Hurricane Ian’s Death and Destruction Mounts

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Hurricane Ian at Florida landfall, September 28, 2022. Courtesy, NOAA

September 30, 2022, PM Update – The toll from Hurricane Ian in Florida going into Saturday keeps climbing in terms of human life and property damage.  The AP reports at least 27 people have died and the newest estimate puts damage at more than $100 billion, including $63 billion in privately insured losses.  It’s becoming clearer that flood, rather than wind claims are going to drive losses in Florida.  On Friday night, 200 shelters remained open housing more than 20,000 people.  About 1.9 million households were still without power.  In this last of our hurricane updates, we’ll focus again on the insurance impacts, including how the disaster recovery phase is shaping up.  Plus, how you can help the growing relief effort, and some post-storm thanks, reflection, and hope.

Ian’s lingering weather effects are still being felt in Northeast and Central Florida and will be for the next several days.  Parts of Northeast Florida late Friday afternoon were still seeing heavy rainfall.  Flash Flood Warnings remained in effect for Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties.  There have been a lot of reports of very significant street flooding in Northeast Florida, which received 7-12 inches of rain from Ian’s large outer bands.  The interior counties of Southwest Florida (Hendry, Glades, and DeSoto) continue to see some flash flooding which is expected to continue into next week as the Peace River crests. 

Governor DeSantis, who toured Southwest, Central, and Northeast Florida on Friday with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, reported a lot of flooded areas.  “I can tell you what we saw in Central Florida was more standing water than what we saw in Southwest Florida where the big storm surge came in…which has dissipated over the last 24-36 hours,” the Governor said.  “You go in places in Central Florida, there’s a lot of standing water.  Some had water still up a couple feet on some of the homes.  They’re bracing for more impacts from the St. Johns River.”

The Governor commended the “herculean effort” to deal with Ian’s impact, especially in the hardest hit Lee and Charlotte counties.  Only about 15% of power had been restored Friday afternoon.  Some electrical systems, especially on the barrier islands will have to be rebuilt.  Lee County also had a water main break Wednesday after Ian made landfall, leaving the county with no water.  They requested support from FEMA who sent in the Army Corps of Engineers Thursday and are still working on it. 

Boat teams one and two of FEMA Virginia Task Force 2 deploy to commence search and rescue on Palm Island in Sarasota County, September 30, 2022. Courtesy, FEMA

Search and rescue workers continue to go door-to-door in both counties and began moving inland as well to DeSoto and Hardee counties.  More than 700 rescues had been performed as of Friday morning.  State Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said we’re right in the middle of the 72-hour phase of Search – Secure – Stabilize.   

FEMA Administrator Criswell said her teams are going to go into the shelters to help people register for the individual assistance that FEMA offers (also available at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling 1-800-621-3362).  The President, through FEMA, has designated 13 counties for individual assistance, “but we will add more as we continue to do assessments in other counties,” Criswell said.  “We’ve already started planning for what the recovery is going to be because we know that this is going to be a very complicated and complex recovery.  We want to make sure that we have the right resources,” she said.

Insurance Impacts:

Damage Estimates: Karen Clark & Company on Friday released its Flash Estimate for Hurricane Ian damages.  The disaster modeling firm said Ian likely caused “well over $100 billion” in damage, with $63 billion of that in insured losses, not including the National Flood Insurance Program.  That would make Ian the fourth costliest storm in US history.  AIR Worldwide is estimating anywhere from a $20 billion to $64 billion storm, based on previous storms, and is expected to update that this coming week.  As we shared earlier, state-backed Citizens Property Insurance is expecting losses from $1.9 billion to $3.7 billion on its estimated 225,000 claims.

Insurance Claims: The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) on Friday released the first of its daily reports on claims data submitted by insurance companies.   They reported about $474 million in losses on 62,000 claims.

From Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

You can follow the ongoing daily claims reporting, currently required through October 7, on OIR’s Hurricane Ian webpage.  

Flood Insurance: The Governor has said that while Ian was both a wind and a flood event, “these are massive, massive flood events in Lee County,” where the storm made landfall and now, based on his Friday tour, in Central Florida, too.  While those who had mortgages and lived in a flood zone were required to have flood insurance, many of the rest of the residents probably didn’t.  The Miami Herald published a very thorough article that includes an interactive map of Florida, showing federal flood insurance penetration by county and by those living in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requiring flood insurance with mortgages.  It shows that in Lee County, only 30.7% of residential structures had National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies and only 51.4% of those living in SFHAs.  In Charlotte County, 32.9% of homes had NFIP policies with 50.9% of those living in SFHAs having policies.  While Florida’s private flood insurance companies have made great inroads, we fear that many with flood damage from Ian will be uninsured.

FEMA can only help those residents so much.  The Governor toured St. Augustine Friday with FEMA Administrator Criswell, which along with other parts of St. Johns County and neighboring Northeast Florida counties saw moderate flooding in vulnerable areas.  He said there is an ongoing conversation with FEMA about declaring St. Johns County available for individual assistance.   Administrator Criswell said that based on her tour of Florida, that more counties would be added.  But she reminded folks that FEMA assistance doesn’t replace insurance and that the amount is capped both for repair and for personal belongings (at about $38,000 each but the average grant is much less than that amount).

As for NFIP flood claims, FEMA on Friday approved a waiver requested by the Governor and CFO Patronis allowing policyholders within the program to access a portion of their claims without going through the full claims process.  This program provides NFIP standard flood insurance policyholders $5,000 for combined building and contents losses, or up to $20,000 for policyholders who can provide FEMA with photographic evidence of claims and demonstrate proof of incurred out-of-pocket expenses related to repair or replacement of property insured under a standard policy.

Insurance Villages: The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) will be setting up two insurance villages to assist consumers with insurance claims and other needs.  The villages will be located in Charlotte and Lee counties and will open at 1 pm this Monday, October 3, 2022.  They will be open daily from 8am-6pm, seven days a week, for at least two weeks.  DFS encourages insurance companies to participate.  Both locations are outdoors and will not have power available.  The locations are the Port Charlotte Town Center (Parking Lot) at 1441 Tamiami Trail, in Port Charlotte; and JetBlue Park (Parking Lot) at 11500 Fenway South Drive, in Fort Myers.  Your point of contact is Greg Thomas at 850-509-8408 or by email at [email protected].  “It’s our view that these claims need to be paid very quickly so that people can get back on their feet,” the Governor said Friday. 

Fraud: The Governor made it clear on Friday during his second tour of Lee County that unscrupulous contractors should stay clear of the area.  “We’re going to be on the lookout for scam artists who may be out there that are trying to leverage people’s misfortunes for their own benefit.  We don’t want that, it’s not appropriate here.”  He said Attorney General Ashley Moody and CFO Jimmy Patronis who both accompanied him on the trip, will be attentive to that.  

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, who joined the Governor on his visit today, was more blunt.  “I will tell you with certainty I’ve spoken to Attorney General Moody at length.  We are not going to tolerate, I mean zero tolerance, when we say anyone that thinks they’re going to thrive on the residents of this county or state when we just took a really horrific hit, I can guarantee you that is not going to happen.  We got a community response unit that’s going to be out here for multi reasons.  I guarantee you we will be out here in full force and any person that makes that horrific error, that thinks they’re going to do something to one of my residents in my county, I guarantee you it’ll be swift incarceration immediately with no tolerance,” Sheriff Marceno said. 

CFO Patronis will be deploying six Anti-Fraud Strike Teams to protect vulnerable residents from fraud. Two anti-fraud teams have been deployed to the Orlando and Tampa areas with an additional two teams each for the Charlotte and Lee County areas to follow.  Each team consists of six fraud officers working to educate and inform the public on signs of fraud and to ensure contractors are following all applicable Florida laws while conducting repairs.  The teams will also track leads to open cases and bring fraudsters to justice.  His news release encourages those who see suspicious activity to call the Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445

Patronis on Thursday referred to such fraudsters as predators.  “They’re going to initially try to sign up construction management contracts, public adjusters, they’re going to come in like a bunch of locusts and they’re trying to hit the neighborhoods and people are vulnerable right now.  They’re going to look for a solution, but that solution is not going to be knocking on the door every time.  If it sounds too good to be true, it is.  Please, that first phone call that you’re going to make needs to be to either your agent or your carrier or to my office at 1-877-MY-FLCFO (1-877-693-5236).  If one of the first three phone calls you make in your house in order to get your insurance claim solved is to one of those three, there’s almost zero chance you’re going to be taken advantage of,” Patronis said.  We all need to be diligent to the shenanigans that can occur with Assignment of Benefits (AOB) contracts and lawyers in partnership with contractors soliciting claims work. 

Disaster Contractors Network Florida: Florida’s DCNOnline.org has been activated to provide support to homeowners in need of post hurricane home repairs.  This free service, founded in part by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), connects homeowners to Florida licensed contractors and construction suppliers.  “When it comes to making home repairs, we recommend that Floridians use licensed contractors.  We don’t want to see any Floridian become a victim a second time, and the DCNOnline.org can help prevent fraud,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin.

On Pre-Storm Response: In response to a reporter’s question on whether state disaster management authorities had enough time and communicated effectively with Lee County leading up to Ian’s Wednesday landfall, State Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said Lee County “made the best decision they could, based on the information they had at the time,” based on a changing forecast track.  “This particular storm went everywhere from the Keys all the way up to the Big Bend and even a little bit further west of that and then back.  48 hours before landfall, which is when Lee County would have had to start evacuations to be successful, we had the storm going into Levy County up the Gulf Coast.  About 36 hours it started bending back more towards the Tampa Bay region, and then just before.  Lee County, as soon as they were made aware of the storm surge and as soon as they had that information from the National Weather Service, they immediately issued the Cat A and B evacuation area….they did not hesitate, they pulled the trigger,” said Guthrie. 

The Governor agreed, adding that “on Sunday, 72 hours before landfall, Fort Myers and Naples were not even in the cone.  You had it going into probably North Florida.  There is a difference between a storm that’s going to hit North Florida that will have peripheral effects on your region versus one that’s a direct impact.  As the data changed…I think that people were made aware, they were told about the dangers, and some people just made the decision that they did not want to leave,” DeSantis said.  How many residents chose to stay and how many fled Ian’s path, no one knows, said the Governor, who said he didn’t know how anyone survives 155 mph winds and storm surge in a place such as Ft. Myers Beach.

Infrastructure Update: The power outages that have 1.9 million Florida households in the dark as of Friday night are causing related problems.  The biggest infrastructure issue in Central Florida appears to be with telecommunications.  Wireline and internet service was still down Friday in parts of Volusia, Seminole, St. Lucie, Brevard, Indian River, and Flagler counties as well as in South Florida due to flooding and power outages.  In Southwest Florida about 100 portable cell phone towers have been deployed to help restore service, as many cellphone tower sites among multiple carriers are slowly repaired.

Disaster Costs: The Governor said the state spent $300 million in preparedness and emergency protective measures from the time of the emergency declaration last week to the storm’s Wednesday landfall.  That will be paid from the state’s dedicated $500 million a year disaster response fund with much of that, the Governor said, to be reimbursed by FEMA under the President’s recent disaster assistance order.  Another order authorized debris removal at 100% reimbursement for 30 days for Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardy, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.  The DOT reports it is continuing cut & toss operations, where they clear debris from roadways and removal folks follow.  

Adjusters: A reminder for adjusters and others, the statewide private sector re-entry program delineates what documents you will need to present to local officials when seeking re-entry into an impacted area.  Click here to learn more.  We received a helpful tip: Print that website page showing the three requirements and take it with you to show local law enforcement as needed.  Please let us know if you encounter difficulties from skeptical local authorities.

Insurance Consumers: I finished the week talking with National Public Radio about a future segment on insurance and rebuilding in Southwest Florida in Hurricane Ian’s aftermath.  The suggestions in my Hurricane Ian Claims Damage Tips and subsequent interviews this week were incorporated in stories in the Palm Beach Post, the Miami Herald, and the Insurance Journal.  I always appreciate my time with reporters and helping them educate their readers, listeners, and viewers.

Regulation: Another reminder that the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued an Emergency Order in response to Hurricane Ian.  It temporarily suspends for two months planned policy cancellations or non-renewals by insurance companies.  For those homeowners with damage, it similarly protects their policies for at least 90 days after the properties are repaired.  Similar orders were issued after Hurricanes Michael and Irma.  The Order also covers Deemers on property damage and suspends Use and File filings.

Business and Industry Concerns: Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, largely responsible for business recovery from the storm, is reminding businesses to self-report their Ian preliminary losses by completing the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey, also accessible through FloridaDisaster.biz.  Survey responses allow the state to expedite hurricane and recovery efforts.

How can you help?  Volunteer Florida’s Florida Disaster Fund has raised $14 million as of Friday.  You can go to www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a donation.  First Lady Casey DeSantis reported Friday the first $1 million has been deployed to nonprofits that are in direct contact with those in need.  These are people who don’t have insurance to help.  “The Governor and I are both committed to staying here as long as it takes to ensure that every person is back up on their feet, that they are supported and they can get back to life hopefully as normal as it once was before this tragic storm crossed the state,” she said.  Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax-deductible.  Want to get personally involved?  They also have a statewide platform for individual volunteer opportunities and they are looking for people with different skills sets, particularly in the mental health field.  Visit www.VolunteerFlorida.org  to learn more.

Giving Thanks: Governor DeSantis on Friday once again thanked those disaster responders he met in Southwest Florida, where Ian left its most tragic mark.  “This has been a major event of course, and these people have been working around the clock to be able to serve their constituents and serve their communities and we appreciate the dedication.  We appreciate the perseverance.  We know that there’s a lot of difficult days ahead, but they’ve really done a great job of standing up for the people of their community,” the Governor said.

Later Friday in St. Augustine, the Governor remarked on an encounter a few minutes earlier with a couple, relating a story that exemplifies neighbors helping neighbors.  “I was talking with a couple that had evacuated and when they came back, people were fixing their yard and doing stuff to help them out with their home,” the Governor said.  “So you have that spirit in these situations that are very difficult and obviously really life changing, and places that got hit so tremendously.  But people step up and they want to help their fellow neighbors.”  So beautiful and so true!

What a wonderful world it would be if everyone lived with a constant state of mind as if it is post storm –  when everyone comes together to work to help others in need… No red shirts, no blue shirts, no color of skin, sexual orientation… Just people helping each other. 

This is our 5th and final Hurricane Update on Ian.  We produce these updates as a service to catastrophe professionals.  We have received tremendous positive feedback from so many of you, relying on our “boots on the ground” updates spanning the emergency management response, critical insurance claims information, and multi-county disaster recovery progress.  It has been a privilege to connect with our followers and supporters.  We’ll continue reporting on the disaster recovery effort in our bi-monthly LMA Newsletter resuming October 10, and hope you’ll subscribe if you haven’t already.  In the meantime, we are a phone call or an email away…always!  Please stay safe in the field!

Lisa & the LMA team

 

(Here’s the latest News from the Governor’s Office of specific state response & recovery actions:)

Search and Rescue

  • There are more than 1,000 team members performing search and rescue.
  • Florida National Guard members are conducting Liaison missions in 20 counties to support and coordinate emergency response missions and requests in those counties.
  • Florida National Guard engineering resources were deployed to assist with route clearance in Pinellas and Lee Counties.
  • The Missouri Task Force 1 Disaster Situational Assessment and Reconnaissance (DSAR) Team is deploying to Florida through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to support urban search and rescue efforts and incident assessment.
  • A Florida Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team deployed to Central Florida to support state USAR Task Forces and incident assessment.
  • The National Guard and the Coast Guard are landing helicopters on barrier islands to perform search and rescue.
  • Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, a total of 5,000 Florida Guardsmen have been activated to State Active Duty for Hurricane Ian response operations. Up to 2,000 Guardsmen from neighboring states are also activated to assist.

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)

  • FDEM is identifying locations and resource needs for Points of Distribution (POD) in Charlotte, Hardee, Highlands, Lee, Okeechobee and Sarasota counties. 200 trucks of food, water and ice are currently en route to provide meals ready-to-eat (MREs) and bottled water to impacted residents.
  • Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), more than 1,800 personnel from 26 states have deployed to Florida to assist in response and recovery efforts.
  • FDEM has activated the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) to provide an additional resource for Floridians to receive up-to-date information regarding Hurricane Ian. Residents and visitors can call this toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557.
  • FDEM Recovery staff are conducting rapid damage assessments in Polk, Sarasota, Collier and Manatee counties to expedite available federal assistance for disaster recovery.
  • FDEM has six active fuel depots and is staging an additional four fuel depots today throughout Central and Southwest Florida to ensure first responders have the fuel they need to conduct search and rescue operations.More than 1.2 million gallons of fuels has been mobilized.
  • FDEM Liaisons have been deployed to county EOCs in Brevard, Charlotte, Dixie, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Pinellas, Sarasota and Seminole counties.
  • At the direction of FDEM Director and State Coordinating Officer Kevin Guthrie, Incident Management Teams (IMT) from Ohio and Colorado are on-scene to ensure additional support for response and recovery efforts after the storm.
  • FDEM is deploying several hundred shelter support staff to address staffing needs in counties that have opened their Special Needs hurricane shelters. Currently, more than 200 public shelters are open and available to impacted residents, with more than 50 of these being Special Needs Shelters.
  • FDEM is leading the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) for the Hurricane Ian response, with more than 350 SERT members staffing the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
  • FDEM has received more than 2,000 resource requests for Hurricane Ian and fulfilled. Over 1,700 of these requests are currently being processed and are either en route or being mobilized. This includes the coordination of resources such as: trucks of food and water, generators and water pumps.
  • FDEM is mobilizing pet food and supplies for displaced pets in Charlotte County, including: dry and canned dog food, dry and canned cat food, cat litter, disposable pet bowls and disposable leashes.
  • FDEM is deploying the following resources for distribution to impacted areas:
    • More than 4,000 gallons of diesel to Lee County to power water plants that provide water to nearby hospitals
    • Drone teams to assess flooded areas
    • 500 traffic barrels to Charlotte County to safely modify traffic patterns
    • More than 400 bottles of oxygen to Charlotte County.
    • 255 ambulances
    • 200 trucks of food, water and ice
    • 200 large generators
    • 2 full service mechanical shops
    • 500,000 tarps
    • 375 kits for parents of infants and toddlers with critical supplies that will last for 10 days each
    • Four mobile triage units to Miami-Dade County
    • Five truckloads of blankets and five truckloads of cots to support displaced residents
    • FDEM is currently coordinating the provision of meals for first responders staged in Orange County.
  • FDEM is in constant communication with all 67 county emergency management offices and state agencies to coordinate recovery actions and needed resources as communities experience storm impacts.

Power

  • There are currently 1.6 million people without power.
  • More than 1.1 million accounts have already been restored across Florida.
  • For a full report on current outages, click here.
  • 42,000 linemen from utilities across the state are working 24/7 to restore power.
  • 325 Florida Highway Patrol are transporting utility crews.

Health and Human Services

  • Since Hurricane Ian made landfall, 642 patients were evacuated from 6 health care facilities in Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota, Orange, and Volusia County. These facilities cannot safely operate while sustaining critical damage to their infrastructure from Hurricane Ian.
  • AHCA continues to visit all health care facilities in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian. As of today, teams have completed assessments at all facilities in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier County and expect to have all assessments complete in DeSoto, Hendry, Highlands, and Hardy counties by Friday evening.
  • Secretary Simone Marstiller has signed Emergency Order 22-002 extending the deadline for the submission of letters of agreement required for the Supplemental payment programs, this can be found here.
  • To support hospitals in Lee County without potable water, Florida is shuttling 1.2 million gallons of water on 20 trucks from Lakeland to Fort Myers.
  • DOH has partnered with Volunteer Florida to develop an online portal for health care practitioners who wish to volunteer their expertise, skills, and experience in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian.
  • Boil Water Notices have been issued for 47 areas, over 12 counties, following the impacts from Hurricane Ian. DOH continues to monitor and maintain a comprehensive statewide list of notices for residents to access online.
  • AHCA has activated reporting in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) and is requesting all health care providers report their census, available beds, evacuation status and generator status information. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
  • DOH and AHCA’s Patient Movement Mission has evacuated roughly 8,500 patients from 200 health care facilities in areas of Hurricane Ian’s path. The Department continues to assess and support any additional necessary evacuations.
  • This mission also supports the evacuation of nearly 9,000 patients and residents from more than 200 health care facilities.
  • Nearly 400 ambulances, paratransit busses, and support vehicles are responding to areas of anticipated landfall.
  • The Agency sent a Medicaid Provider Alert outlining Key Medicaid Information for Fee-For-Service and Managed Care Providers during Hurricane Ian, this can be found here.
  • AHCA has activated the Emergency Patient Look-Up System (E-PLUS).  Special needs shelters for 16 counties are able to utilize the system to retrieve patient medical records. E-PLUS is also available to assist medical providers and emergency response personnel with locating missing or displaced persons after the storm.
  • The State Surgeon General has signed a letter to allow staff of the Department and Agency for Health Care Administration to travel past curfews across state lines to conduct any necessary health and safety actions, this can be found here.
  • AHCA has identified Home Medical Equipment providers that can assist with supplying oxygen supplies to Special Needs Shelters.
  • The Agency partnered with Florida Health Care Association and Florida Hospital Association to initiate statewide calls with long term care facilities and hospitals.
  • As of today, 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
  • The state has been monitoring several healthcare facilities on generator power, two healthcare facilities are in the process of evacuating.
  • 400 additional nurses are moving into southwest Florida to assist.
  • 117 health care facilities have had power restored since the onset of the event and 282 facilities are currently waiting on power restoration.
  • Secretary Simone Marstiller has signed Emergency Order 22-001 suspending statutes of rules pertaining to level 2 background screening made necessary by Hurricane Ian. This allows health care facilities to deploy out of state health care workers to the same roles in Florida during the emergency. This can be found here.
  • APD is reaching out to the Qualified Organizations in the impacted areas to ensure the health and safety of Waiver Support Coordinators and clients.
  • APD is gathering unmet needs information from partner organizations and providers and working with the proper authorities to resolve the issues.
  • 20 APD-licensed group homes that originally evacuated have returned back to their homes.77 APD-licensed group homes remain evacuated.
  • The APD Suncoast Region has checked on the health and safety of 700 clients who live independently.
  • DOEA CARES Assessors are being deployed to serve in special needs shelters as requested through the Emergency Operations Center.
  • The Office of Public and Professional Guardians is checking in with public guardian offices to ensure wards are safe and needs are met.
  • Local agencies are assessing needs and impacts on the senior population served by the Department.
  • Agencies from unaffected areas are identifying staff that can be deployed to impacted areas.
  • The Elder Helpline, 1-800-96-ELDER, is still active during business hours, and after hours/weekend calls are being returned the following business day. Seniors may call for assistance with non-emergency needs.
  • The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas County and the Senior Connection Center, serving Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, have initiated post-storm calls to clients to identify unmet needs.
  • Some Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida service providers and staff are without power and still assessing operability to reopen services in Sarasota, Collier, and Glades counties.
  • Several thousand shelf stable meals will be delivered this weekend to Pasco and Pinellas county for seniors; currently assessing needs with SW Florida for additional meals.
  • Alliance for Aging staff in Monroe county will be doing well checks on Friday for clients in the lower Keys area who were in flood zones.
  • The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has closed the following locations through October 1:
    • C.W. “Bill” Young Medical Center Campus (Bay Pines); including emergency department
    • North Pinellas VA Clinic
    •  Naples VA Clinic
    • Lee County VA Clinic
    • Port Charlotte VA Clinic
    • St. Petersburg VA Clinic
    • Sarasota VA Clinic
    • Bradenton VA Clinic
    • Sebring VA Clinic
  • The Orlando VA Healthcare System has closed the following locations through October 1:
    • Clermont VA Clinic
    • Deltona VA Clinic
    • Kissimmee VA Clinic
    • Lake Baldwin VA Clinic
    • Palm Bay VA Clinic
    • Port Orange VA Clinic
    • Tavares VA Clinic
    • Viera VA Clinic
    • West Pavilion VA Clinic
    • Daytona Beach VA Clinic
  • DOH has deployed 5 teams of 2 to conduct nursing home facility assessments, in support of AHCA, to Lee, Charlotte, Collier, and Sarasota counties. Lee county assessments were completed on Thursday. The assessments for the remaining facilities are ongoing.
  • DOH is assessing its programs and community resources such as WIC, Healthy Start, and pharmacy operations to ensure continued access to critical health-related services.
  • DOH’s Healthy Start Coalitions are working with county health departments and county emergency managers to assist with any infant formula needs in impacted communities.
  • Alternative solutions for powdered formulas are being implemented, which may include pre-mixed formulas or supplemental drinking water in addition to powdered formulas.
  • DOH is monitoring emergency department data for priority health conditions that may need additional public health response and public messaging in impacted areas. Priority health conditions include carbon monoxide poisonings, injuries, gastrointestinal illnesses, animal/insect bites, respiratory complications, and mental health.
  • The Regional Poison Control Centers, 1-800-222-1222, remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assess, triage, and manage poison information and exposure calls. DOH continues to monitor calls to assess where additional support is needed.
  • DOH has deployed health advisories and resources to assist the public in identifying potential hazards that may be present following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Resources have been distributed to local communities and are available through social media channels and online.
  • DOH is supporting local 911 dispatch efforts by providing an additional 40 ambulances to local emergency county EMS providers.
  • The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 22-004 authorizing licensed health care professionals in good standing from out of state to practice in Florida for the duration of the EO. These professionals include: Physicians, Osteopathic Physicians, Physician Assistants, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Paramedics, and Emergency Medical Technicians. In addition, the following licensed health care professionals are authorized to practice in Florida via Telehealth: Physicians, Osteopathic Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Advanced Practice Nurses. The EO can be found here.
  • The State Surgeon General has signed Emergency Order 22-001 waiving statutory procurement requirements to ensure DOH is able to deploy necessary action due to Hurricane Ian. This can be found here.
  • The State Surgeon General has signed a letter to allow staff of the Department and Agency for Health Care Administration to travel past curfews across state lines to conduct any necessary health and safety actions.
  • DOH has coordinated with the Office of Insurance Regulation to distribute an alert regarding permitted early prescription refills during a State of Emergency. This alert was sent to health insurers, managed care organizations, health entities, and licensed health care providers. The alert can be found here.
  • DOH has coordinated with Federal partners to support the deployment of nearly 100 individuals through various health and medical teams. These teams stand ready in Orlando, Atlanta, and Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia.
  • DOH continues to coordinate across 67 county health departments on any necessary preparation resources, in coordination with county emergency managers.
  • DCF is partnering with its community based care lead agencies to contact all caregivers/foster families with dependent children in their home to assess needs and ensure safety.
  • DCF has opened two Family Resource Support Centers with staff on site, including Hope Navigators, behavioral health partners who specialize in disaster recovery response, and public benefit eligibility specialists to help individuals and families. More information can be found here: www.myflfamilies.com/frsc
    • Locations include: New Port Richey and Tampa
  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Thursday additional resources and flexibilities available in response to Hurricane Ian in the State of Florida. More information can be found at: CMS Announces Resources and Flexibilities to Assist with the Public Health Emergency in the State of Florida

Infrastructure

  • The Myakka River under I-75 continues to rise, no longer making it safe to drive. Motorists should take an alternative route or follow the detour map located here.
  • Cut and Toss Crews cleared 1,300 miles of state roadways. Continue to listen to local law enforcement and county officials for potential detours.
  • With the storm out of the state, work is beginning on the east coast as well.
  • FDOT bridge inspectors are inspecting bridges. Currently, over 1,899 bridges have been inspected as 3 p.m.
  • 106 bridges were identified as priorities for inspection in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties and all were inspected 9/29.
  • All bridges west of I-75 in southwest Florida have been inspected as of 9/29. Crews will continue to inspect bridges east of I-75. Some bridges cannot be inspected immediately due to water levels.
  • All bridges in Central Florida identified as priorities were inspected as of 9/30.
  • Projects under construction in the following counties can resume activities:
  • Bay, Broward, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Martin, Miami Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, Santa Rosa, St. Lucie, Wakulla, Walton, Washington

 Turnpike Service Plaza Closures

  • All Turnpike Service Plazas have reopened.
  • Turnpike Customer Service Call Center and Walk-in Offices are now open, except for in St. Pete.

Road and Bridges

  • Current Major Road and Bridge Closures. The list of closures as of 1:30 p.m., 9/30/22 is listed below. Up-to-date closures listed on FL511.com:
  • DeSoto County
    • SR-70 before and at SR-72 – All lanes closed, both directions
    • SR-70 at CR-661 – Lane closed, both directions
    • SR-72 East at SR-70 – All lanes closed
    • US-17 at Welles Road – All lanes closed, both directions
    • W Oak Street at Peace River – All lanes closed, both directions
  • Duval County
    • Ocean Street at Minorcan Way – Lane closed, both directions
  • Flagler County
    • SR-100 Eastbound at N. Central Avenue – All lanes closed
    • SR-100 Eastbound at Robali Road
    • SR-100 Westbound at US-1 – All lanes closed
    • SR-100 Eastbound at Deen Road – Lane closed
    • US-1 Southbound at Grand Reserve Drive – All lanes closed
  • Hardee County
    • Florida Cracker Trail at CR-665 – Lane closed, both directions
    • SR-64 at Parnell Road – All lanes closed, both directions
    • SR-64 at Old Town Creek Road – Lane closed, both directions
    • SR-64 at CR-663 – Lane closed, both directions
    • US-17 at Bronco Drive – All lanes closed, both directions
  • Lee County
    • Pine Island Road Bridge (SR-78/Pine Island Road at Matlacha Draw Bridge)
    • Sanibel Causeway
    • CR-865 at Broadway Channel – Lane closed, both directions
    • Estero Boulevard at Broadway Channel – Lane closed, both directions
  • Manatee County
    • SR-37 at Manatee/Polk County Line – Lane closed, both directions
    • SR-64/Manatee Avenue West beyond Martinique Drive – All lanes closed
    • SR-70 Eastbound at Verna Road – Lane closed
  • Orange County
    • I-4 Eastbound at Ivanhoe – On-ramp closed
    • I-4 Eastbound at MM71/Central Florida Parkway – Off-ramp closed
    • Lee Road Westbound at Colfax Avenue – All lanes closed
    • N Orange Avenue at S Ivanhoe Boulevard – All lanes closed
  • Osceola County
    • I-4 East at MM 65/Osceola Parkway – On-ramp closed
    • I-4 East at MM 67/SR-536 – Off-ramp closed
    • N Kenansville Road at Vickers Road – All lanes closed, both directions
    • Pleasant Hill Road at Northgate Drive – All lanes closed, both directions
  • Polk County
    • 6th Street Northbound at Mirror Terrace NW – All lanes closed
    • Lucerne Park Road at Lucerne Loop – Lane closed, both directions
    • SR-17 North before and beyond Hunt Brothers Road – All lanes closed
    • SR-37 at SR-674 – Lane closed, both directions
    • SR-544 West before and beyond US-27 – All lanes closed, both directions
    • US-98 at Laurel Lane – Lane closed
    • US-98 at US-17 – All lanes closed, both directions
  • Sarasota County
    • John Ringling Causeway
    • SR-776 North beyond Dearborn Street – All lanes closed
    • SR-776 South beyond Old Englewood Road – All lanes closed
    • SR-776 at N Elm Street – All lanes closed, both directions
  • Seminole County
    • Oviedo Road at Walsh Street – Lane closed, both directions
    • SR-426/Fairbanks Avenue/Aloma Avenue before Lake Jessup Avenue – All lanes closed, both directions
  • St. Johns County
    • SR-A1A from SR-206 to Old A1A – Lane closed, both directions
  • Volusia County
    • I-95 Southbound at Exit 244/SR-442 – On-ramp closed
    • Mason Avenue Westbound at Heineman Street – All lanes closed
    • Ridgewood Avenue at 6th Street – All lanes closed
    • Tomoka Farms Road at Pioneer Trail – All lanes closed, both directions
    • US-1 Northbound at Brevard/Volusia County Line – All lanes closed
    • US-1 Southbound at Commonwealth Boulevard – All lanes closed
    • US-92 Eastbound at I-4 Ramp Overpass – All lanes closed
    • West International Speedway Boulevard from Old Deland Road to N Tomoka Farms Road – All lanes closed, both directions

 Ports

  • Ports that are currently closed:
    • Port of St. Petersburg   (estimated to reopen Saturday)
    • Port Canaveral (estimated to reopen Friday)
    • Port Fernandina (estimated to reopening unknown)
    • JAXPORT (estimated to reopen Saturday)
  • Ports that are open:
    • Port of Palm Beach
    • Port Tampa Bay: (landside open)
    • Carnival Paradise scheduled to arrive Saturday at Terminal 3 (resuming cruise operations)
    • Seaport Manatee: (landside open, estimated waterside reopen Friday)
    • Port Everglades
    • PortMiami
    • Port of Pensacola
    • Port Panama City
    • Port St. Joe
    • Key West (with restrictions)
  • Fuel Terminals:
    • Port Everglades: Fuel terminals are open for normal operations
    • Port Tampa Bay: Fuel terminals are open for normal operations
    • Port Manatee: Fuel terminals are open for normal operations
    • Port Canaveral: Pending power restoration
    • Jacksonville Terminals (Off Port) will be fully operational Saturday, 6:00am.

Airports 

  • All Florida Airports are open for commercial service, except:
    • Daytona Beach International Airport
    • Northeast Florida Regional Airport – Emergency Operations Only
    • Punta Gorda Airport
    • Southwest Florida International Airport

Transit and Passenger Rail

  • Service Suspended:

o   Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

o   LeeTran

o   Sarasota County Area Transit

o   Charlotte County

o   Ride Solution/Putnam

o   Levy County

o   Citrus County

o   Nassau County

o   St Johns County

o   Flagler County

  • Service Operating:

o   Lynx (Central Florida/Orlando)

o   Gainesville Regional Transit System (reduced schedule)

o   Votran (limited service)

o   Miami-Dade Transit

o   Broward County Transit

o   SunTran

  • Hillsborough Area Regional Transit
  • Citrus Connection (reduced schedule)

o   Collier Area Transit

  • Jacksonville Transportation Authority
  • Manatee County
  • Palm Tran
  • Key West Transit

o   Lake County

  • Space Coast Area Transit

o   Pasco County

o   Hernando County

o   Indian River County

  • Martin County
  • St. Lucie County

Passenger Rail

  • Tri-Rail running regular service
  • SunRail suspended
  • Amtrak suspended

 Freight Rail

  • Seminole Gulf Railway sustained significant damage 

Mass Care

  • The Adult Care Food Program has submitted a waiver to USDA requesting flexibilities in the meal pattern on a case-by case basis. This flexibility will allow Adult Day Care providers to continue to serve participants when food shortages or caterer closures occur. The waiver is currently pending USDA approval.
  • There currently more than 20,000 people in shelters across the state.
  • 295 truckloads of food and water are on their way into affected areas, including 40 truckloads of ice headed to Central Florida.
  • Over 3.5 million meals and over 1.8 million gallons of bottled water are being deployed to impacted areas.
  • DCF released $235,351,849 in early SNAP benefits to a household population of approximately 773,579 people at risk of impact for Hurricane Ian. More information can be found here: ACCESS Florida – Florida Department of Children and Families (myflfamilies.com)
  • 34 licensed group homes have been evacuated across the state.
  • DCF is hosting daily calls with Managing Entities and Community Based Care lead agencies to remain apprised of all storm updates.
  • Florida Housing Finance Corporation has updated its Disaster Relief webpage to provide families with information on housing resources and assistance. This webpage will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. Disaster Relief Resources and Information (floridahousing.org).
  • Florida Housing has ensured that all current listings are up to date in the event that families need to quickly relocate at www.FloridaHousingSearch.org.
  • Each SHIP office has an adopted disaster strategy that allows for assistance in the immediate aftermath of a declared disaster. Strategies may include temporary relocation and rental assistance, debris removal and short-term repairs to prevent further damage to the structure or to allow for occupancy until further repairs are made. Please contact your local office directly for more information: Local Government Information (floridahousing.org) 

Law Enforcement

  • FDLE’s mutual aid team is coordinating evacuation missions in Cedar Key and security for ambulance response teams who are staging prior to Hurricane Ian.
  • FHP has deployed a mobile command center to the State Emergency Operations Centers and southwest Florida to provide enhanced communication capabilities and additional resources.
  • More than 1,700 sworn FHP members are ready to assist with enhanced evacuation and response efforts.
  • FHP has activated 12-hour Alpha, Bravo shifts for more than 700 Troopers across Florida.
  • FHP has deployed approximately 165 of the 330 identified Quick Response Force troopers to affected areas to aid search and rescue efforts..
  • FHP is strategically utilizing high-water rescue vehicles to aid search and rescue and damage assessment efforts.
  • FHP has strategically using its fixed-wing aircraft to monitor traffic routes and to aid search and rescue and damage assessment efforts.
  • FHP has deployed its unmanned aerial vehicle teams to assist in search and rescue and damage assessment efforts.
  • FHP Regional Communications Centers are preparing to perform take-over services for other impacted FHP dispatch centers to ensure all state law enforcement officers continue to receive dispatch services.
  • FHP is providing liaisons to affected county emergency operations centers.
  • FHP encourages evacuating motorists to report disabled vehicles or dangerous driving conditions to *FHP (*347).
  • FLHSMV is preparing 5 Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobile units to deploy to provide no-fee driver license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, and vessel registrations and titles to impacted individuals.
  • FLHSMV driver license and motor vehicle service center closures can be found here.
  • FLHSMV has issued Emergency Order 092422, which:
  • Waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; and
  • Waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
  • The FWC has established a field base of operations in Lee County and deployed a mobile command center and 6 BERG units to provide communications and operational support to officers in the area while they respond to calls for assistance.
  • Approximately 120 FWC officers and support personnel are currently deployed for Hurricane Ian response and recovery efforts.
  • FWC officers have teamed up with US Coast Guard and National Guard air assets to perform rescues, deliver emergency supplies, and support personnel, services, and equipment to Sanibel Island.
  • FWC officers are conducting search and rescue patrol on Sanibel Island.
  • FWC officers are using vessels to transport additional rescue personnel, supplies, and equipment to all affected barrier islands inaccessible to vehicles.
  • In DeSoto and Hardee Counties, FWC officers are responding to significant inland flooding along the Peace River.
  • 9 FWC Special Operations Group officers from the North Central Region have deployed with vessels and equipment to Volusia County to assist with response and recovery efforts.
  • FWC captive wildlife investigators continue to check and aid captive wildlife facilities located in the affected area.
  • In addition to public safety missions, FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams are serving as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and reporting back on the damage.
  • FWC Aviation Section is providing the EOC with aerial assistance, reconnaissance and post-storm damage assessments.
  • FDLE regional support and logistics teams throughout the state are preparing to deploy personnel and equipment for a ready response to the aftermath of the storm. FDLE has started pre-staging equipment and mobile command posts at strategic locations. Teams with chainsaws, tarps, and other supplies are assembling. 

Private Sector Support

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

Florida Department of Education (DOE)

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

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

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

Telecommunications

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

Licensing

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

Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)

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

Resource Management

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

Department of State

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

Office Closures

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

Hurricane Ian Update of September 30, 2022, PM Update

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September 30, 2022