosmetics has communicated with all licensed medical gas wholesalers to clarify the options afforded under the state of emergency that will enable the direct supply of oxygen from the wholesaler to points of need at emergency shelters.  Division staff are prepared to assist with connecting emergency shelter operations with available supplies of oxygen as needed.
  • DBPR’s Division of Hotels & Restaurants has identified and prepared sanitation and safety specialists to implement protocols for disaster inspections at licensed facilities in the immediate post-impact response phase of this emergency.
  • DBPR’s Division of Regulation has identified and prepared a team of field investigators to support preliminary damage assessment measures in the immediate post-impact response phase of this emergency.
  • DBPR has suspended the existing occupational license renewal deadline of September 3rd through September 30th.
  • Anheuser-Busch is delivering over 100,000 cans of emergency drinking water to Florida.

EDUCATION

  • The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) will be posting up-to-date information regarding school closures at www.fldoe.org/hurricaneinfo.
  • The following school districts have announced closures:
    • Alachua County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Baker County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Bradford County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Brevard County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Broward County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Citrus County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Collier County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Columbia County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Clay County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Duval County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • FAU Lab will be closed on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Flagler County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 through Thursday, September 5, 2019.
    • Florida School for the Deaf and Blind is closed until further notice.
    • Florida Virtual School will be closed on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Students will still be able to access courses.
    • Gilchrist County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Glades County will be closed until further notice beginning Saturday, August 31, 2019.
    • Gulf County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Hamilton County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Hardee County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Hendry County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Hernando County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Highlands County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Hillsborough County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Indian River County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Lake County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Levy County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Liberty County will be closed on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Marion County will be closed on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Martin County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Miami-Dade County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019. All adult education classes will be cancelled starting August 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. until further notice.
    • Monroe County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Nassau County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Okeechobee County is closed until further notice.
    • Orange County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Osceola County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Palm Beach County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Pasco County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Pinellas County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Polk County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Putnam County  will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Seminole County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • St. Johns County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • St. Lucie County is closed through Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Sumter County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • UF Lab School will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Union County will be closed through Thursday, September 5, 2019.
    • Volusia County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 through Thursday, September 5, 2019.
  • The following state colleges and universities have announced closures:
    • Broward College, all campuses and partnership centers will close at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 31 through Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • College of Central Florida will be closed Saturday, August 31, 2019 through Tuesday September 3, 2019.
    • Daytona State College will close at 12 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2019 and will remain closed until further notice.
    • Eastern Florida State College will be closing at 12 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2019 through Sunday, September 8, 2019.
    • Florida Gateway College will be closing Friday, August 30, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. through Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Florida Keys Community College will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
    • Florida Southwestern State College will be closed Sunday, September 1, 2019 through Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Florida State College at Jacksonville all campuses and centers will be closing Saturday, August 31, 2019 at noon, through Wednesday, September, 4, 2019.
    • Hillsborough Community College will be closing at Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 12 p.m. through Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Indian River State College will close Friday, August 30, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. until further notice.
    • Lake-Sumter State College will be closing Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. through Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Miami Dade College will be closing Friday, August 30, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. though Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Palm Beach State College will be closing at noon on Friday, August 30, 2019 through Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Pasco-Hernando State College will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Polk State College will be closing Saturday, August 31, 2019 through Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Santa Fe College will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 until further notice.
    • Seminole State College of Florida will be closed Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 12 p.m. through Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • South Florida State College will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • St. John’s River State College will be closed on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • St. Petersburg College will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • The College of the Florida Keys will be open August 31, 2019. The college will reopen Wednesday, Sept. 4th
    • Valencia College will close at 5:00 p.m. Friday through Thursday, September 5, 2019.
    • Florida A&M University satellite campuses will be closed through Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Florida Atlantic University will be closed through Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • Florida Gulf Coast University will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Florida International University will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 3019.
    • Florida Polytechnic University will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • Florida State University Regional Medical campus closed until Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • New College of Florida will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • University of Central Florida will close at 5 p.m. Friday and remain closed through Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • University of Florida will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
    • University of North Florida will be closed Saturday, August 31, 2019 through Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
    • University of South Florida will close at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 through Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
  • The following Division of Blind Services (DBS) and Division of Vocal Rehabilitation (DVR) have announced closures:
    • Broward (DVR) 1400 West Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale
    • Broward (DVR) 2825 North University Drive, Coral Springs
    • Broward (DVR) 7550 Davie Road Ext., Hollywood
    • Broward (DVR) 7771 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise
    • Clay (DVR):  330 Crossing Blvd, Orange Park
    • Hendry (DVR) 825 E. Cowboy Way, Labelle
    • Highlands (DVR): 3107 Medical Way, Sebring
    • Indian River (DVR): 6480 20th Street, Vero Beach
    • Lake (DVR): 8112 Centralia Court, Lake
    • Martin (DVR): 2223 S. Kanner Highway, Stuart- closed 9/3/2019
    • Orange (DVR): 3191 & 3555 Maguire Blvd., Orlando
    • Orange (DBS): 6350 Old Cheney Highway, Orlando
    • Orange (DVR): 12200 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden
    • Orange (DBS): 400 West Robinson Street, Orlando
    • Orange (DVR): 1555 Semoran Blvd, Orlando
    • Palm Beach (DVR): 902 Cilnt Moore Road, Boca Raton
    • Palm Beach (DVR): 6803 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres
    • Palm Beach (DVR): 11079 South Main Street, Belle Glade
    • Palm Beach (DVR/DBS): 400 N. Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach
    • Polk (DVR): 500 East Lake Howard Drive, Winter Haven- tentative reopen 9/5/2019
    • Polk (DBS): 402 S. Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland- tentative reopen 9/5/2019
    • Polk (DVR): 200 North Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland- tentative reopen 9/5/2019
    • Seminole (DVR): 1450 W. 1st Street, Sanford- tentative reopen 9/4/2019
    • Seminole (DVR): 1555 State Road 436., Winter Park
    • St. Johns (DVR): 25 Deltona Blvd., St. Augustine
    • St. Lucie (DVR): 519 NW Lake Whitney Place
    • Volusia (DVR): 2754 Enterprise Road, Orange City- tentative reopen 9/4/2019
    • Volusia (DVR): 210 North Palmetto Drive, Daytona Beach- tentative reopen 9/4/2019
    • Volusia (DBS): Daytona Campus, Daytona Beach- tentative reopen 9/4/2019
  • Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran held a hurricane preparedness conference call with superintendents, and college presidents to receive an update on their hurricane preparedness plans.
  • Many school boards are adjusting their meetings due to Hurricane Dorian. The Department of Education will work with each district on a case by case basis to meet statutory deadlines.
  • Florida’s 28 colleges are now serving as fuel staging locations for first responders, including highway patrol, EMS, Sheriffs’ offices, etc.

INSURANCE

  • DMS’ Division of State Group Insurance, has arranged for early prescription renewals for members of the state group insurance program.
  • The Office of Insurance Regulation’s Incident Management Team is fully activated and has representatives at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
  • OIR team members will be actively working throughout the storm and beyond with consumer advocates, industry stakeholders and entities licensed under OIR’s regulatory authority.
  • In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order, OIR has notified all health insurers, managed care organizations and other health entities of their statutory obligation to allow for early prescription refills during a state of emergency here.

VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

  • Governor DeSantis activated the Florida Disaster Fund, Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. Individuals who are interested in supporting may visit www.volunteerflorida.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a $10 contribution.
  • Volunteer Florida is coordinating with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and FEMA to bring up to 100 AmeriCorps members to Florida to support response and recovery efforts.
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members are assisting communities as they prepare for storm conditions, including filling sandbags and contacting residents the vulnerable population lists.
  • Volunteer Florida is coordinating with state and local emergency management officials and partners to preposition resources.
  • The Salvation Army has 33 mobile feeding kitchens on standby with each unit prepared to serve 500-1,500 meals per day. Together with Feeding Florida, they are also creating flood buckets.
  • The Salvation Army local corps are stationed in emergency operation centers for anticipated landfall and the Instant Management Team has prepared to deploy.
  • Feeding Florida is coordinating with local food banks to ensure that there is food and water across the state.
  • The American Red Cross has 934 staff and 16 emergency response vehicles (ERVs) in the field staged for feeding and bulk distribution. There are an additional 67 ERVs standing by along with 55 rental vehicles and 101 tractor trailers (and 22 in route) carrying bulk supplies.
  • The American Red Cross is working to support local Emergency Operation Centers and shelters with ARC liaisons.
  • The American Red Cross Safe and Well program has been activated. More information can be found on www.redcross.org
  • The American Red Cross Disaster Response Headquarters in Orlando is fully operational.
  • Team Rubicon is prepositioning volunteers for deployment.
  • Florida Baptist Disaster Relief has two kitchens that have a 32,000 meal capacity per day. They are also working with partners to preposition additional kitchens that have the capacity to prepare 180,000 meals per day. Additionally, 40+ cleanup and recover teams have populated and are building rosters for pre-staging/deployment.
  • SBP is readying deployment teams that can be sent to impacted areas as needed.
  • Farm Share is preparing relief items that can be sent to impacted communities as needed.
  • Save the Children has an emergency team in Florida and plans to deploy to communities of worst impact and worst poverty/greatest need.
  • Convoy of Hope has staff and supplies pre-positioned in Florida.
  • Individuals who are interested in volunteering after the storm are encouraged to visit www.volunteerflorida.org where they may register to become a volunteer and search for volunteer opportunities. Volunteers should affiliate with an organization before deploying. Volunteers should not self-deploy.

STATE CORRECTIONS

  • Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Secretary Mark Inch, and his leadership team, are in close contact with the statewide EOC, and state and local law enforcement. Emergency planning is on track.
  • Evacuation determinations are made in the best interest of the public, staff and inmate safety. Multiple satellite facilities, community work release centers and work camps were evacuated in an abundance of caution. Approximately, 2,195 inmates have been evacuated or relocated to facilities better equipped to weather the impacts of the storm.
  • FDC is taking proactive steps to ensure institutions are prepared for the storm and ensure inmate safety is not compromised. Food and water inventories have been evaluated at each facility and additional supplies have been ordered for facilities in the path of the storm. Fuel supplies at institutions have been checked in anticipation of generator use. All facilities have a generator in the event commercial power is lost.
  • You can search for an inmate by utilizing the offender search on FDC’s website: http://www.dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx.
  • The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is continuing to monitor weather conditions; facilities are increasing food and water supplies; moving vehicles to higher ground in flood zone areas; updating phone trees and all pre-storm activities prior to any watches and warnings.

COURTS

  • Many counties along Florida’s East Coast have announced the closing of local courts. For the latest on court closures, visit the Emergency Information page of the Florida Supreme Court’s website: www.floridasupremecourt.org/Emergency.

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER / CONTACTS

  • The State Emergency Operations Center has activated to a Level 1.
  • The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number: 1-800-342-3557.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSERT and @GovRonDeSantis on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Dorian.

Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/info to find information on emergency preparedness, shelters, road closures and evacuation routes.

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September 2, 2019