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

DESTIN, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Jared Perdue, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Larry Keefe in Destin, where Hurricane Isaias made landfall, to provide updates on Florida’s ongoing response and recovery efforts following the storm.

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin at approximately 9:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 9, as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-202, amending EO-26-212 and declaring a state of emergency for 27 Florida counties.

As of 1 p .m., 439,162 accounts were without power. Restoration crews continue working around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, prioritizing the hardest-hit communities.

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

State Preparedness and Public Safety

Florida State Guard

The Florida State Guard (FSG) has deployed nearly 400 soldiers to assist with recovery efforts, including preliminary damage assessments, route clearance, points of distribution (POD) operations, and air, ground, and maritime search and rescue support.

The Crisis Response Battalion (CRB) has four amphibious rescue actively supporting rescue operations, accessing difficult or flooded terrain, and moving responders and supplies.

CRB has 10 cut-and-toss teams actively working to cut and remove storm debris, clear access routes, and support mechanical clearance teams.

CRB has a telehandler team actively loading, unloading, and moving supplies at staging, logistics, and distribution sites.

CRB has six skid steer teams actively assisting with debris removal, route and access clearance, and supporting cut-and-toss crews.

CRB has five medium-duty transportation teams actively moving equipment and supplies and supporting convoys.

FSG’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) unit has seven teams actively providing search and rescue support, aerial reconnaissance, mapping, and imagery collection for route assessment, documentation of storm impacts, and response planning.

The Aviation Response Squadron has five FSG aircraft (three rotary-wing and two fixed-wing) and aircrews prepared to support preliminary damage assessments, search and rescue operations, and mapping of impacted areas.

The Maritime Response Squadron has eight shallow-water boat teams actively supporting preliminary damage assessments and search and rescue operations.

FSG is actively working four missions at the request of Panhandle counties:

Holmes County has requested cut-and-toss teams to remove downed trees in roadways to clear them for transportation.

Escambia County has requested cut-and-toss teams to remove downed trees in roadways and other affected areas.

Escambia County has a UAS team to provide aerial support for critical infrastructure damage assessments and search and rescue operations.

An FSG fixed-wing aircraft will transmit live aerial footage along Florida’s west coast from Citrus to Franklin County to the SEOC while dually working to identify large debris and derelict vessels.

FSG is providing UAS support at the request of FDEM for beach reconnaissance from Mary Esther to Gulf Breeze to support recovery efforts.
 
FSG is supporting FHP in the Panhandle by providing amphibious rescue vehicles and teams, UAS support, and manned aircraft to support the restoration and recovery of flooded areas.
 
FSG maritime and ground units are working alongside FWC in Destin to support recovery efforts.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Emergency Preparedness Bureau is actively coordinating the state law enforcement response to affected areas.

FDLE is coordinating assets to impacted areas from Hurricane Isaias, including equipment and mobile command posts, backup satellite and communications systems, and aviation assets at strategic locations. Portable towers are staged for emergency communications.

FDLE aviation assets are ready for deployment to assist with damage assessments and law enforcement support for impacted areas.

FDLE successfully executed an Accountability and Assistance review of all internal members, FCA, and FPCA to determine their wellness post Hurricane Isaias.

FDLE is monitoring recovery needs from Hurricane Isaias to assess personnel deployment to impacted areas and the potential activation of mobile command posts and base camps.

FDLE has identified internal incident management teams to support FDLE’s Pensacola Regional Operations Center (PROC), ensuring it remains operational and ready to support affected areas. PROC staff will be embedded at the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support law enforcement missions in the area.

FDLE is coordinating fuel services along Interstate 10 for local law enforcement. First responder refueling locations have been identified along the Interstate 10 corridor.

FDLE is coordinating the staging of two urban search and rescue teams from South Florida in Tallahassee.

FDLE is coordinating with the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA) and Florida Police Chief’s Association (FPCA) to contact all the impacted local and county law enforcement agencies in the impacted areas to identify outstanding needs.

FDLE is coordinating with FHP to assess road closures, bridge closures, and escorts of needed supplies and essential personnel to affected areas.

FDLE is monitoring multiple outages of non-emergency systems, 911 systems, and state law enforcement radio systems. FDLE is coordinating law enforcement radio resources to impacted agencies.

Florida Department of Military Affairs

The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has approximately 5,000 Soldiers and Airmen activated, staged throughout impact area. Units are conducting search and rescue, route clearance, ground and air reconnaissance, humanitarian assistance (HA), protection of critical infrastructure, flood mitigation missions as well as supporting state and local officials with high-wheeled vehicle support.

The FLNG has more than 1,300 tactical high-wheeled vehicles, 10 Zodiac boats, and 50 construction/route clearance vehicles available for this mission.

Additionally, FLNG have eight helicopters (one CH-47, one HH-60, and six UH-60) available. The aircraft on standby under EMAC have been released back to their home states.

The FLNG has established Liaison Officers in 16 counties and 13 route clearance teams to immediately respond following landfall.

Completed two route clearance missions to hospitals: four additional route clearance missions underway.

FLNG is equipped with assets including high-wheeled vehicles, helicopters, boats, and generators. FLNG is preparing for potential missions, including humanitarian assistance, security operations, route clearance, search and rescue, and other response efforts.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

In addition to the 75 local Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers, 28 additional FWC officers have deployed to areas impacted by Hurricane Isaias with additional specialized equipment including:

Nine ATVs and side-by-sides

Six larger platform vessels

75 four-wheel-drive vehicles

FWC has deployed multiple teams of officers from areas of the state unlikely to be severely affected by the storm for deployment to areas that may be seriously impacted, supplementing local FWC officers already assigned to affected areas.

FWC Special Operations Group reconnaissance for the State EOC proactively patrolling areas of concern in the affected areas.

FWC’s Aviation Section has two aircraft on station since early this morning conducting initial search and rescue missions, damage assessments and immediate mission response (Bell 429 with pilot and 3 hoist crew w/camera and Cessna 208 caravan w/camera).  Aircraft will station in Tallahassee and be available as needed. 

Florida Department of Corrections

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is currently in storm response and recovery.

At FDC Institutions: All facilities are secure, and all inmates have been accounted for. Staff accountability is underway.

In FDC Circuits: The Office of Community Corrections is making contact with offenders. Staff accountability is underway.

FDC has mobilized damage assessments teams in Region I and Region II to survey impacts. At this time, minor damages have been reported at institutions in Region I, and no damage has been reported in Region II.

Several FDC institutions impacted by the storm are safely operating on generators.

FDC is deploying additional resources to institutions to ensure operational continuity
Weekend visitation has been canceled across North Florida, including at FDC’s Region I and Region II institutions.

FDC posts public updates at FDC.MyFlorida.com/weather-updates.

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

Youth and staff in DJJ facilities are accounted for and safe. DJJ has begun to assess facilities for damages in impacted areas and currently, there is minimal damage to facilities. DJJ has initiated its post-storm recovery efforts which include the continued assessment of facilities for damage and post-storm clean-up.

DJJ continues to coordinate with its staff, providers, and law enforcement partners to ensure juvenile assessment centers and detention screening units remain operational post-storm.

Youth on community supervision with office appointments will be given specific instructions from their juvenile probation officers about office closures.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers are actively supporting response and recovery operations by clearing roadways, escorting critical supplies, and assisting utility restoration crews.

FHP has deployed cut teams to impacted areas to remove debris and downed trees obstructing roadways.

Four cut teams are actively engaged in removing tree and debris from homes and roadways, with 67 cut missions completed to date.

FHP troopers are also conducting traffic control along U.S. Highway 98 due to severe flooding.

FHP Troopers are conducting traffic control at multiple intersections due to inoperable intersection lights in the impacted areas.

FHP is providing escorts for critical resources and restoration equipment, including:

12 water tankers to support temporary water restoration in Escambia County.

Utility trucks traveling to Okaloosa County to support power restoration.

Two water pump trucks traveling to impacted areas.

FHP has deployed 45 members of its Quick Response Force (QRF) to assist with roadway clearance, cut-and-toss operations, and emergency response.

More than 300 QRF troopers statewide remain ready to respond as needed.

67 Troopers are working alpha/bravo shifts in the Central Panhandle to ensure law enforcement presence on I-10.

Additional FHP personnel and equipment are staged and ready to support ongoing recovery operations, including:

Seven FHP UAS personnel are conducting damage assessment overflights in the affected area.

FHP UAS personnel are actively engaged in high-water rescue efforts.

Four mobilized cut teams and chainsaw crews consisting of more than 25 troopers.

Two high-water rescue vehicles and seven skid steers

Two Mobile Command Centers positioned at the State Emergency Operations Center.

Aviation assets available for deployment.

Nine FHP sworn members are currently staffing activated County Emergency Operations Centers to support coordination with local officials.

Additionally, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has issued an emergency order to facilitate response and recovery operations.

The order waives hours-of-service and registration requirements for commercial motor carriers and drivers involved in emergency relief efforts

It also waives certain state fees, late renewal penalties, and related administrative requirements for motorists impacted by the storm.

Health and Human Services

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ 120-bed Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City, Bay County, is operating normally, with no damage. 18 family members of staff and residents sheltered overnight.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Outpatient Clinics in Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, Panama City, Marianna, and Tallahassee are closed and scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, October 13. 

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is actively monitoring post-storm conditions and providing timely updates to APD leadership, regional offices, providers, partners, and stakeholders in affected areas.

APD-operated facilities reported 436 residents on campus, including 119 at Sunland Center, 133 at the Developmental Disabilities Defendant Program and 184 at Tacachale. An additional 14 Tacachale residents are hospitalized. No unmet needs have been reported at these facilities.

Sunland Center has deployed flood prevention measures throughout the facility, established staffing plans to ensure adequate direct care and nursing coverage, and will have maintenance staff on-site 24/7 throughout the storm. Sunland experienced temporary power outages, but power has been restored. Approximately a dozen trees and multiple limbs were downed. No structural damage has been identified at this time, and assessments are ongoing. Internet service remains down.

APD continues outreach to clients, providers, regions and facilities in potentially affected areas to verify status and identify any immediate needs. At this time, there are no unmet needs reported.

APD has developed a public-facing emergency information toolkit on its website with storm preparedness and response information for clients, families, providers, staff, and partners.

APD has identified 145 group homes serving 700 residents across affected counties in the Northeast, Northwest, and Central Regions. One group home in Panama City relocated residents as a precautionary measure. No unmet needs have been reported, including at the relocated group home.

APD has identified over 2,700 clients residing in family homes and independent or supported living settings across affected counties. Regional outreach and provider notifications are ongoing, with no unmet needs reported.

APD has established six regional emergency email mailboxes for providers to report their operational status and any unmet needs during the storm.

Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is actively supporting response and recovery efforts to ensure Floridians have access to critical medical services following the storm.

DOH has transitioned its warehouse operations to a 24/7 schedule to support the distribution of critical medical supplies and resources.

DOH is coordinating efforts to stabilize water service for health care facilities in Escambia County.

DOH is also supporting emergency medical response operations, including:

Special Needs Shelters remain open in nine counties: Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington, Santa Rosa, Gadsden, and Wakulla.

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Gadsden, Holmes, Walton, and Wakulla are preparing for demobilization.

Okaloosa County will provide mobile oxygen unit to Walton County.

County health departments in impacted areas have implemented temporary closures and secured facilities due to storm conditions.

DOH is prioritizing the deployment of environmental health resources to impacted communities to address post-storm public health concerns.

DOH is coordinating post-storm public health communications to provide residents with timely safety guidance, including carbon monoxide poisoning prevention, mosquito-borne illness prevention, flooding, safe drinking water and other storm-related health risks.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

A Health Facility Reporting System event has been opened for all 27 counties.

7 evacuations have been reported in HFRS

4 Assisted Living Facility (282 residents)

1 Nursing Home (83 residents)

1 Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (5 residents)

69 providers have indicated power issues.

27 providers have indicated damages.

As of October 9, 2026, Statewide Medicaid Managed Care plans had successfully contacted approximately 7,500 members with specialized care needs, including long-term care enrollees and individuals receiving enhanced care coordination and support services, as part of ongoing hurricane preparedness and response efforts. Plans continue to conduct outreach to members to assess their needs and provide support as necessary.

Medicaid recipients who need assistance or support are encouraged to contact their Medicaid managed care plan directly or the Medicaid Helpline at 1-877-254-1055 Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm or online 24/7 at https://www.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com/complaint#%2F for assistance with their needs.

Florida Department of Children and Families

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is supporting post-storm response to Hurricane Isaias, coordinating food and water distribution, shelter support, and survivor services. 600 pallets of food and hot meal support is being coordinated for impacted communities.

DCF has also staged two shelter support teams, totaling 150 personnel, 32 nursing support personnel, and 18 survivor transportation vehicles, along with a crisis counseling task force.

DCF is completing outreach in impacted areas to assess the safety and unmet needs of families and caregivers involved in active child protective investigations, children in out-of-home care, and adult protective services clients.

DCF is conducting checks of licensed locations in impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and address unmet needs as it becomes safe to do so.

DCF’s Office of Economic Self Sufficiency is monitoring power outages and flooding following Hurricane Isaias. Based on post-impact assessments, the Department will evaluate appropriate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) response options for affected counties, including the replacement of SNAP benefits, waiver for hot food purchases, and potential waiver for Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) operations.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is coordinating with Area Agencies on Aging in impacted areas to assess senior needs and ensure preparedness. Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging staff have contacted nearly 700 seniors to date. At this time, seniors contacted are on track for safe and successful storm preparation.

Advantage Aging Solutions (Tallahassee) offices are closed. They have provided 415 meals to seniors. Additionally provided water, and tarps in Gadsden County. 1,389 seniors in total have been called, and 391 wellness checks were completed. Many service providers closed following local emergency management recommendations. Service providers are following communication recommendations and are in contact with local Emergency Management offices at this time. 

Elder Options has initiated 646 calls to seniors in six impacted counties, while local aging partners continue monitoring emergency management updates and coordinating with service providers. Prior to executive order, service providers distributed 1,624 shelf stable meals for clients to have on hand for the hurricane season.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Education

Florida Department of Transportation
FDOT has over 1,100 team members activated for storm response.

Over 260 pieces of heavy equipment are in the field and working through various missions.

A total of 1,400 generators and 100 pumps are being deployed as needed.

30 UAV teams are actively conducting damage and flooding assessments.

All state-owned bridges are open for travel.

Crews inspected all coastal bridges by 6.a.m.

Cut and Toss crews are actively clearing arterial roadways for emergency responders, utility restoration, and supplies.

All interstates have been cleared and open for travel.
40 Cut and Toss teams cleared I-10 before 6am.
Cut and Toss crews cleared and opened U.S. 98 by 6am.

Traffic signal assessments are underway. Crews are actively deploying generators to restore traffic signals with temporary power.

Crews are currently working on localized flooding east of Brooks Bridge in Okaloosa Island.

FDOT Executive Order is in place to waive standard size and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles transporting fuel, emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agriculture commodities.

Governor DeSantis has waived the suspension of tolls on Mid-Bay Bridge and Spence Parkway in Okaloosa County and Garcon Point Bridge in Santa Rosa County to help facilitate evacuations.  

Road and Bridge Closures and Detours
Download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for real-time road/bridge closures and potential detours. Before heading out, drivers should always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Remember to never drive through flooded areas. The roadway beneath the water may conceal debris, or even power lines. Turn Around; Don’t Drown.

Transportation Modes Updates
Seaports

Port of Pensacola closed waterside and landside operations.

Port Panama City closed waterside and landside operations.

Airports
Latest updates for the following airports:

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) closed to commercial service.

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) closed to commercial service.

Some commercial flight cancellations or delays are being reported. Check with airlines directly on specific flight updates.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is coordinating with Florida’s fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available across Florida.

The Florida Forest Service (FFS) is establishing chainsaw crews to support response operations. Heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, skid steers, excavators, and dump trucks, is being prepared to respond as needed for road-clearing activities.

FDACS is preparing fuel inspectors for post-storm deployment to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are operating properly and to test fuel quality.

FDACS is preparing food safety inspectors for post-storm deployment to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of permitted food establishments.

FDACS is coordinating with agricultural partners to ensure producers have adequate resources and support.

Updates on State Forest closures can be found here.

FDACS is working to connect evacuating livestock and horse owners with open public and private facilities across the state. A list of open facilities can be found here .

On October 8, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Isaias. 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), and Mississippi.

Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for livestock and animals in critical need by completing this online request form mailto:form or calling 863-993-5460.

Florida Department of Education

The Florida Department of Education (DOE) continues to coordinate with school districts, state colleges and universities across Northwest Florida in response to Hurricane Isaias.

Numerous K-12 school districts, state colleges and universities throughout the Panhandle and North Florida closed or adjusted operations on Friday, October 9, due to the storm.

School districts and higher education institutions will communicate any additional closures, schedule changes or reopening plans as conditions allow.

Parents, students and employees should continue monitoring official school district, college and university communications for the latest updates.

For school closure information, visit FLDOE.org/storminfo.

For university-specific alerts and updates, visit FLBOG.edu/susfl-alert.

Florida Department of Management Services

The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) has activated the Emergency Information Hotline at (888) 336-7345 to provide information on state building closures.

Per associated mission requests, 54 Starlink kits activated and deployed.

DMS vendor Comcast has opened more than 26,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across Florida’s Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The hotspots are available at no cost to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is conducting outreach and coordination with drinking water, wastewater and hazardous waste facilities to determine operational status and assess for unmet needs.

WaterTracker is active, DEP’s online portal for drinking and wastewater facilities to report their operational status.

DEP’s Hazardous Assessment Response Teams are preparing to deploy alongside DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement’s Special Agents to address any potential impacts to hazardous materials in affected areas.

Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, DEP issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.

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.

DEP has received notification that 6 of the 260 pre-authorized Disaster Debris Management Sites have been activated for counties included in the Department’s Emergency Final Order to temporarily stage debris that may result from the storm. These sites are a critical component of expediting clean-up and reducing environmental and public health impacts post-storm.   DEP stands ready to support the activation of pre-authorized debris management sites and to authorize new sites as needed.

DEP has published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors informed. A list of closed state parks is available at FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.

Business, Consumer and Workforce Resources

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has organized Emergency Response Teams across 13 offices statewide that are ready to deploy once it is safe to conduct damage assessments and disaster inspections of licensed establishments.

DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 94,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide storm preparation and food safety resources.

DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with the Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.

DBPR has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage more than 76,000 Florida-licensed lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees. Lodging operators who have waived pet policies and fees are encouraged to complete DBPR’s Lodging Pet Fee Waiver Information Sheet. For a list of participating properties and corporate partners that have waived pet policies and fees, visit myfloridalicense.com/emergency.

FloridaCommerce

FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Isaias. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Isaias. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting  FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Isaias” from the dropdown menu. 

Uber is offering free round-trip rides, up to $40 each way, to and from state-approved evacuation shelters, listed on floridadisaster.org/shelters. Uber users must input the code ISAIAS26 into the Uber app before requesting a ride to a state-approved shelter. 
 
To access the rides:  

Download or open the Uber app.

Go to the Account section of the Uber app and click on Wallet

Scroll down to Promotions, click “Add Promo Code,” and enter code ISAIAS26.

Request an Uber ride to any of the state-approved Florida evacuation shelters listed on floridadisaster.org/shelters.

*Maximum discount of up to $40 per redemption. Maximum of 2 trips per account. To redeem discount, Uber Promotion code ISAIAS26 must be applied to the Payments section of the Uber app prior to requesting the intended trip. Uber Promotion is only valid for rides requested using the Uber App. Taxes, fees, and tips will be covered provided that the value of the Uber Voucher is greater than the total order amount. Offer is non-transferable, subject to change or cancellation.

AT&T is waiving Overage Charges to provide unlimited talk, text, and data for AT&T Postpaid and Prepaid Customers in impacted zip codes from October 9^—November 7.
 
AT&T is offering 25% off power accessories for both AT&T retail and Authorized Retail locations across Mississippi, Alabama, southern Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle.

To help residents, first responders and local communities stay connected during Hurricane Isaias, Comcast has opened more than 26,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across Florida’s Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The hotspots are available at no cost to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity customers. Public Xfinity WiFi hotspots are located both indoors and outdoors in places like shopping districts, parks, community gathering areas and local businesses. To find a hotspot, visit the   WiFi Hotspot Map,  enter your ZIP code, zoom into the interactive map and select a hotspot location for details.

Walmart Hurricane Preparedness & Response: Walmart has been actively preparing for the hurricane by prioritizing associate safety, coordinating store closures and reopening plans, and addressing fuel transportation and supply-chain needs.

Walmart has also prepositioned several truckloads of supplies within reach of Florida to support immediate post-storm response and recovery.

Additionally, Walmart is working with the Salvation Army at the state and regional levels to coordinate recovery assistance and with Convoy of Hope to provide gift cards for clothing and essential items at three stabilization centers in Bay, Escambia, and Okaloosa counties.

FloridaCommerce continues to work with private sector partners to consistently update business open/close status on FloridaDisaster.biz.

FloridaCommerce has activated the Private Sector Hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 7 AM to 7 PM. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected].

FloridaCommerce is communicating and coordinating with more than 200 private sector partners across the state.

FloridaCommerce has begun making calls to businesses in affected areas to access their needs following the storm.

FloridaCommerce has its mobile response units ready to deploy into the field as soon as it is safe to do so. These units assist individuals with employment and reemployment needs and small businesses applying for emergency bridge loans.

FloridaCommerce has assembled strike teams to begin business-to-business canvassing—connecting one-on-one with business owners and providing information about the Business Damage Assessment Survey and other resources for small businesses—as soon as it is safe to do so.

Daily briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners from 2:00-3:00 PM. For call information, email [email protected].

FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida are hosting daily calls with the 10 Local Workforce Development Boards and 14 Community Action Agencies across affected counties to assess readiness and resource needs.

FloridaCommerce is coordinating with private sector partners, including FloridaMakes, to secure lodging and staging areas for first responders and recovery crews.

FloridaCommerce’s disaster information website, FloridaDisaster.biz, is being updated to include resources and information for businesses.

Florida Small Business Development Center Network

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is in communication with the U.S. Small Business Administration and federal partners.

The Florida SBDC Network is readying its Mobile Assistance Center fleet for rapid deployment following the storm.

The Florida SBDC Network is working with local partners to determine potential Business Resource sites after the storm.

VISIT FLORIDA

VISIT FLORIDA has activated emergency accommodation resources through partnerships with Expedia, Priceline and Booking.com providing impacted Floridians and visitors with real-time hotel availability and lodging options during emergencies.

CareerSource Florida

CareerSource Florida Career Center closures can be found at FloridaDisaster.biz.

Florida Department of Lottery

All players wishing to cash their winning tickets at the District Office should retain them for normal business hours on Monday.

Office of Insurance Regulation

The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is drafting information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 26-202.

This information will be provided to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers and will be available on OIR’s website.

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has encouraged public lodging establishments to relax or waive their no-pet policies and pet fees to ensure families can safely evacuate and stay together with their pets.

Office of Financial Regulation

The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued a proclamation to more than 3,700 financial institutions and securities professionals.

OFR offers online resources at FLOFR.gov/education/disaster-resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services providers, including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.

Florida Department of Revenue

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 Florida’s Fuel Tax webpage for more information on the temporary fuel tax licensing program: FloridaRevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/fuel.aspx.

Florida Statutes provide direction for property affected by a catastrophic event. The Department of Revenue has created two helpful resources to assist homeowners:

Florida Housing Finance Corporation

Florida Housing is prepared to distribute information at FloridaHousing.org regarding resources that may be useful to constituents and officials seeking housing assistance following storm impacts.

Florida Housing is prepared to consider requests from counties and eligible municipalities within the areas covered by the state of emergency for waivers or suspensions of applicable State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) requirements, as authorized by Executive Order 26-202, to provide flexibility in addressing disaster-related housing needs.

Florida Housing has identified 226 Florida Housing-financed rental developments, totaling 16,897 units, within the 27 counties covered by the state of emergency. Florida Housing is preparing post-storm damage and available-unit reporting, along with information and resources for property owners regarding temporary housing for displaced households and applicable disaster-related compliance and recapture relief.

Volunteer and Nonprofit Coordination

Volunteer Florida

Volunteer Florida is coordinating with more than 100 Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (FLVOAD) partners to support response and recovery efforts.

Identifying staging locations and beginning distribution of food buckets, cleanup kits, hygiene supplies, and tools.

Working with partners through Operation Clear Path to provide disaster cleanup and debris removal assistance to vulnerable populations.

Airbnb.org is partnering with Florida’s 211 network and regional organizations to provide free emergency housing for residents under mandatory evacuation orders and relief personnel.

Disaster assistance hotlines are available:

211: Connects Floridians with food, housing, healthcare, and other essential resources.

833-513-2940: Provides free civil legal assistance to disaster survivors.

Encouraging coordinated volunteer efforts through Volunteer Connect and the “Cash, Confirm, Connect” strategy, while reminding volunteers not to self-deploy.
Partners are documenting donations, in-kind contributions, and volunteer hours, currently valued at $34.88 per hour in Florida

Florida Housing is prepared to consider requests from counties and eligible municipalities within the areas covered by the state of emergency for waivers or suspensions of applicable State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) requirements, as authorized by Executive Order 26-202, to provide flexibility in addressing disaster-related housing needs.

Florida Housing is prepared to distribute information at FloridaHousing.org regarding resources that may be useful to constituents and officials seeking housing assistance following storm impacts.

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