Notable Change to Dorian Forecast – Yet Again

August 31, 2019, AM Update – While Hurricane Dorian continues to gain strength, weather forecast models are coming into better agreement that the storm will now likely steer away from Florida and head more northward toward Georgia and the Carolinas or even the open sea.  But here’s the bottom line this Saturday afternoon: the National Hurricane Center still cannot say where landfall is going to be. (Scroll below for specific state preparedness actions, including evacuations.)

The state response chief at the Florida Division of Emergency Management was quoted as saying this morning that “the only thing consistent about Dorian is its inconsistency.”  He’s right.  Given all the changes and indecision on forecasts over the past three days, it would be an error in judgment to put any greater confidence in the current forecast track.  The old saying “Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me,” is well advised here.

Dorian continues to strengthen this morning.  Winds are now 150 mph which is a strong Category 4 hurricane. It’s heading due west at 8mph.  The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says its forecast track has shifted to the east, especially after the Monday/Tuesday timeframe.  It will continue west, then slow on Monday into Tuesday, followed by resumption of a northward motion late Monday into Tuesday.

But forecasters warn they don’t know exactly when that expected northward turn will happen nor how close it will get to the Florida coast before it shifts to the north.  It could wobble onto the coast and bring “life threatening winds” of hurricane force and heavy rainfall (4-8” widespread with some spots 12”).

“It should be stressed that the new forecast track does not preclude Dorian making landfall on the Florida coast, as large portions of the coast remain in the track cone of uncertainty,” notes the 11am advisory.  Specifically, the Treasure and Space Coast are in the 3-day forecast cone, with Central Florida, Northeast Florida, and the most eastern Florida Big Bend remaining in the 5-day forecast cone.

Life-threatening storm surge and devastating hurricane-force winds are still possible along portions of the Florida east coast by the early to middle part of next week, but since Dorian is forecast to slow down and turn northward near the coast, it is too soon to determine when or where the highest surge and winds will occur. Damaging winds, flash flooding, river flooding, storm surge, and isolated tornadoes are all possible with Dorian.  The rip current risk will be dangerously high for this Labor Day holiday weekend at all Atlantic beaches.

The NHC notes that right now the forecast is similar to other storms that have paralleled the coast. It will all depend on the exact track. The difference of 10 miles will significantly change impacts, according to forecasters, who would expect some overwash and erosion in some places.

There are no watches or warnings in effect related to Dorian, but tropical storm, hurricane, and the much-anticipated surge watches could be issued later today.  Local county emergency management officials along the coast have been stymied from creating final evacuation and shelter plans without crucial storm surge forecasts.  The state response chief noted “this is the bi-polar nature of emergency management.”

While the entire state remains under a declared State of Emergency, some local counties have also gone ahead and declared states of emergency.  Shelters are ready and on standby for opening if necessary.

As you would expect, the Governor has been huddling today with his state emergency management staff, but took time out to thank emergency mangers in Florida’s 67 counties for all the preparation work they’ve done so far.  He noted “we’re not out of the woods yet.”

The Governor is urging residents to be diligent and prepare if they are in the cone of probability.  He continues to warn that all Floridians heed any local evacuation orders and to prepare for impacts.  Given the storm’s expected slower movement and unpredictability, he said residents need to have seven days of food, water and medicine on hand (more below in our News from the Governor’s Office).

Click here for a full briefing with maps.   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 voluntary evacuations:
  • Osceola County – Voluntary
    Voluntary for mobile/manufactured homes and low-lying areas. 
  • Palm Beach County – Voluntary  
  • St. Lucie County – Voluntary   
  • Glades County – Voluntary
    Voluntary evacuations for all low-lying areas, mobile home parks and RV parks for the following communities: Moore haven, Palmdale, Lakeport, Washington Park, Buckhead Ridge and Uncle Joe Fish Camp.
  • Hendry County – Voluntary/Phased
    Voluntarily evacuation for residents who live in low-lying, flood prone areas as well as residents who live in RVs or mobile homes to a safer structure. Residents are encouraged to evacuate tens of miles away from current location to secure homes of family member or friends no later than Saturday evening. Hendry County will open shelters to the public beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. Residents who live on the eastern side of Hendry County who need to evacuate are encouraged to evacuate to shelters in LaBelle.
• Additionally, several evacuation orders have been issued beginning later today or tomorrow:
  • Brevard County Barrier Islands – Mandatory
    Beginning on Sunday, September 1 at 8 a.m., evacuations have been issued for the barrier islands, including areas from Kennedy Space Center south to the south beaches, and Merritt Island, those in mobile homes or manufactured housing, those in low-lying, flood-prone areas, and those with special medical needs such as electrical dependence. To determine whether an address is located in an evacuation zone, visit https://bit.ly/2wKvjq0 and plug in the address at the search engine in the upper left hand corner. 
  •  Martin County Barrier Islands – Mandatory
    Mandatory evacuations will be issued on Sunday morning for Hutchinson Island, Jupiter Island, Sewalls’ Point as well as mobile and manufactured homes.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

• To help residents and emergency personnel stay connected in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, Comcast has announced it is opening its network of almost 200,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout Florida to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers, free of charge.
• 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 28,000 linemen, tree crews, and support personnel staged around Florida to help quickly restore power.

FUEL

• More than 200 generators are being delivered for pre-staging throughout Florida.
• Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will escort 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.
• In the chance of flooding, DEM has partnered with contractors to supply high-water vehicles to deliver fuel to areas in need.
• Fuel contractors will be delivering trucks of fuel to various Florida counties to be readily available for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• 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 ordered an additional 250,000 gallons of water to bring the total to more than 1 million gallons.
• The State has pre-deployed 860,000 bottles of water to preparing counties.

MILITARY SUPPORT

• Governor DeSantis has authorized the activation of 2,500 Florida National Guard troops, with an additional 1,500 awaiting orders.
• The Florida National Guard Joint Operations Center is fully operational.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• 15 Urban Search and Rescue Teams are on standby for deployment.
• HazMat Teams have been identified across 12 departments that will be utilized for response.
• 3 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Teams are on standby.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading and coordinating Florida’s law enforcement response and is in contact with state and local law enforcement partners.
• FDLE’s mutual aid team is leading Florida’s law enforcement response coordinating more than a dozen missions including fuel delivery escorts and identifying pre-staging areas.
• FDLE has deployment teams on standby ready to respond before and after the storm.
• FDLE began pre-positioning logistics teams along Florida’s East Coast.   
• FDLE established a mobile communications team to ensure emergency communications continue following the storm.
• 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 services plazas on the Florida Turnpike to expedite service at the fuel pumps.
• 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.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

• FDOT is working with state and local officials to assess the current situation and needs.
• Uber has committed to providing rides to shelters as shelters begin opening.
• FDOT is monitoring the storm and holding teleconferences with the FDOT district offices.
• FDOT urges all motorists to use caution when driving during storm conditions.
• 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.
• Contractors on all construction projects are securing work sites, clearing traffic control devices that are not actively being used to direct traffic, and checking drainage systems.
• All available lanes will remain open on the interstate system in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties.
• As Hurricane Dorian moves towards potential landfall near Central Florida, the I-4 Ultimate team has begun emergency preparation plans to ensure safety and mobility prior to, and after, this anticipated event.
  • This includes following approved procedures to secure or remove traffic barrels, barricades, temporary signage, and any other items that might be affected by strong winds.
  • Areas vulnerable to flooding and/or erosion are being checked, evaluated, and monitored.
  • Equipment such as trucks, excavators, bulldozers, and portable pumps and generators are being checked and fueled.
• FDOT has announced that the I-595 Express lanes will operate in the westbound direction today until Hurricane Dorian has passed. Eastbound traffic will continue to use the general-purpose eastbound lanes throughout this period.

• The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) is preparing all state-owned buildings along the east coast for possible severe weather. Updates of state office closures will be updated on the DMS’ website as soon as more information is available. https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/real_estate_development_and_management/bureau_of_operations_and_maintenance/building_closure_information.
• 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/waste water.
• They also received a mission assignment for temporary roofing planning for hurricane response.
• Lake Okeechobee is at 13.66 feet, which is within the current regulation schedule.
• The Lake will rise in the short term (over the next week) about 1 ft, and in the long-term (30 days) about 3-4 ft.
• During the storm, the U.S. Army Corps is not releasing water. After the storm, we expect the Corps 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/.
• 95.6 percent of Assisted Living Facilities have an onsite generator. AHCA is working closely with the rest to get a generator or make sure they have a plan.
• 99.6 percent of Nursing Homes have a generator or have arrangements in place. AHCA is working closely with the rest to make sure they have a plan.
• The Department of Health (DOH) currently has no active boil water notices. However, it has two webpages that will be updated in real time as notices are issued.
  • Normal version: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/boil-water-notices/index.html.
  • Low-bandwidth version: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/boil-water-notices/mobile.html.

• Of the 3,061 licensed assisted living facilities (ALF) in Florida, 2,955 facilities have a generator and must have the generator onsite as a result of the state of emergency. Three 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 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. 
• DOH is actively communicating with County Health Departments (CHDs) to pre-identify and pre-stage resources.

• DOH has conducted outreach to all 280 EMS providers in Florida to determine availability of ambulance strike teams.
• 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.
• DOH is opening special needs shelters in potentially impacted counties between 8:00 a.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. Sunday depending on the county. For special needs shelter locations and contact information by county, go to: https://floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disability/disability-shelters/
• 319 ambulances provided through our federal partnership with HHS, will be staged throughout Florida ready to assist during emergencies.
• Disaster Medical Assistance Tams (DMAT) Task Forces are also strategically placed throughout the state to provide emergency medical support and act as mobile emergency hospitals.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues to reach out to group homes in the counties potentially impacted by the storm to ensure all the necessary steps have been taken to ensure the health and safety of APD customers.
• 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.
• APD Waiver Support Coordinators and providers have contacted individuals in independent living to ensure proper safety measures are being taken.
• APD’s Recovery Toolkit at www.apdcares.org provides the last information about the hurricane, disaster preparations and resources 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.

• 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) is working through its Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and providers across the state to ensure implementation of emergency relief measures, including pre- and post-emergency calls with at-risk elderly or disabled clients to determine what preparations they have made and identify needs in advance of the storm.
• DOEA have provided shelf stable meals and home-delivered meal clients throughout the state. Additional meal orders and deliveries will be coordinated as the needs after the storm’s landfall are more fully realized.
• Using mapping software that links client addresses with FEMA evacuation zones, DOEA has provided data to the AAAs for elderly and disabled clients who reside in coastal and the flood-prone areas.
• DOAE has provided DOH counts of clients who are oxygen dependent.
• The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has activated the departments’ disaster related information website: www.myflfamilies.com/disaster.

• Today, 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 will now be able to access benefits through their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards starting August 31 at noon. 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.
• Information regarding SNAP benefits can be found on the DCF MYACCESS Florida website: www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/.
• DCF is holding daily calls with regional directors, program leads, and facility directors to ensure programs and facilities are prepared.
• DCF offices in Okeechobee, St. Lucie, and Martin counties are closed.

OUT-OF-STATE AID

• Michigan-based Consumers Energy will be sending crews down to Florida over the weekend in preparation of Hurricane Dorian.
• Ohio Task Force 1 has sent 85 members prepared to conduct searches including K-9 search, provide rescue and medical duties, and logistics needs.
• Texas based Oncor, the largest transmission and distribution electric utility in Texas, prepositioned 100 employees and contractors in Tampa prior to landfall.
• New York is sending firefighters to Florida to help with the Hurricane and recover.
• Nebraska Public Power District announced Thursday that it is dispatching crews to help Florida recover.
• Delaware based Delmarva Power and Atlantic City Electric are dispatching crews to help Florida recover.
• Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced she has approved the Alabama National Guard to send up to 50 support personnel.
• Tennessee is sending six swift water rescue teams in preparation of the storm.

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.
• 559 Disaster Debris Management Sites have been pre-authorized for the 26 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 statewide are prepping for potential impacts.
• Districts have formulated park strike teams, prepared equipment and are ready to mobilize post-landfall.
• DEP has coordinated with EPA regarding water facilities response coordination and staffing support of ESF-3.
• 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.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

• 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.
• The private sector hotline (850) 815-4925 has been activated to support disaster preparedness and response activities.
• DEO is extending the deadline for local governments to submit applications for the $85 million Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program.
• 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’s three Official Florida Welcome Centers, located at major access points along the state’s border, transitioned into emergency information centers offering the latest details on evacuation notices, accommodations, gas availability, and road closures.
• 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. With an estimated 420,000 Florida visitors currently on Facebook, this message will provide important safety information to them directly.
• The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), in coordination with the Department of Economic Opportunity and VISIT FLORIDA, has a representative in the State Emergency Operations Center providing up-to-date lodging information throughout the state for utilization for first responders, utility workers and emergency management professionals responding to Hurricane Dorian.
• 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/
• 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.

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.
• Baker County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. 
• Bradford Countywill be closed Tuesday, September 3.

• • Brevard County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Citrus County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. 
  • Columbia County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida Virtual School will be closed on Tuesday, September 3. Students will still be able to access courses.
  • Gilchrist County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Glades County will be closed until further notice beginning Saturday, August 31.
  • Gulf County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Hamilton County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. 
  • Hendry County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019. 
  • Hernando County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. 

• • Highlands County will be closed Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4. 
  • Hillsborough County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. 

• • Indian River County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Lake County will be closed Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4. 
  • Levy County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. 
  • Liberty County will be closed on Tuesday, September 3.
  • Martin County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. Shelters will be opening on Sunday, September 1.
  • Miami-Dade all adult education classes will be cancelled starting August 30, at 6:00 p.m. until further notice.
  • Monroe County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. 
  • Okaloosa County is closed as of today, Friday, August 30, until further notice.
  • Okeechobee County is closed as of today, Friday, August 30, until further notice.
  • Orange County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Osceola County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Pasco County will be closed Tuesday, September 3. 
  • Polk County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, and Wednesday, September 4. 
  • Pinellas County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Seminole County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • St. Lucie will remain closed until further notice.
  • Sumter County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Union County will be closed as of today, Friday, August 30, through Thursday, September 5.
  • Volusia County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
• The following state colleges and universities have announced closures:
  • Broward College, all campuses and partnership centers will close at 12 p.m. Saturday, August 31 until further notice.
  • College of Central Florida will be closed Saturday, August 31 through Tuesday September 3.
  • Daytona State College will close at 12 p.m. Friday and remain closed through Tuesday, September 3.
  • Eastern Florida State College will close at 12 p.m. Thursday, August 29 and remain closed through Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida Gateway College will be closing Friday, August 30, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. through Tuesday, September 3. 
  • Florida Southwestern State College will be closed Sunday, September 1, 2019 through Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville all campuses and centers will be closing Saturday, August 31, at noon, through Tuesday, September, 3.
  • Hillsborough Community College will be closing Saturday, August 31 through Tuesday, September 3.
  • Indian River State College will close Friday, August 30, at 5:00 p.m. until further notice.
  • Lake-Sumter State College will be closing Saturday, August 31, at 5:00 p.m. through Wednesday, September 4.
  • Miami Dade College will be closing Friday, August 30 at 3:00 p.m. though Tuesday, September 3.
  • Palm Beach State College will be closing at noon on Friday, August 30 through Tuesday, September 3.
  • Pasco-Hernando State College will be closed Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4.
  • Polk State College will be closed through Wednesday, September 4.
  • Santa Fe College will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Seminole State College of Florida will be closed Saturday, August 31 at noon until further notice.
  • St. John’s River State College will be closed Sunday, September 1 until further notice.
  • St. Petersburg College will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
  • South Florida State College will be closing Friday, August 30 at 1:00 p.m. until further notice. 
  • The College of the Florida Keys will be closed Saturday, August 31 at noon until Tuesday, September 3.
  • Valencia College will close at 5 p.m. Friday until further notice.
  • Florida A&M University satellite campuses will be closed through Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida State University Regional Medical campus will be closed until Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida Atlantic University will be closing at 12:30 on Friday, August 30.
  • Florida Gulf Coast University will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida International University classes are canceled Friday, August 30 and Saturday August 31, at all FIU locations and online.
  • Florida Polytechnic University will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • New College of Florida will be closed Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4.
  • University of Central Florida will close at 5 p.m. Friday and remain closed through Tuesday, September 3.
  • University of Florida will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • University of North Florida will be closed Saturday, August 31, through Tuesday, September 3.
  • University of South Florida will be closed Saturday, August 31, through Tuesday, September 3.
• Yesterday, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran hosted a hurricane preparedness conference call today 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.

INSURANCE

• DMS’ Division of State Group Insurance, has arranged for early prescription renewals starting today 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 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 Teams (CERT) are on standby for activation as needed.
• Individuals who are interested in volunteering after the storm are encouraged to visit 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.
• Crisis Cleanup will open their Home Cleanup Hotline (844-965-1386) on Sunday, September 1 to help individuals who experienced damage to their homes and property.
• The Salvation Army has 33 canteens and two field kitchens on standby. Local corps are also stationed in emergency operation centers for anticipated landfall.
• The American Red Cross has up to 80 food distribution trucks available in Florida to start pushing out.
• Florida Baptist Disaster Relief has two kitchens that have a 32,000 meal capacity per day. They are also working with their partners to bring in more kitchens that have the capacity to prepare 180,000 meals per day.

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 being evaluated and we are confident in the pre-storm planning and actions taking place.
• FDC is taking proactive steps to ensure institutions are prepared for the storm and ensure inmate safety is not compromised.

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.

August 31, 2019