Tropical Storm Watches Up For Hurricane Dorian as Focus Shifts to Northern Florida

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August 31, 2019, PM Update – As Hurricane Dorian creeps closer to the Florida coast, forecasts still call for the dangerous storm to turn northward at some point, but tonight the question remains whether that turn will occur soon enough to avoid any hurricane force winds from hitting Florida.  In the meantime, the National Hurricane Center has posted its first Tropical Storm Watch for Florida.  It’s in effect from Sebastian Inlet (just south of Melbourne) extended south to Deerfield Beach in Broward County.

“Those tropical storm watches are likely going to be expanded further north and so I’m asking those communities north of there to prepare,” said Governor DeSantis at a 6 pm briefing in Tallahassee.  “We are not out of the woods yet. There are some models that push the hurricane onto the coast and so I’m urging those residents to get a plan if they don’t have one.  The sooner it turns north, the better for Florida.  I’d love to stand here tomorrow and tell you that all of Florida is out of the woods, but if the storm ends up hugging the western part of the cone, we’re going to have major impacts here in the state of Florida,” the Governor said.

Hurricane Dorian’s forecast track hasn’t changed much since this morning, and so the cone showing its probable path keeps pushing north and encompassing less Florida real estate than it did this morning.  But forecasters still can’t say with any certainty where landfall is going to be.  This is a wobbler that takes jogs east and then west, in a path that has proven maddeningly unpredictable.

 “At this point, the only thing consistent about this storm has been its inconsistency,” said Director Jared Moskowitz of the state Division of Emergency Management.  He said even though Dorian’s track has shifted north and east, we are still looking at the possibility of high winds and flooding along most of the East Coast.

From the 5pm advisory, Dorian remains a powerful Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds.  It’s located 350 miles east of West Palm Beach and moving slowly due west at 8 mph.  It’s on its way to the Bahamas tonight.  Forecasters agree that Central and Northern parts of Florida are not out of the woods yet, but say they have confidence that South Florida is going to be okay.

The storm could wobble onto the coast and bring “life threatening winds” of hurricane force and heavy rainfall (4-8” widespread with some spots 12”).  Flash flooding, river flooding, storm surge, and isolated tornadoes are all possible with Dorian, especially in areas of north and central Florida already saturated from heavy August rains.  The rip current risk will be dangerously high for this Labor Day holiday weekend at all Atlantic beaches.

The Hurricane Center 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.

Mandatory evacuations along barrier islands in Brevard and Martin Counties remain in effect for now and are scheduled to begin at 8am tomorrow (Sunday) morning. (See News from the Governor’s Office below.)  Counties to the north are watching the forecast and will make potential evacuation decisions tomorrow that would be effective on Monday.  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.

Gas stations, about 25% of which were running out of fuel yesterday, have been slowly resupplied today.  Collier County finds itself host to a lot of folks from Miami-Dade and other east coast counties who fled the expected storm’s path, and so retail supplies in southwest Florida are still reported tight tonight as a result.

Earlier this week, I took part in the Intersection radio program on WMFE-FM, NPR for Orlando, on helping homeowners in preparing for Hurricane Dorian.  My segment (which starts at the 38:40 mark on the audio bar below) focused on personal safety and how to handle property damage from the storm, with helpful tips on filing an insurance claim.

Click here for a full briefing with maps.   You can review our past Hurricane Dorian Updates here.  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:

  • 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.

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.
  • Verizon is offering unlimited calling, texting and data for customers in the path of the hurricane. Verizon’s prepaid, postpaid and small-business customers in the path of the hurricane will have unlimited calling, data and texting from September 2nd – September 9th.
  • AT&T announced it’s waiving data overages in affected Florida areas from September 2 – September 8.

FUEL

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

FOOD AND WATER

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

MILITARY SUPPORT

  • Governor DeSantis has authorized the activation of 2,500 Florida National Guard troops, with an additional 1,500 awaiting orders.
  • The Florida National Guard is currently staffing and supporting the State Logistics Readiness Center (SLRC) in Orlando, and providing LNOs to 19 counties.
  • Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the Florida National Guard has coordinated for support from Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Texas, and Nebraska to augment our air and ground capabilities.
  • The Florida National Guard is well-equipped, with assets including high-wheeled vehicles, helicopters, boats, generators and more.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

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

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • More than 1,000 state sworn law enforcement officers are on standby for potential deployment.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has prepared its emergency response equipment and resources for staging as the storm approaches the state.
  • FHP has activated 12-hour Alpha/Bravo shifts for approximately 1,400 Troopers in the Eastern portions of the state.
  • FHP deployed three aircraft to monitor traffic over I75, I95 and Florida’s Turnpike.
  • FHP has 68 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Troopers on standby for pre-deployment.
  • FHP is also in contact with its local law enforcement and transportation partners to identify and assist with any local needs before, during and after the storm.
  • FHP is providing 2 Troopers for security at each of the 8 Service Plazas on the Florida Turnpike to expedite service at the fuel pumps.
  • 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.
  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing officers and resources for potential deployments in the coming days. They are using a variety of specialized equipment, including shallow draft boats, ATVs, airboats and four-wheel drive vehicles.
  • FDLE’s mutual aid team is leading Florida’s law enforcement response coordinating around 30 missions including fuel delivery escorts and identifying pre-staging areas.
  • FDLE is pre-positioning logistics teams along Florida’s East coast who are ready to respond after the storm makes landfall.
  • FDLE is pre-positioning a mobile communications team to ensure emergency communications continue following the storm.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

  • Contractors on all construction projects have secured work sites, clearing traffic control devices that are not actively being used to direct traffic and continue to check drainage systems.
  • All available lanes will remain open on the interstate system.
  • FDOT is operating the I-595 Express lanes in the westbound direction until Hurricane Dorian has passed. Eastbound traffic will continue to use the general-purpose eastbound lanes throughout this period.
  • Director Moskowitz has temporarily waived Florida statute section 489.113 (11), allowing local governments to direct the securing of cranes.
  • FDOT is working with state and local officials to assess the current situation and needs and holding teleconferences with the FDOT district offices.
  • Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is one of the most effective ways drivers can keep informed about the state’s roadways during severe weather.
  • 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.
  • The I-4 construction project team has completed 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 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/wastewater.
  • The Corps also received a mission assignment for temporary roofing planning, temporary emergency power, temporary public facilities and debris planning.
  • Lake Okeechobee is at 13.71 feet as of August 31, 2019.
  • The U.S. Army Corps expects the lake to rise about 2 feet because of Hurricane Dorian. The Corps continues to indicate they are not concerned about Herbert Hoover Dike integrity and potential storm surge on the lake.
  • During the storm, the U.S. Army Corps is not releasing water. After the storm, 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/.
  • Of the 3,062 licensed assisted living facilities (ALF) in Florida, 2,963 facilities have a generator and must have the generator onsite as a result of the state of emergency. Four 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.
  • 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.
  • DOH is actively communicating with County Health Departments (CHDs) to pre-identify and pre-stage resources.
  • DOH is monitoring availability for 10 Nursing Strike Teams, 10 Medical Task Forces and 10 Ambulance Strike Teams through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
  • DOH has conducted outreach to all 280 EMS providers in Florida to determine availability of ambulance strike teams.
  • DOH has distributed general sanitation messaging to CHDs for all shelters through MassCare, encouraging disinfection of restrooms at least once a day.
  • DOH has requested 390 EMS resources through the National EMS Contract for ambulances and para-transit vehicles.
  • 150 personnel, including nursing staff, has been mobilized to assist special-needs shelters.
  • DOH has requested 10 Nursing Strike Teams through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
  • DOH is drop-shipping 2,365 doses of Narcan to all 67 County Health Departments to be distributed to all shelters. Additionally, DOH is distributing fact sheets to shelters to educate how to recognize signs of an overdose.
  • DOH is coordinating with fuel vendors, who are prepared to support all hospitals and assisted living facilities (ALS) in the potential areas of impact.
  • 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 are staged throughout Florida ready to assist with health care facility evacuations.
  • Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) Task Forces are also strategically placed throughout the state to provide emergency medical support to hospitals.
  • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has reached 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) continues efforts assist elderly and disabled clients who are most at risk in advance of the storm, including those with limited mobility, oxygen dependence, or other accessibility challenges. We are working with our local service providers to assist in transporting clients to emergency shelters, as appropriate.
  • DOEA has 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.
  • DOEA is sharing information with clients regarding DCF’s announcement of the early release for September’s SNAP Food Assistance Benefits.
  • Florida’s PACE (Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Organizations continue preparations for the storm and stand ready to assist.
  • DOEA continues to work with partners like Feeding Florida to identify and respond to unmet needs, including enacting a mission to provide water where requested.
  • 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.
  • DOEA 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.
  • DCF announced it has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
    • SNAP customers who were scheduled to receive their benefits between September 1 and September 14 can now access those benefits using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This is an early release of regular benefits, not a distribution of additional funds.
  • DCF is communicating with community-based-care lead agencies to ensure there are plans in place to begin making pre-landfall status checks on children in the department’s care.
  • Continue to check the DCF website at: www.myflfamilies.com/disaster and social media accounts for the latest updates.
  • DCF is holding daily calls with regional directors, program leads, and facility directors to ensure programs and facilities are prepared.
  • DCF offices in Okeechobee, St. Lucie, and Martin counties are closed.

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 DEP Beaches staff are working with Atlantic Coast community beach managers for post-storm needs assessments.
  • Florida state park closures can be found at www.floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates.
  • Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at impacted parks will be notified by ReserveAmerica of their reservation status. Cancellation fees have been waived for overnight accommodations.
  • 1035 Disaster Debris Management Sites have been pre-authorized and 35 authorized for the 67 counties addressed by the Governor’s Executive Order.
  • An online tool for the public to report the location of storm debris has been deployed. 
  • Pre-storm prep guidance has been distributed to local governments and all hazardous waste, drinking water and wastewater facilities.
  • DEP has issued an Emergency Final Order which authorizes repairs, replacement, restoration, and certain other measures due to impacts from Hurricane Dorian. 
  • State Parks Field staff are continuing their efforts to prepare parks for potential closures statewide.
  • Districts have formulated park strike teams, prepared equipment and are ready to mobilize post-landfall.
  • 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 US Chamber of Commerce of Commerce has activated the Disaster Help Desk at 1-888-692-4943 for businesses who may have questions before and after a storm. 
  • The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is encouraging lodging members to register for FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance program, to relax cancellation policies and to relax pet policies for evacuees.
  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) continues to encourage businesses to visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz for disaster preparedness tips and register to receive updates as the storm progresses.
  • 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. This message reached an estimated 420,000 Florida visitors on Facebook.
  • 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.
  • DBPR has suspended the existing occupational license renewal deadline of September 3rd through September 30th.
  • Anheuser-Busch is delivering over 100,000 cans of emergency drinking water to Florida.

EDUCATION

  • The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) will be posting up-to-date information regarding school closures at www.fldoe.org/hurricaneinfo.
  • The following school districts have announced closures:
  • Alachua Countywill be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Baker County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Bradford Countywill be closed Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4.
  • Brevard County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Citrus County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Columbia Countywill be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Flagler County will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
  • Florida Virtual Schoolwill be closed on Tuesday, September 3. Students will still be able to access courses.
  • Florida School for the Deaf and Blind will be closed until further notice.
  • Gilchrist County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Glades Countywill be closed until further notice beginning Saturday, August 31.
  • Gulf County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Hamilton Countywill 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 Countywill 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 Countywill 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.
  • Okeechobee Countyis closed as of today, Friday, August 30, until further notice.
  • Orange County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Osceola Countywill be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Pasco County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Palm Beach 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 Countywill be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Luciewill remain closed until further notice.
  • Sumter County will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • UF Lab School will be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
  • Union Countywill be closed as of today, Friday, August 30, through Thursday, September 5.
  • Volusia County will be closed Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
  • The following state colleges and universities have announced closures:
  • Broward College, all campuses and partnership centers will close Saturday, August 31 until further notice.
  • College of Central Floridawill 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 Atlantic University will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida Gateway Collegewill 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 Jacksonvilleall 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 Collegewill be closing Friday, August 30 at 3:00 p.m. though Tuesday, September 3.
  • Palm Beach State Collegewill 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 Collegewill be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Seminole State College of Floridawill be closed Saturday, August 31 at noon until further notice.
  • John’s River State Collegewill be closed Sunday, September 1 until further notice.
  • Petersburg Collegewill 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 Universitysatellite campuses will be closed through Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida State UniversityRegional Medical campus will be closed until Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida Atlantic Universitywill be closing at 12:30 on Friday, August 30.
  • Florida Gulf Coast University will be closed Tuesday, September 3.
  • Florida International Universityclasses are canceled Friday, August 30 and Saturday August 31, at all FIU locations and online.
  • Florida Polytechnic Universitywill 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.
  • Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran held a hurricane preparedness conference call with superintendents, and college presidents to receive an update on their hurricane preparedness plans.
  • Many school boards are adjusting their meetings due to Hurricane Dorian. The Department of Education will work with each district on a case by case basis to meet statutory deadlines.

 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 www.volunteerflorida.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a $10 contribution.
  • Volunteer Florida is coordinating with state and local emergency management officials and partners to preposition resources.
  • The Salvation Army has 23 mobile feeding kitchens on standby with each unit prepared to serve 500-1,500 meals per day. Together with Feeding Florida, they are also creating flood buckets.
  • Feeding Florida is coordinating with local food banks to ensure that there is food and water across the state.
  • Volunteer Florida is coordinating with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and FEMA to bring up to 100 AmeriCorps members to Florida to support response and recovery efforts.
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members are assisting communities as they prepare for storm conditions, including filling sandbags and contacting residents on vulnerable population list.
  • The American Red Cross has 15 food distribution trucks available in Florida to start pushing out, with an additional 75 trucks staged in Montgomery, Alabama. The organization has also prepositioned 70 box trucks in Orlando, Miami and Tallahassee and secured supplies for 30,000 beds.
  • The American Red Cross Disaster Response Headquarters in Orlando is fully operational.
  • Team Rubicon is prepositioning volunteers for deployment.
  • The Salvation Army has 33 canteens and two field kitchens on standby. Local corps are also stationed in emergency operation centers for anticipated landfall and the Instant Management Team has prepared to deploy.
  • Florida Baptist Disaster Relief has two kitchens that have a 32,000 meal capacity per day. They are also working with partners to preposition additional kitchens that have the capacity to prepare 180,000 meals per day. Additionally, 40+ cleanup and recover teams have populated and are building rosters for pre-staging/deployment.
  • SBP is readying deployment teams that can be sent to impacted areas as needed.
  • Farm Share is preparing relief items that can be sent to impacted communities as needed.
  • Save the Children has a team in Florida and are prepared to support the needs of children in shelters and support the recovery of child care and early learning programs.
  • Convoy of Hope has staff and supplies pre-positioned in Florida.
  • Crisis Cleanup will open their Home Cleanup Hotline (844-965-1386) on Monday, September 2 to help individuals who experienced damage to their homes and property.
  • Individuals who are interested in volunteering after the storm are encouraged to visit www.volunteerflorida.org where they may register to become a volunteer and search for volunteer opportunities. Volunteers should affiliate with an organization before deploying. Volunteers should not self-deploy.

 STATE CORRECTIONS

  • Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Secretary Mark Inch, and his leadership team, are in close contact with the statewide EOC, and state and local law enforcement. Emergency planning is on track. Evacuation determinations are 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.
  • The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is monitoring weather conditions; facilities are increasing food and water supplies; moving vehicles to higher ground in flood zone areas; updating phone trees and all pre-storm activities prior to any watches and warnings.

COURTS

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

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER / CONTACTS

  • The State Emergency Operations Center has activated to a Level 1.
  • The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number: 1-800-342-3557.
  • The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
  • Follow @FLSERT and @GovRonDeSantis on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Dorian.
  • Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/info to find information on emergency preparedness, shelters, road closures and evacuation routes.

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August 31, 2019