ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on Hurricane Ian Recovery
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by business owners impacted by Hurricane Ian in Cape Coral to hold a discussion on recovery efforts. Business owners discussed ways to reopen safely to get customers back in the door. Additionally, Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Secretary Dane Eagle highlighted resources that have been made available, including activating the Emergency Bridge Loan program. More than $4.8 million has already been awarded to 106 businesses that were impacted by the storm. Full remarks can be found here.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis highlighted the resources available at Disaster Recovery Centers for businesses. Florida is awaiting federal approval on a $30 million request for the Dislocated Worker Grant Program. This program will provide disaster relief employment through temporary jobs to Floridians who were impacted by Hurricane Ian. Businesses in southwest Florida have continued to go out of their way to help their employees, and the state of Florida will continue to find ways to assist them.
There are currently 18,396 reported power outages. In Lee and Collier counties, there are fewer than 500 accounts on the mainland that remain without power that can receive it. More than 42,000 linemen have already restored power to over 2.6 million accounts across the state, representing over 99% of accounts restored since the peak. There are currently 13 fueling depot stations open statewide, and a mobile fuel truck has been deployed to Arcadia to support residents without access to fuel.
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Disaster Fund has raised over $40 million since activation. To read more info, click here. To contribute, please visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.
Additionally, the First Lady has worked with the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator, Sara Newhouse, to compile a webpage of resources to help first responders navigate resources for mental health needs post hurricane. To visit the site, click here. Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. Floridians’ health and well-being are a top priority, and the Department of Children and Families is reminding individuals that they are not alone. All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.
Additional programs that have been put into place to aid communities include the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, the initiation of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation Blue Roof, and FDOT’s diligent work to construct temporary bridges into areas that are cut off from motorists. First Lady Casey DeSantis, Volunteer Florida and Tervis have created a design with Florida imagery for a new tumbler product. With every sale of this tumbler, all proceeds will go to the Florida Disaster Fund. Products are available for purchase on the Tervis website HERE and will soon be available in stores for purchase.
State response efforts include:
Search and Rescue
There have been 2,500 rescues made to date.
There are more than 1,000 team members performing search and rescue.
DCF has created a First Responder Support Line (407-823-1657) that all first responders throughout the impacted areas can contact. This line combines current resources into a single point of contact that will connect first responders with mental health professionals.
The State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator created a survey to assess the need for mental health services for Hurricane Ian first responders.
Following Governor DeSantis’ authorization, Joint Task Force Florida has 4,351 personnel activated and is executing missions in response to Hurricane Ian. The Florida National Guard has supported a total of 246 missions.
Task Force engineering resources have been deployed to assist with route clearance in Pine Island and Charlotte County. The FLNG has cleared 51.5 miles to date in the impacted area. Guardsmen continue to assist law enforcement with roving patrols, security, traffic control and curfew enforcement missions.
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
At the request of Governor DeSantis, FDEM worked with federal partners to secure an additional 30 days of 100% federal cost share for Public Assistance Category A (debris removal) and Category B (emergency protective measures) for Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. More information can be found here.
Counties eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance include Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia. Impacted residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
FDEM has worked with FEMA to activate the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program for impacted residents in counties declared for FEMA Individual Assistance. FDEM will continue to work with FEMA to determine additional unmet needs for residents in newly declared counties for Individual Assistance. Individuals can apply for disaster assistance and may be eligible for TSA if they cannot return to their home.
The Crisis Cleanup Line, 800-451-1954, provides debris removal services to impacted residents, and has completed more than 1,000 requests to date.
In coordination with federal and state partners, more than 100 pets have been rescued through air operations from the Barrier Islands.
Under State Coordinating Officer Kevin Guthrie, members of the Forward SERT have deployed to Southwest Florida to coordinate recovery efforts on scene.
More than 14 million MREs and 50 million bottles of water have been distributed so far. PODs open today include:
FDEM is working with feeding partners to operate kitchens for impacted and displaced residents. More than 45,200 hot meals were served on Monday, October 10, and more than 2 million hot meals have been served since volunteer kitchens opened.
FDEM is coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct infrastructure assessments of water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, and assisted living facilities.
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 has opened an additional fuel depot on Pine Island for a total of 13 fuel depots across Central and Southwest Florida to provide fuel for first responders. A public, mobile fuel depot is open at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center and Park in Harlem Heights to provide fuel for vehicles and gas cans for generators to impacted residents.
FDEM has received more than 5,900 resource requests for Hurricane Ian and fulfilled. Over 4,870 of these requests are currently being processed and are either in route or being mobilized. This includes the coordination of resources such as: trucks of food and water, generators and tarps.
FDEM is mobilizing pet food and supplies for displaced pets, including: rabies vaccines, 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:
4 barges are aiding in the delivery of commodities in Lee County to Pine Island and Sanibel Island. Fuel has been deployed to Pine Island via the Pine Island bridge that was completed in record speed.
2 Bobtails and 1 Humvee are staged and ready to depart to North Captiva Island.
Coordinating to set up 4 barges to aid in the delivery of commodities in Lee County to Pine Island and Sanibel Island.
Trailers for restrooms, showers, laundry, sleeping and sanitation to ensure the care of first responders in the field.
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 500 generators for traffic signals and other traffic needs.
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.
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.
Power
There are currently 18,396 people without power.
Over 2.6 million accounts (more than 99% of total outages) have already been restored across Florida.
42,000 linemen from utilities across the state were deployed and have been working to restore power.
325 Florida Highway Patrol are transporting utility crews.
Health and Human Services
DOH County Health Departments have been deployed to all Disaster Recovery Centers to provide services and resources. This includes Women and Infant Care, Vital Statistics, and other public health services. Costs for any vital statistics, such as birth and death certificates, have been waived.
DOH’s Division of Children’s Medical Services’ Early Steps and Newborn Screening programs has sent additional supplies to Ft. Myers. Supplies include hand sanitizer, silicone bibs, thermometers, baby spoons, and cooling towels. This will be package in Moms and Babies’ waterproof bags and distributed to individuals in need.
Hope Heroes are deployed to assist at shelters, Disaster Recovery Centers, as well as delivering meals to seniors’ homes and aiding in debris clean up. To become a Hope Hero and volunteer to help older Floridians, visit helpcreatehope.com.
Visits are being conducted at all health care facilities in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian. AHCA has completed 615 assessments at facilities in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Seminole, Volusia.
102 clients have received weather-related Emergency Home Assistance for the Elder Program funds to assist with individuals experiencing a home energy emergency in the affected areas.
1 special needs shelter remains open, serving 19 clients. This shelter will be phased out as clients return to their homes or identify long term housing solutions.
DOH’s Children’s Medical Services Plan and partners have setup 4 locations (one in DeSoto, Sarasota and Orange counties, and two locations in Lee County) for individuals to receive free hygiene and infant supplies, in addition to other essentials. All sites are open to the public.
DOH in Lee County Women Infants and Children (WIC) program’s is providing in-person services at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Lakes Regional Library, with another DRC setup at JPD-Victoria will open today. Additional WIC services are providing remote services through the call center. Residence can call the WIC office at (239) 344-2000 for more information on enrollment and services.
In response to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, DOH is working with partners and communities to extend available waivers for Florida’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. This waiver allows for flexibility to expedite the delivery of assistance to eligible families who have registered with FEMA in impacted counties.
In response to DOH’s request, USDA has authorized waivers through November 25, 2022, to allow flexibilities in the Child and Adult Care Food Program to support access to meals provided to children at participating sites, such as providing grab-and-go meals.
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.
10 APD-licensed group homes remain evacuated.
APD has developed a list of available group home bed vacancies within APD-licensed group homes to accommodate those who need temporary relocation. APD will be assisting with relocating clients.
APD has deployed staff to the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Sarasota. Additional staff is ready to deploy as other DRCs come online.
Senior Resource Alliance in Central Florida is conducting Mental Health First Aid Training for providers and caregivers this week to be able to appropriately respond to the mental health needs of seniors in disaster recovery.
The Port Charlotte VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic reopened Wednesday, Oct. 12 for all services.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs anticipates reopening their Naples VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic for face-to-face appointments in the near future. Virtual appointments are being conducted.
FDVA Veterans’ Claims Examiners are connecting Florida Veterans with earned benefits and services at Disaster Recovery Centers in the hardest hit areas following Hurricane Ian. To contact a VCE, call (727) 319-7440 or via email at VSO@fdva.state.fl.us.
DOH continues to expedite health care licensing for priority professions. Health care practitioners interested in volunteering to the Volunteer Florida registration portal.
DOH’s Florida Board of Nursing has streamlined the initial endorsement application processing to under 24 hours to continue the surge of greater availability of qualified health professionals.
Infrastructure
All accessible State-owned bridges have been inspected across Florida. FDOT continues to assist with inspections on locally-owned bridges.
97% of cut and toss operations are complete statewide
100% of cut and toss operations are complete in Lee County.
100% of cut and toss operations are complete in Charlotte County.
Access restored to Pine Island Bridge in just over 50 hours/ under 3 days.
Construction has begun on the Sanibel Causeway.
Initial debris pick-up:
3,309 miles of state roads have been completed statewide.
Statewide 33,876 cubic yards of vegetation debris have been picked up.
BRIDGES
Bridges Closed as of 11 a.m. on 10/11/22
Sanibel Causeway (Lee County)
ROADWAYS
Roads Closed as of 11 a.m. on 10/11/22
Brevard County
SR-46 Westbound at Hatbill Road – Lane closed
Charlotte County
Bridge closed on Rotonda Boulevard both directions at Rotonda Boulevard South
DeSoto County
NW 2nd Bunker Avenue at Arrowhead Pond Road – Lane closed, both directions
R-72 Westbound beyond SR-70 – All lanes closed
SR-72 from NW Pearce Street to SR-70 – Lane closed
Hardee County
N Hollandtown Road at Thoroughbred Road – Lane closed, both directions
SR-64 from Brantwood Drive to Wilbur C King Boulevard – Lane closed, both directions
Highlands County
Golfview Road at Lake Drive Boulevard – Lane closed, both directions
Marble Avenue from W Martin Road to S Lake Boulevard – Lane closed, both directions
Lee County
Sanibel Causeway
Bonita Beach Road at Simmons Lane – All lanes closed
Captiva Drive from Palmflower Lane to Sanibel Captiva Road – Lane closed, both directions
CR-865 at Broadway Channel – Lane closed, both directions
CR-865 from Estrellita Drive to Cape Hickory Court – Lane closed, both directions
CR-867 Southbound from Port Comfort Road to Punta Rassa Road – All lanes closed
Estero Boulevard at Broadway Channel – Lane closed, both directions
Manatee County
SR-37 at Manatee/Polk County Line – Lane closed, both directions
Polk County
E Grove Avenue at S Scenic Highway – Lane closed, both directions
SR-37 Northbound before SR-674 – All lanes closed
US 98 from Avon Park Cutoff Road to Highway 27 – Lane closed, both directions
Seminole County
SR-46 Eastbound at N Jungle Road – Lane closed
PORTS
All Deepwater ports are now open.
Fuel Terminals: All port fuel terminals have resumed normal operations.
AIRPORTS
All Commercial Service airports are now open
TRANSIT
Operations normal except for:
LeeTran (modified service)
Sarasota County Area Transit (modified service)
Flagler
RAIL
PASSANGER RAIL
Amtrak: operations have returned to normal service apart from Silver Star trains #91/92, which suspended rail service beyond Jacksonville. A bus bridge will be provided to Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, Florida
SunRail: Rail corridor experienced some damage. Repairs are anticipated to be complete over the next few weeks. Currently, service is running on a modified schedule. Please www.SunRail.com for service details.
FREIGHT RAIL
Seminole Gulf Railway sustained significant damage. Damage assessments continue and repair plans are underway. Operations reopened in Ft. Myers only.
Mass Care
DBPR investigators and other staffers from across the state are at all the Disaster Recovery Centers in Charlotte, Collier, Lee and Sarasota Counties, helping with any licensing needs and educating the public about the importance of hiring a licensed contractor.
Since October 10, DOEA has delivered 9,469 home meals, 459 shelf stable meals, and 2,199 congregate meals have been served to senior clients in Central and Southwest Florida.
Since October 10, DOEA providers in Central and Southwest Florida have made 641 telephone reassurance calls to senior clients to check in on their needs.
Florida’s application for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) has been approved. More information about D-SNAP can be found online at MyFLFamilies.com/DSNAP.
FRLA continues to work on lodging and feeding missions across impacted areas.
DCF has opened four 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: Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Sarasota and Arcadia.
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
FLHSMV has deployed Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobile units to Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, and Collier counties to provide no-fee replacements for driver license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations, and titles.
Dates, locations, and hours of operation for FLOW mobiles are subject to change and will be announced on FLHSMV.gov
FLOW Hours of Operation: 9:00am – 6:00pm, seven days a week
As of October 11, more than 2,800 customers have been served since operations began.
FDLE has four response teams and one logistical support team deployed in Lee and Charlotte counties checking in law enforcement officers reporting for duty, maintaining the base camps and matching law enforcement resources to the identified needs.
Nearly 200 law enforcement missions have been completed in the last two weeks and FDLE’s mutual aid team is currently coordinating nearly 100 active law enforcement missions including supplementing general law enforcement, traffic control and security.
FDLE’s mutual aid team is supporting 300 hurricane response missions.
FDLE is preparing for a second wave of law enforcement deployments relieving those who have been deployed since last week.
FDLE staging areas are open in Southwest Florida and Hardee County at the Lee County Sports Complex, Weigh Station Mile Marker 161 in Charlotte County and in Hardee, at the Civic Center in Wauchula. All deployed law enforcement officers in these areas should check in at one of these staging areas for work assignments.
More than 100 FDLE agents are deployed in Southwest Florida assisting with traffic control, security needs and law enforcement check-ins.
FDLE established telephone lines for Fort Myers regional law enforcement coordination team.
FDLE’s base camp in Lee County is fully operational serving first responders deployed to the area. Base camps include meal service, sleeping quarters, showers, laundry and restroom facilities.
FHP continues to assist FDOT with bridge and road closures across impacted areas.
FHP’s fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned ariel systems are aiding in FDOT’s efforts as they continue to undertake bridge and other infrastructure repairs.
FHP continues to provide escorts for fuel, utility, and emergency response teams to provide critical resources to the impacted areas.
FHP is assisting multiple local agencies with law enforcement functions in the impacted areas.
FHP has deployed mobile command centers to the State Emergency Operations Center and southwest Florida to provide enhanced communication capabilities and additional resources.
More than 1,700 sworn FHP members are available to assist with enhanced response efforts.
FHP has activated 12-hour Alpha, Bravo shifts for Troopers throughout Florida.
Peer support is available 24/7 to all FHP members and their families through FHP’s Peer Support Team and the FHP Wellness App to support their overall wellness.
FHP has provided liaisons to affected county emergency operations centers.
FHP encourages motorists to report disabled vehicles or dangerous driving conditions to *FHP (*347).
FLHSMV driver license and motor vehicle service center closures can be found here.
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.
Approximately 63 FWC officers and support personnel are currently deployed for Hurricane Ian response and recovery efforts.
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.
A total of approximately 63 FWC officers and support personnel are currently deployed for Hurricane Ian response and recovery efforts.
51 FWC officers and 1 vehicle and vessel mechanic with a full complement of four-wheel drive vehicles, vessels and response and recovery equipment and supplies are based in Lee County.
11 FWC Special Operations Group officers from the North Central Region in conjunction with partner agencies have deployed to five barrier islands currently inaccessible to vehicles to establish and operate ongoing command and control complexes.
As more officers assigned to their home communities in affected counties join the storm response and recovery effort, they have been working side by side with their deployed counterparts and area law enforcement partners to augment the unprecedented resources brought to bear following the storm.
FWC officers are conducting 24-hour land-based and waterborne safety and security patrols around Sanibel Island and other barrier islands to protect people and property on the islands.
FWC officers are using vessels to transport additional rescue personnel, supplies and equipment to all affected barrier islands inaccessible to vehicles, including Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Island.
FWC Aviation Section is providing the State EOC with aerial assistance, reconnaissance and post-storm damage assessments.
More than 350 captive wildlife facilities have been assessed.
FWC officers have begun identifying and assessing displaced and damaged vessels as a result of Hurricane Ian.
The FWC, in conjunction with state and federal partners, is standing up a Unified Command to address the large numbers of displaced vessels in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
If a vessel owner is removing their vessel, they should notify the Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline of their plans for vessel removal by calling 850-488-5600 M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If your vessel is missing, you have located a vessel or have questions about displaced vessels or vessels in state waters which have been rendered derelict by Hurricane Ian, you are encouraged to call the Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 850-488-5600.
To report an oil, fuel or hazardous materials spill in Florida waters call 800-320-0519.
