ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response and Recovery Efforts for Hurricane Milton

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Major General John D. Haas Adjutant General of Florida at a point of distribution site in Bradenton to provide updates on Hurricane Milton response and recovery efforts.

As of this afternoon, approximately 1,291,740 million Floridians are without power. The State of Florida has restored 2,779,403 accounts.

Federal Disaster Relief
Governor DeSantis announced that Florida secured approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Milton from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declaration includes Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B). Individual Assistance, which is assistance to residents and households, is available for Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia Counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Public Assistance, which is available for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, is available for Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia Counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

The State Assistance Information Line is now open and accepting calls 24/7 with English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole speakers available at 1-800-342-3557.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending EO 24-214 and declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties.

To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

State Response and Recovery Efforts

• The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Hurricane Milton, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
• The State Emergency Response Team engaged in nearly 2,600 missions to assist counties in their preparations and immediate response for Hurricane Milton. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging resources to deploy for immediate response, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
• Since landfall, nearly 1,800 individuals and 225 animals have been rescued by Urban Search and Rescue Teams and the Florida National Guard.
• FDEM is coordinating the opening of Points of Distribution (PODs) in impacted areas. Nearly 20 PODs are open in impacted counties. To find locations and hours of operation, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
• FDEM has 1.8 million gallons of diesel and more than 1 million gallons of emergency fuels on-hand, with 418,000 gallons of diesel and 511,000 gallons of gas deployed in the field supporting operations.
• Fuel distribution sites opening tomorrow, 10/13/2024.
• • Charlotte Sports Park, 7 am - 7 pm
    2300 El Jobean Rd
    Port Charlotte, FL 33948
  • Suncoast Technical CollegeNorthport, 10 am - 7 pm
    4445 Career Ln
    North Port, FL 34289
  • St. Pete College Tarpon Springs, 10 am - 7 pm
    600 E Klosterman Rd
    Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
  • East Bay Raceway, 10 am - 7 pm
    6311 Burts Rd
    Tampa, FL 33619
  • All open fuel sites: FloridaDisaster.org/Updates
• The State of Florida partnered with Lyft to provide residents in mandatory evacuation zones free rides returning home from local shelters.
• • Lyft has activated the Lyft Up Disaster Response Program to provide free and discounted rides to help those in affected areas travel to and from designated shelters with critical resources. Riders can use code MILTONRELIEF24 for two rides up to $25 to and from state-approved shelters.
• Additionally, residents can find open shelters in their area by visiting FloridaDisaster.org/shelters.
• The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office's US&R teams have successfully rescued 349 civilians, 47 pets and provided assistance to 164 others.
• The Special Missions Unit of the Florida State Guard (FSG) has deployed with search and rescue, K9, paramedic, and swift water rescue teams, assisting with route clearance and search and rescue, both on water and over land, in Pasco and Charlotte counties.
• The Florida State Guard has completed 67 rescues in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
• The Special Missions Unit deployed with search and rescue, K9, paramedic, and swift water rescue teams, assisting with route clearance and search and rescue, both on water and over land, in Pasco, Charlotte, and Volusia counties. Over the last 48 hours:
• • SMU made contact with 11 unaccounted for persons, providing assistance with supplies and made multiple rescues within the first few hours of the storm's impact.
  • SMU search and rescue team deployed from Volusia to St. Lucie counties, conducting ground and aerial assessments, assisting law enforcement where needed.
  • SMU assisted Volusia County law enforcement in accessing a community barricaded by flood waters, ensuring delivery of supplies.
• The Maritime Response Squadron deployed alongside FWC to assist in waterborne patrols, and search and rescue efforts in Charlotte, Pasco, Manatee, Hillsborough, and Sarasota counties. During the last 24 hours:
• • MRS Medics deployed with FWC swamp buggies to extract Floridians in distress.
• The Aviation Response Squadron's Blackhawk helicopters and UAS (drone) teams deployed to conduct aerial reconnaissance in Polk, Pasco, Sarasota, Flagler, Manatee, Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Hillsborough counties. During the last 24 hours:
• ARS supported CRB and MRS aerial assessment missions of impacted areas, directing search and rescue efforts from the CRB and SMU.
• The Crisis Response Battalion deployed to conduct hasty route clearance and high-water rescue missions in Pasco County. During the last 24 hours:
• • CRB conducted 278 welfare checks of unaccounted-for individuals.
  • CRB supported ARS and SMU conducting high-water search and rescue and evacuation of displaced citizens to nearby shelters.
• The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has activated over 6,500 service members for Hurricane Milton response operations, and is expected to grow to nearly 7,300 with EMACs from other states for Hurricane Milton preparedness operations
• FLNG is providing immediate response in affected areas with liaison officers, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, route clearing, ground and air reconnaissance, protection of critical infrastructure, flood mitigation and high wheeled vehicle support with state and local officials.
• FLNG has four rotary wing aircraft, approximately 500 high-wheeled tactical vehicles, including approximately 200 high-wheeled tactical vehicles and over a dozen boats prepared to provide search and response and damage assessment support post-storm.
• Over 100 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers have rapidly deployed high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources to areas of Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton to assist Floridians in need.
• In the 24-hour period following Hurricane Milton's landfall, FWC officers rescued 645 individuals and performed 336 welfare checks. They also cleared trees, vessels, and debris from numerous roads, homes, and driveways.
• In the 24-hour period from Oct. 11 - Oct. 12 FWC officers rescued 163 individuals and 41 pets and performed 101 welfare checks. Officers responded to 52 vessel calls and one medical call. They also cleared trees, vessels and debris from numerous roads, homes and driveways and distributed water and MREs.
• FWC officers arrested two individuals for property theft.
• FWC Officers provided security to Adventure Island water park in Hillsborough County. The park was unsecured due to damage resulting from Hurricane Milton.
• FWC officers have responded by providing:
• • 47 boats including airboats and shallow draft boats
  • ATVs/Side-by-sides
  • 132 high-water capable four-wheel drive vehicles
  • 29 high-water capable swamp buggies and UTVs
  • 3 SOG support trailers
  • 4 aerial surveillance drones
  • Self-sustainment equipment, including BERG container units, hygiene trailers, generators and mobile command posts
  • Fuel trucks
  • Skid Steers
• In addition to search and rescue, FWC officers have conducted welfare checks alongside counterparts at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
• Preliminary numbers, as of midnight:
• • 7 rescues
  • 3 welfare checks
  • 2 arrests
• 38 strike teams embedded with local law enforcement in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties continue rescue and recovery efforts.
• 17 FWC officers embedded with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office performed numerous high-water rescues in the area. Most of these rescues took place using high water vehicles, as the winds were still too high at the time to safely operate vessels.
• FWC officers conducted an emergency highwater rescue in the Sherwood RV Park for a patient who lost her oxygen tanks in the storm.
• Local officers made 22 highwater evacuations in the Thousand Oaks subdivision.
• Officers also assisted with road clearing, including 17 road blockage removals, and conducted nine welfare checks.
• In a multi-agency response, FWC officers and partner agencies rescued and evacuated approximately 426 people and 45 pets from flood waters in a Clearwater apartment complex. FWC officers used a high-water swamp buggy, UTV, and shallow-draft vessels during the rescue effort.
• Hillsborough County officers assisted with the rescue and evacuation of 111 senior citizens from two different assisted living facilities. Teams also rescued an additional 15 individuals from their flooded residences and one individual from their car that was stuck on a flooded road.
• 38 local officers from the NE Region and 15 NC Region SOG team officers assisted with rescue and recovery efforts in Volusia County using airboats, shallow draft vessels, and high-water vehicles; combined, they rescued 49 individuals and 1 pet.
• Officers in Plant City assisted with rescuing 35 individuals from flooded waters and checked 150 homes.
• FWC officers have conducted 216 welfare checks in Charlotte and Sarasota Counties.
• Polk County FWC Officers are assisting Polk County Sheriff's Office in conducting welfare checks by airboat in a flooded neighborhood in north Lakeland.
• FWC Captive Wildlife Investigators are contacting captive wildlife facilities and conducting site visits storm impacted areas. There have been no reported escapes.
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's (FDLE) mutual aid team is managing 52 active law enforcement missions with more than 90 completed. The missions include:
• • Fuel and water escorts
  • Traffic control
  • Search and rescue
• The FDLE Sworn Training Unit cut team is in Tampa Bay making temporary, emergency repairs to the homes of first responders so they can quickly get back to work.
• FDLE aviation assets are conducting overwatch missions for patrol officers
  in impacted areas.
• More than 575 law enforcement officers are assigned to missions related to Hurricane Milton.
• The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA) has announced that outpatient appointments at VA Clinics in the impacted areas are being rescheduled or converted to virtual. See www.FloridaVets.org for closure details.
• State Veterans' Service Officers are available to take your call at (727) 319-7440 or via email at [email protected].
• The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care to support Florida Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care. Call 1-877-741-3400.
• Power has been restored at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans' Nursing Home in Land O' Lakes. All State Veterans' Homes on normal utilities and routine operations.
• All youth and staff in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities are accounted for and safe. DJJ continues to assess its facilities for damage and most facilities have had minimal storm impacts.
  

Health and Human Services

• The Florida Department of Health (DOH) deployed nearly 600 emergency response vehicles (e.g., ambulances, ambulance buses, paratransit vehicles) to support emergency evacuations and patient transport as needed.
• DOH is supporting 16 special needs shelters, which are accepting clients, located in the following counties: Collier (1), Highlands (1), Hillsborough (3), Lee (1), Manatee (1), Pasco (2), Pinellas (4), Polk (1), Sarasota (1), and Volusia (1).
• DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains and health care providers.
• The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-003, which:
• • Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency.
  • Permits emergency medical transportation services licensed in other U.S. states, territories, and/or districts to operate in Florida in response to the emergency.
  • Permits paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and their medical directors licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
  • Permits pharmacies and prescription department managers to operate in multiple or mobile locations.
• There are 43 active Boil Water Notices as a result of Hurricane Milton. A comprehensive statewide list of notices for residents to access online can be found here:
• • Charlotte (2), Citrus (2), Hardee (1), Hillsborough (3), Lake (9), Lee (3), Levy (1), Manatee (1), Marion (6), Okeechobee (1), Orange (1), Pasco (2), Pinellas (2), Polk (4), Putnam (4), Sarasota (2), and Sumter (1).
• There has been one rescinded Boil Water Notice in the following county:
• St. Lucie (1).
• The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-004, which:
• • Permits paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and their medical directors, physicians and physician assistants, osteopathic physicians and physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, mental health counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
  • Waives telehealth registration requirements for physicians and physician assistants, osteopathic physicians and physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists.
• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS). Healthcare providers have been requested to provide information on census, available beds, evacuation status, accepting evacuees and generator needs from counties declared under EO-24-114. This information allows AHCA to assist healthcare providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that healthcare providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
• • 299 health care facilities have reported evacuations. This includes:
  • 25 adult family care home
  • 161 assisted living facilities
  • 4 crisis stabilization and short term RFT
  • 5 hospices
  • 16 hospitals
  • 7 hospitals ED
  • 5 intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled
  • 52 nursing homes
  • 3 residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
  • 14 residential treatment facilities
  • 7 Transitional living facilities
• As of this 7:30 AM, there are 523 health care facilities with loss of power across the state. This includes:
• • 39 adult family care home
  • 334 assisted living facilities
  • 10 crisis stabilization and short term RFT
  • 5 hospices
  • 13 hospitals
  • 7 hospitals ED
  • 7 intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled
  • 76 nursing homes
  • 5 residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
  • 20 residential treatment facilities
  • 7 Transitional living facilities
• AHCA is conducting daily calls with the Florida Hospital Association and Florida Health Care Association.
• The Agency has waived all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services beginning October 7, 2024, until further notice.
• Agency surveyors have completed 246 post storm assessment visits to ensure health care facilities in impacted areas are able to safely care for residents.
• The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is working with Florida's ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida's agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
• A total of 23 generators were deployed to commercial agricultural facilities to prevent disruption to food and agricultural critical infrastructure.
• Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Milton. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, and North Carolina.
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has issued an emergency order suspending requirements related to the distribution, delivery, storage, and sale of liquid fuels - such as gasoline and diesel - to assist with efforts to ensure adequate distribution and supply of fuel.
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has issued an emergency rule to aid the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas to disaster response and recovery operations.
• Floridians are encouraged to call 1-800-HELP-FLA to report water-contaminated fuel issues to the department.
• As of Oct. 12, inspectors completed preliminary inspections of 1,263 of an estimated 4,538 potentially impacted retail fuel stations. Of the 1,263 facilities, 779 are open and operating.
• Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for livestock and animals in critical need, please complete this form and send it to [email protected], or call 863-993-5460.
• Food safety inspectors are responding to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of over 36,000 potentially impacted food establishments.
• As of Oct. 12, inspectors have completed 413 assessments of food establishments in impacted regions. 364 facilities are open for business.
• UF/IFAS is studying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from Hurricane Helene. Producers can share information about impacts experienced at your farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation here.
• The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) continues to contact all Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates. Post-storm call-downs to clients are ongoing and there are currently no unmet needs.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues its recovery efforts with post Hurricane wellness checks to clients, families, and Group Homes in affected areas verifying status and resolving immediate need requests.
• APD Hope Florida Navigators, APD emergency recovery teams, and executive leadership have deployed to Hope Florida Distribution sites throughout affected areas.
• APD leadership have conducted wellness checks to group homes in Sarasota and surrounding counties affected by Hurricane Milton.
• APD leadership teams have sourced and compiled sensory kits and delivered over 135 kits to families in need at Hope Florida distribution sites, group homes, and partners in counties affected by Hurricane Milton.
• The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is in the process of contacting all foster families, group homes, and providers to assess for unmet needs after the storm. So far DCF has contacted families and group homes serving over 11,900 individuals and over 9,900 providers in impacted areas to ensure all children and families served are safe and to determine needs.
• Emergency Support Function 6 - Mass Care, is supporting 15 shelters in impacted areas.
• The Hope Bus will be in Charlotte, Manatee, and Sarasota counties on October 12th distributing essential supplies to individuals and families in need. Site details are below:
• • Murdock Church 18375 Cochran Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • New College of Florida 5845 General Dougher Pl, Sarasota, FL; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Bayside Church, 15800 SR 64 E, Bradenton, FL 34212 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• DCF has delivered and served over 1,500 meals, 9,000 bottles of water and other drinks, and 1,000 snacks to four counties.
• The Hope Bus has been stationed in Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties, and since the storm made landfall, we have served over 1,800 individuals. In addition, Hope Navigators have been deployed to Saint Lucie County to go into neighborhoods directly impacted by the storm and offered resources and support to over 700 individuals.
• DCF has deployed Hope Navigators to support individuals and families in shelters.
• All State Mental Health Treatment Facilities and Crisis Stabilization Units are fully operational.
• The Hope Line is available to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm. It is now available 24/7 for the next two-plus weeks at 833-GET-HOPE.
• Activate Hope has been deployed to help connect Floridians impacted by the storm with needed resources like food, supplies, home repairs, and more. Serving as the emergency response component of the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope connects the private sector, nonprofits, and government to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Fill out the form here to request help.

Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has over 2,000 FDOT team members working directly on storm response.
• Damage assessment teams are active in the field and are surveying impacts.
• Cut and Toss Operations on state-owned facilities are complete, except for inaccessible areas or roadways with hazards. 486 crew members cleared over 12,000 miles of roadway.
• FDOT has shifted efforts towards debris pickup on state roads.
• FDOT completed bridge inspections on all accessible state-owned and locally-owned bridges. Over 150 Bridge Inspectors reviewed and cleared over 2,400 bridges across the impacted areas.
• 89% of traffic signals in the impacted area are operational. Crews are working to deploy generators to temporarily restore power to locations that are non-operational.
• FDOT has mobilized team members to our agency's base camp in Seffner.
• I-4, I-75, I-95, and Alligator Alley are cleared and open for travel.
• The Sunshine Skyway, the Gandy Bridge, Howard Frankland Bridge, and the Courtney Campbell Causeway area were inspected, cleared, and reopened immediately following the storm.
• Teams continue to monitor water levels at low-lying bridges near major river crossings.
• ITS trailers, drone teams, pumps, Starlink devices and other equipment are being deployed in the field as needed.
• FDOT has lifted weight restrictions and is allowing bypass of weigh stations for emergency response vehicles, including utility vehicles staging for rapid response.
• FDOT has coordinated efforts with Georgia and Alabama to allow a bypass of weigh stations for emergency response and supply vehicles.
• Tolls have been suspended on facilities in West Florida and Central Florida as well as Alligator Alley and 595 Express to help facilitate traffic flow as Floridians evacuate. Specific details and facilities can be found listed here.
• At the direction of Gov. DeSantis, FDOT coordinated and completed the removal of debris on barrier islands in Pinellas and Manatee Counties ahead of Hurricane Milton with the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture, amongst others.
• 2,241 truckloads and nearly 40,338 cubic yards of debris have been removed from Pinellas County barrier islands.
• 792 truckloads and over 14,256 cubic yards of debris have been removed from Manatee County barrier islands state roads.
• Road Ranger service has been expanded to assist motorists along critical roadways. 
• FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
• Construction projects located in the following counties may resume normal work operations on all roads and interstates: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, Union, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington, Broward, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Miami Dade, Monroe
• Transportation Modes:
• • Please check with your service providers directly regarding potential service impacts, such as flight schedules, passenger rail service, and transit schedules.
• Seaports:
• • Florida Seaports Fuel Supplies are being closely monitored and plans are in place for maintaining adequate supply levels across the state as we work to recover from the storm.
• Airports:
• • Commercial airports that remain closed: Sarasota/Bradenton International
• Railroads:
• • SunRail: Resuming service on October 14.
• State-Owned Road & Bridge Closures (As of 2:30 p.m., 10/12/24)
  State road & bridge closures listed below. For real-time updates, Check FL511.com.
  Bridge inspections by FDOT underway where safe and others beginning at first light.
• Flagler County
• • Flooding on ramp from N State St to SR-100. All lanes closed.
  • Flooding on SR-100 East, at US-1.
  • Flooding on SR-100 West, at US-1. 
• Hillsborough County
• • Traffic Signal Out on E Fowler Ave Both Directions from N 15th St to Bruce B Downs Blvd. All lanes closed.
  • Flooding on Morris Bridge Rd Both Directions at High Meadow Ave. All lanes closed.
  • Emergency Vehicles on SR-574 Both Directions from N Turkey Creek Rd to Sammonds Rd. All lanes closed.
  • Emergency road construction in Hillsborough County on Veterans Expressway South, at Exit 14: Van Dyke Rd S.R. 685A. Right lane blocked
• Indian River County
• • Major Road Damage on CR-512 / Fellsmere Road Both Directions 0.71 Mi Beyond 79th Street. All lanes closed.
• Lake County
• • Flooding on SR-46 East, before US-441.
• Lee County
• • Access Restricted on Estero Blvd Both Directions near Broadway Channel.           
  • Access Restricted on SR-865 Southbound near Main St.        
  • Access Restricted on SR-865 Northbound near 5th St.
• Manatee County
• • Access Restricted on Cortez Rd Eastbound at Gulf Dr N.
  • Access Restricted on Cortez Rd Westbound at 127th St W.
  • Access Restricted on Manatee Ave Westbound at Martinique Dr.
  • Access Restricted on Manatee Ave Eastbound at East Bay Dr. All lanes closed.
  • Access Restricted on SR-789 Southbound near 13th St S.
  • Access Restricted on SR-789 Northbound near N Shore Rd.
  • Flooding on Verna Bethany Rd Both Directions 0.48 Mi South of Sr-64 E. All lanes closed.
• Orange County
• • Flooding in Orange County on SR-436 / Semoran Blvd / Altamonte Dr North, at Line Dr.
  • Flooding in Orange County on SR-436 / Semoran Blvd / Altamonte Dr South, at Line Dr. Right lane blocked.
• Pasco County
• • Debris on Roadway on Cecelia Dr Both Directions at George St.
• Pinellas County
• • Emergency vehicles on I-275 South, ramp to Mile Marker 13, Skyway North Rest Area. Off-ramp closed. 
  • Emergency vehicles on I-275 North, ramp to Mile Marker 13, Skyway North Rest Area. Off-ramp closed. 
• Polk County
• • Emergency road construction in Polk County on SR-540 East, at US-98. Right lane blocked.
• Sarasota County
• • Access Restricted on Gulf of Mexico Dr Both Directions at The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
  • Access Restricted on Siesta Dr Westbound at San Remo Ter.
  • Access Restricted on Siesta Dr Eastbound at Norsota Way.
  • Access Restricted on SR-789 at Main St Dr.
  • Access Restricted on St Armands Cir Both Directions near John Ringling Blvd
• Seminole County
• • Flooding on SR-426 Westbound near Wrights Rd.        
• Volusia County
• • Flooding on I-4 West, before MM 129/US-92. On-ramp closed.
  • Major Road Damage on S Volusia Ave Southbound at Enterprise Rd. All lanes closed.
  • Flooding on Saxon Blvd Eastbound near I-4 Westbound.
  • Flooding on SR-415 North, at Howland Blvd.
  • Emergency road construction in Volusia County on SR-472 East, at N Kentucky Ave. Right lane blocked.
  • Debris on Roadway on US Highway 17 Both Directions at Prevatt Rd.
  • Flooding on US-17 North, at Blue Springs Ave.
  • Flooding on US-92 West, at I-4 Ramp Overpass. All lanes closed.  
  • Flooding on US-92 East, at Indian Lake Rd. 
  • Flooding on US-92 East, at Beach St.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively working to provide any needed assistance to drinking water, wastewater and hazardous waste facilities. Outreach to these facilities to determine operational status is ongoing.
• DEP's online portal WaterTracker is live for drinking and wastewater facilities to report their operational status, and staff have begun outreach to facilities. DEP is working with Florida's Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to dispatch generators, fuel and pump trucks and other resources to assist drinking and wastewater facilities.
• DEP has authorized 154 Disaster Debris Management Sites (DDMS) for Hurricane Helene and an additional 194 for Hurricane Milton. These sites are a critical component of expediting clean-up and reducing environmental and public health impacts post-storm. DEP is coordinating the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Landfill Strike Teams to assess DDMS operating as a result of these storms.
• For counties and local governments in need of additional debris disposal locations, DEP has approved all pending DDMS site activation requests and DEP stands ready to approve the activation of any additional pre-authorized or new DDMSs that may be needed.
• DEP's Hazardous Area Response Teams, working in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard, will identify oil spills and hazardous material releases in coastal and inland waterways.
• Florida's water management districts are actively engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state to support flood control efforts, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding.
• • The St. Johns River Water Management has deployed two temporary pumps to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital.
  • The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has deployed one temporary pump in Pasco County.
  • The South Florida Water Management District has deployed two temporary pumps to the upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to move more water south and provide relief to communities experiencing flooding.
• The has activated the Tampa Bypass Canal System to help protect the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa from river flooding. More than 4 million gallons a minute are being moved through this system. This action stops all or part of the flow of the Hillsborough River before it reaches the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa and stores it in the Hillsborough Flood Detention Area. The stored water can then be safely moved down to McKay Bay using the Tampa Bypass Canal.
• DEP is coordinating post-storm beach surveys to determine impacts to shorelines and erosion, as well as inspecting damage to beach projects in impacted counties along both coasts.
• Beaches teams are performing assessments on the West Coast and will be utilizing aerial oblique videography (AOV) to conduct initial assessment of most impacted areas. On the East Coast, assessment teams are in place and have started initial assessments.
• • So far, 68 windshield survey reports have been completed in Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, Volusia and Indian River counties.
• 10 Florida State Parks strike teams have been assembled to assist with assessment and recovery efforts at impacted state parks. Two teams are on the ground today, and other teams and equipment will be deployed as conditions allow and needs are identified.
• 69 state parks have reopened following Hurricane Milton. DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
• DEP's Emergency Final Order also removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, including coastal structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.
• The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) have deployed high-water rescue vehicles to areas impacted by Hurricane Milton.
• FHP is actively conducting patrols of evacuated communities and those damaged by Hurricane Helene to suppress criminal activity and prevent looting.
• FHP Unmanned Aerial Systems Teams are conducting surveys of bridges and hospitals for damage.
• 75 FHP QRF Members mobilized from Camp Blanding to the southwest Florida area to assist with road clearing and emergency relief efforts.
• FHP is actively conducting escorts of ambulance and other first responder convoys.
• FHP is escorting fuel trucks to areas critically low on fuel.
• FHP is escorting utility vehicles to expedite power and water restoration efforts.
• FHP is conducting traffic control and site security at Hope Florida distribution sites in Lee, Sarasota, and Charlotte.
• FHP is conducting traffic control at Port Tampa Bay to ensure fuel trucks reach their destination without delay.
• FHP is conducting traffic control at major intersections in Hillsborough County that are without power.
• FHP is conducting traffic control in flooded communities.
• FHP is providing security at fueling locations including public fuel sites in Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Plant City.
• FHP's fleet of 6 skid steers is deployed in affected areas to clear debris, open roadways, and restore order.
• FHP has deployed chainsaw cut teams to remove fallen trees from residences.
• FHP air support is deployed in areas impacted by storm-damage from Hurricane Milton.
• The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is in contact with all school districts following Hurricane Milton and the Department is working with FDEM to address critical needs. Of the 50 traditional school districts that closed for Hurricane Milton, the Department expects at least 43 school districts will be open on Monday, October 14. For more information on school district, state college and university reopenings, visit https://www.fldoe.org/storminfo.
• The State University System of Florida has been in communication with universities in all impacted areas. Less than 48 hours after Hurricane Milton made landfall, six out of the 12 universities within the State University System of Florida are open. For the latest information about the operational status of universities, please visit https://www.fldoe.org/storminfo.
• The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) reported that all staff and inmates in the path of Hurricane Milton have been accounted for. Updates will be made available to the public at www.fdc.myflorida.com/weather-updates.

Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) continues to stage assets and personnel across 13 offices statewide. As soon as it is safe to do so, teams will begin disaster inspections of food service establishments, damage assessments of licensed locations and sweeps to check for unlicensed contracting activity.
• DBPR is leading the coordination of state agency participation at 11 Multi-Agency Resource Centers across ten counties, each scheduled to open by Monday, October 14.
• DBPR's Division of Hotels and Restaurants has shared emergency reopening guidance with 137,000 restaurants and lodging licensees across the state to ensure they are operating safely following the storm.
• DBPR's Emergency Order 2024-08, issued at the direction of Governor DeSantis in response to Hurricane Helene, in part allows food service businesses to operate temporary food kitchens. The order also applies to businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton, and DBPR has encouraged impacted food service businesses to take advantage of this option as the Department works to help them re-open as soon as possible. Food service operators can register their temporary kitchens here.
• The Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. DBPR encourages Florida's licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
• Volunteer Florida partner resources:
• • Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers: 833-514-2940
  • 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls.
  • Red Cross Hotline is open to assist: 1-800-Red Cross
  • Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386
  • Volunteer opportunities promoted through Volunteer Connect
  • New email for hurricane-related inquiries: [email protected].
• FloridaCommerce is communicating and coordinating with more than 200 private sector partners across the state.
• Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Milton. Interested applicants can apply now through December 4, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.
• In record time, FloridaCommerce has approved more than $1.3 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Milton. To date, 33 businesses have been approved to receive these funds to bridge the gap while they wait on other funding, such as insurance, with more applications being approved daily. FloridaCommerce has approved more than $9.8 million to 237 small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Milton. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz < /a>and selecting "Hurricane Milton" from the dropdown menu. More than 770 Business Damage Assessment Surveys have been completed.
• FloridaCommerce deployed 22 agency employees into communities across the state providing outreach and support to individuals and businesses, including four small business canvassing strike teams in North Florida, Central Florida and South Florida, and other teams joining the Hope Florida buses and DBPR, DJJ, and APD in Charlotte County, Lee County, Manatee County and Sarasota County.
• Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) has disaster relief resources and information for Floridians in need of housing options and other housing related support. For more information click here. FHFC has also activated FloridaHousingSearch.org to assist hurricane-impacted Floridians in locating an affordable rental property. This free, statewide search platform is being constantly updated to ensure all listings are accurate. Floridians can also call 1-877-428-8844.
• FloridaCommerce continues to work with the Florida Chamber, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and other private sector partners to consistently updates business open/close status at FloridaDisaster.biz. FloridaCommerce staff have made more than 600 calls to rural and small businesses to help with this effort.
• FloridaCommerce is working with private sector banking partners to ensure that evacuees have access to banks and are able to withdraw cash.
• FloridaCommerce activated the Private Sector Hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected].
• Briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners. For call information email [email protected].
• FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida is hosting daily calls with the
  21 Local Workforce Development Boards and 38 Community Action Agencies across the state to assist employees and employers after the weather event.
• FloridaCommerce has worked with Walmart, City Furniture, Citrus Springs Industrial Holdings, FloridaMakes, Amazon and TECO to successfully identify and secure sites for debris disposal and additional shelters for evacuees.
• Wawa will be distributing ice and bottled water at various store locations in impacted areas. For more information click here.
• Wawa stores in Florida provide free coffee and fountain beverages to all first responders, including the National Guard in Florida in appreciation for all they are doing to support and serve our communities during hurricane response and recovery efforts.
• Wawa has donated $500,000 to the Florida Disaster Fund to support the state of Florida's private fund established to provide financial assistance to communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster.
• The Wawa Community Coffee Truck has been deployed to Sarasota County and is distributing free coffee, water and ice to impacted Floridians.
• Walmart has donated $5,000 in gift cards to HOPE FLORIDA for cleaning supplies, toiletries and water to assist with post-storm deployment in impacted areas. Additionally, Walmart has donated kosher food to impacted Jewish communities ahead of Yom Kippur.
• Comcast has opened more than 261,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across the state. The free and public hotspots are open for anyone to use, including non-Xfinity customers. For more information visit Finder.wifi.xfinity.com. Comcast is also positioning crews and equipment to immediately respond after the storm, should there be any service interruptions for Comcast Business or Xfinity customers.
• Tesla has available charging stations for those evacuating with electric vehicles available at Tesla.com/findus. The live status and availability of superchargers can also be found in the Tesla app.
• SpaceX has delivered another 400 Starlink kits to the state of Florida to support Hurricane Milton.
• SpaceX has worked with T-Mobile to active Direct to Cell satellites to provide emergency alerts for all cell phones and carriers in affected areas. SpaceX and T-Mobile have enabled basic texting (SMS) via satellite for T-Mobile users in hurricane affected areas.
• The AT&T Weather Operations Center has a team of degreed meteorologists delivering business-specific weather intelligence, analytics, and forecasts. The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG) - led by a dedicated team of former first responders - is working around the clock to support public safety's emergency communications and has liaisons engaged with local and federal agencies.
• Spectrum announced it will help residents stay connected by offering free, unlimited access to Spectrum Wi-Fi access points in Florida. A map of locations can be viewed at Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi Map: Get WiFi Access Anywhere.
• FloridaCommerce coordinated with partners to provide generators to several Jewish communities so that they are able to hold services for Yom Kippur.
• VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline are available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
• Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates for those in the 51 counties declared as under a state of emergency by Governor Ron DeSantis.
• Scenic Stays Vacation Rentals in Northwest Florida has a 35% discount with promotion code MILTON. Go to myscenicstays.com or call 850-407-2244 to book.
• Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has extended special offers for Evacuees and First Responders in need of accommodations in the event of an evacuation. Please see the linked pages below for more information.
• • EVACUEES Good for stays through October 31. Book by October 29
  • FIRST RESPONDERS Good for stays through December 31. Book by December 29
• The Florida SBDC Network is readying its Mobile Assistance Center
  vehicles and staff to deploy to impacted areas to assist business owners in connecting with available disaster resources.
• The Florida SBDC Network is coordinating with regional offices and stakeholders to better understand impacts to small businesses and share information about state resources.
• The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) offers online resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services provider(s), including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.
• OIR, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers. Information can be found here.
• The Department of Revenue (DOR) has the following update: Florida law allows exporters, petroleum carriers, and importers to request a temporary fuel tax license during a disaster or declared state of emergency. Out-of-state applicants are not required to submit a fee, secure bonding, or undergo a background check if they apply for and receive a temporary fuel tax license. Visit the Florida Fuel Tax webpage for more information on Florida's temporary fuel tax licensing program: https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/fuel.aspx
• The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) has deployed 203 Starlinks for Hurricane Milton.
• The Florida Department of State (DOS) Division of Elections has been reaching out to Supervisors to assess their needs post storm. The Division is prepared to coordinate communications between county Supervisors of Elections and appropriate disaster agencies, if needed. We have also reached out to United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding concerns about elections information and vote-by-mail ballots during this time. The Florida Department of State will continue to follow up with Supervisors throughout this time as their needs evolve.

  For previous updates see below:
  10/6/2024 (1)
  10/6/2024 (2)
  10/7/202 4 (1)
  10/7/2024 (2)
  10/8/20 24 (1)
  10/8/2024 (2)
  10/9/2024 (1)
  10/9/2024 (2)
  10/10/2024 (1)
  10/10/2024 (2)
  10/11/2024 (1)
  10/11/2024 (2)
  10/12/2024 (1)

  Follow FDEM on X,Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Milton.

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