10/2/2024

ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on Response and Recovery Efforts to Hurricane Helene

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Major General John D. Haas Adjutant General of Florida, FloridaCommerce Secretary Alex Kelly and Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. in Perry to provide updates on recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene impacted Florida’s Big Bend region and Gulf Coast. Governor DeSantis also announced that all school districts in Florida are now operational and awarded funding from the Florida Disaster Fund to education foundations in Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Madison, and Suwannee Counties to help schools continue to recover from the storm.

As of this afternoon, approximately, 16,413 Floridians are without power. The State of Florida has restored 2,386,942 accounts.  

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state’s private fund overseen by Volunteer Florida established to provide financial assistance to our communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with public, private, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. To contribute visit FloridaDisasterFund.org.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, amending EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. 

To learn more, 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. 

Federal Disaster Relief
Governor DeSantis announced that Florida secured approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene 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 Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties. Public Assistance, which is available for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, is available for Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.  

State Response and Recovery Efforts 

• The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 on Tuesday, September 24, and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team. 
• As of October 1, state Point of Distribution Sites (PODs) supported by the Florida National Guard (FLNG) have distributed over 950,000 shelf-stable meals, over 1.3 million liters of water, over 38,000 10-pound bags of ice and nearly 50,000 tarps to individuals in need.
• The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 3,600 missions to assist counties in their response and recovery efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like disseminating pre-staged resources, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
• USAR teams have rescued over 54 survivors.
• The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has activated approximately 3,000 service members for Hurricane Helene response operations.
• FLNG has rescued 165 people and 63 animals.
• FLNG has 11 rotary wing aircraft to provide damage assessment support. Mississippi is providing an additional three rotary wing aircraft.
• The FLNG is providing logistics support, law enforcement support, route clearance, commodity distribution, flood mitigation, aviation and other support as needed by the state.
• The Florida State Guard (FSG) has mobilized a team in North Carolina supporting Operation Blue Ridge efforts.
• The Special Missions Unit (SMU) assembled a team, joining FWC and FDLE, to assist with search and rescue (SAR) operations in areas of North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. 
• During the last 24 hours, SMU located 18 of 27 individuals on their daily assigned SAR list, with efforts ongoing. Food and water remain secured at hold-up sites for exfiltrated Florida citizens. The SMU discovered an area of approximately 100 North Carolina families surrounded by flooding, washed-out roads and downed trees, making vehicle access impossible. They identified critical needs and coordinated with the Air National Guard to drop assets of food and water.   
• During the last 48 hours of Operation Blue Ridge, the team provided medical evacuation for two North Carolina families and located, exfiltrated and freed four Florida citizens.
• Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
• The FSG mobilized 217 guards in response to Hurricane Helene in impacted areas of Florida.
• A Special Missions Unit (SMU) provided the following Hurricane Helene recovery and response support:
• Route Clearance (cut and toss) Taylor, Dixie and Wakulla
• Damage Assessments – Dixie, Taylor and Wakulla
• During search and rescue operations and wellness checks in impacted areas, the SMU successfully rescued and transported an 80-year-old, wheelchair-bound, woman from a flooded building.
• The FSG provided transportation support for FDLE to move mission-essential equipment to impacted areas.
• The Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) aided in maritime patrol, debris removal and derelict vessel identification in impacted areas. During the operation, 4.6 miles of coastline and 7.2 miles of navigable water was cleared of debris in Cedar Key and 100 trees were cleared along the Aucilla River. 
• The Crisis Response Battalion (CRB) continues facilitating two points of distribution (POD) providing supplies to 874 vehicles in Steinhatchee/Taylor County. During the last 24 hours, the CRB deployed additional teams delivering supplies to civilians unable to reach the POD sites. Total distributions for the 24-hour period:  3,600 liters of water, over 2,000 shelf stable meals, and nearly 800 tarps.  
• The Crisis Response Battalion (CRB) and Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) assisted local and state officials in clearing boat ramps in Taylor County to support access for additional vessels providing support. Both teams conducted debris removal and clean up, adding Levy County to the supported area.
• The Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) assisted FWC with search/rescue, and welfare checks – confirming the location of 15 individuals - also conducting derelict vessel identification.
• The Aviation Response Squadron (ARS) facilitated emergency management and public safety leaders’ reconnaissance flights for Taylor County and Dixie County over their impacted areas, allowing the respective leadership to appropriately direct their response resources.
• The Crisis Response Battalion (CRB) conducted route clearance with FWC and FHP in Taylor County and conducted reconnaissance for search and rescue with FEMA at Keaton Beach.
• The Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) rescued one individual from the Suwannee River while on patrol in support of FWC. The rescued individual had been adrift on the river for approximately 36hrs and travelled over 25 river miles due to high currents.
• The Maritime Response Unit (MRS) conducted wellness checks along the Withlacoochee River and Cedar Key area with FWC.
• The CRB deployed Fat Truck teams transporting nine displaced residents to their inaccessible homes at Keaton Beach to assess property damage and retrieve belongings.
• The CRB deployed Fat Truck teams to an inaccessible area of Taylor County conducting welfare checks and providing 12 residents with supplies and assistance.  
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Mutual Aid team is coordinating more than 80 active law enforcement missions including, security, law enforcement support and traffic control. More than 90 missions have been completed.
• More than 550 law enforcement officers are deployed to the impacted areas.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has more than 100 officers and support staff responding to areas of Florida impacted by Hurricane Helene. The teams have transitioned to humanitarian and security missions. 
• FWC officers conducted vessel assessments and water and signage surveys for missing or damaged navigational aids and manatee zone postings in Dixie, Levy and Citrus counties
• FWC officers are conducting vessel assessments for vessels damaged or displaced by the storm in the Tampa area, and from Manatee County to Charlotte County.
• FWC officers will continue security patrols in Yankeetown on the Withlacoochee River.
• FWC Captive Wildlife Investigators are contacting game farms and hunting preserves in impacted counties, some damage is being repaired and some facilities have requested assistance. 
• Captive wildlife investigators have reported that no Class I, II or venomous reptile facilities experienced escapes or damage to primary enclosures.
• The FWC Skid Skeer Team assisted Tayor County with clearing the roads to the hardest-hit areas of the Taylor County coastline.
• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has over 2,100 FDOT team members working directly on storm response, working in offices, EOCs, and in the field to survey impacts and begin recovery.
• Cut and Toss Operations on state-owned facilities are complete, except for inaccessible areas or roadways with hazards. Over 800 crew members cleared over 12,300 miles of roadway, including 61 crews who cleared I-10 in under six hours after the storm made landfall.
• FDOT has shifted efforts towards debris pickup on local and state roads.
• 334 FDOT and contractor personnel.
• 372 pieces of heavy equipment.
• FDOT completed bridge inspections on all accessible state-owned and locally-owned bridges. 129 Bridge Inspectors reviewed and cleared 1,400 bridges across the impacted areas.
• State Road 789 in Sarasota and Manatee reopened on September 30, two days ahead of schedule after a 16 mile stretch experienced extreme damage. The southern portion of S.R. 789 reopened on September 29, within 24 hours of initiating emergency repair contracts.
• All three causeways in the Greater Tampa Bay were repaired and cleared within 24 hours of Helene’s landfall. 
• The roadway on Gulf Blvd in Pinellas County has now been cleared for vehicular traffic. 
• FDOT crews removed over 50,000 cubic yards of sand.
• Crews have reviewed over 9,000 traffic signals statewide. 18 signals across the impacted areas are not operational, however, crews are actively working to restore power to these locations.
• FDOT crews will perform Cut & Toss operations to support Madison County on their local roadways. 
• FDOT has committed to and have begun performing debris pick up within fiscally constrained counties.
• FDOT crews are supporting Dixie, Madison and Taylor Counties in clearing storm debris at 16 different schools across all three counties to ensure students can return back to the classroom following Hurricane Helene.    
• FDOT is assisting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the repair of a damaged truck sensor at an agricultural inspection station in Suwannee County.
• FDOT assisted rail industry partners and utility companies in removing downed power lines and fiberoptic cables across rail lines in impacted areas to ensure efficient mobility of goods and supplies throughout Florida’s rail network.
• FDOT Secretary issued FDOT Emergency Order on September 23, 2024, lifting weight restrictions and is allowing bypass of weigh stations for emergency response vehicles, including utility vehicles staging for rapid response.
• Work on construction projects have resumed normal operations on Monday, September 30 except for in Columbia, Dixie, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Pinellas, Suwannee and Taylor counties.
• FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated.
• Transportation Modes
• Seaports, Airports, Rail, and Transit Agencies have all resumed operations.
  Please check with service providers directly about potential service impacts.
• State-Owned Roads Closures (As of 2:00 p.m., 10/02/24) 
  State Road closures listed below. For real-time updates, Check FL511.com.
• Jackson County 
• Flooding on Caverns Rd Both Directions at Russell Rd. All lanes closed. 
• Pinellas, Sarasota, and Mantatee Counties may have restricted access to some barrier islands for local traffic only. Please check with local agencies and law enforcement for specific details
• The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) State Veterans' Service Officers are deployed to Disaster Recovery Centers in multiple counties to connect Veterans and their families with interrupted benefits, services and support. To contact a State Veterans' Service Officer, call (727) 319-7440 or send them an email at FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV
• Hope Navigators and volunteers from FDVA are deployed in multiple counties to lend support to relief efforts in the impacted areas. Call the HOPE FLORIDA line at (833) GET-HOPE for assistance.
• Volunteer Florida partner resources:
• Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers: 833-514-2940
• Samaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234 free assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster. Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work and Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.
• Red Cross Hotline is open to assist: 1-800-Red Cross
• Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123. Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster. Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and muckouts.
• Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386

Health and Human Services

• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues its recovery efforts with post storm wellness checks to clients, and families in affected areas verifying status and resolving immediate need requests. 
• Within the 22 FEMA declared counties for Individual Assistance there are 11,128 clients in the Family Home, and 668 Group Homes with 3,015 residents. APD is targeting these areas and clients for priority follow up, wellness checks and develop impact assessments with APD teams and provider staff. 
• APD is working with partners and the State Emergency Response Team overseeing Access and Functional Needs (AFN) emphasizing information sharing, fact finding, and problem solving
• APD Hope Florida Navigators, and APD emergency recovery teams have deployed to Muli-Agency Resource Centers and Hope Florida Distribution Centers throughout affected areas today.
• APD is working diligently to resolve mission requests, cases, and incidents as they come in within APD regional teams, leadership, and appropriate partners.
• The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) deployed over 60 emergency response vehicles.
• Staged emergency response vehicles are in Suwannee County.
• Tasked emergency response vehicles are in Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Pinellas, Suwannee, and Taylor counties.
• At this time, seven (7) Boil Water Notices have been rescinded.
• Charlotte (1), Citrus (3), Hillsborough (2), and Marion (1) counties.
• DOH has Special Needs Shelters available in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. A press release has been sent statewide for additional information on special needs shelters. To find a shelter near you, please visit the county emergency management page here.
  Special Needs Shelters are open in three (3) counties: Columbia (1), Pasco (1), and Pinellas (1) counties.
• The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-002, which:  
• Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency. 
• Permits emergency medical transportation services to operate across county lines.
• Permits Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Medical Directors, as defined by Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
• Authorizes a reporting extension for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
• Authorizes an extension of the upcoming licensure renewal deadlines for Nursing Home Administrators, Radiological Personnel, and Athletic Trainers until October 31, 2024.  
• DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-209. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers.
• There are 49 active Boil Water Notices. A comprehensive statewide list of notices for residents to access online can be found here:
• Alachua (1), Charlotte (2), Citrus (3), Clay (1), Columbia (4), Dixie (1), Duval (1), Hillsborough (12), Lake (2), Lee (1), Leon (2), Levy (4), Madison (1), Manatee (1), Marion (3), Nassau (1), Pasco (1), Pinellas (1), Putnam (3), Sumter (2), and Taylor (2) counties.
• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated reporting in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) and has requested that all health care providers report their census, available beds, evacuation status, and generator status information. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
• AHCA has made 1,927 phone calls to health care facilities in the impacted
  area, to check their status. 
• 15 health care facilities have reported evacuations. This includes:
• 8 assisted living facilities
• 4 nursing home
• 2 hospitals
• 1 adult family care home
• 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
• As of this morning, there are 11 health care facilities on generator power across the state. This includes:
• 7 assisted living facilities
• 2 nursing homes
• 1 adult family care home
• 1 residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
• The Agency has waived all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services until further notice. 
• AHCA has conducted 461 onsite post-incident assessment visits.

Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

• The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers are assisting with escorting critical restoration and recovery vehicles from around the state to areas impacted by the storm.
• 8 FHP drone teams and a fixed-wing aircraft are actively assisting with storm damage assessments in Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach in Taylor County, Cedar Key in Levy County, and Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County.
• FHP is providing security at storm response fuel sites.
• FHP Troopers are assisting with escorting utility crews across affected areas.
• FHP Troopers are supporting with traffic control in Taylor, Suwannee and Dixie Counties.
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued Emergency Order 24-05, in support of Executive Order 24-209 which: 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.
• FLHSMV have deployed Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles to Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, Perry, Jasper, and Steinhatchee to provide mobile driver license and vehicle registration services to those impacted by the storm.
• The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has deployed Hope Navigators to 20 shelters serving hundreds of individuals. 
• The Hope Bus has been stationed in Lafayette, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Taylor counties, and since the storm made landfall, we have served over 15,000 individuals. In addition, Hope Navigators have been deployed to Charlotte, Dixie, Lee, Madison, Hamilton Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor counties to go into neighborhoods directly impacted by the storm and offered resources and support to over 1,400 individuals.
• DCF has delivered and served over 510,000 meals, 664,000 bottles of water and other drinks, and 50,000 snacks to 30 counties.
• 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.
• Floridians impacted by the storm who need help and resources like food, supplies, home repairs, and more can request help through Activate Hope by completing the form 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 Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has worked with school districts and state colleges following Hurricane Helene to ensure that they have the necessary resources to reopen. Out of the total 68 school districts that announced closures due to Hurricane Helene, all school districts and state colleges are open today, Wednesday, October 2, 2024. For more information on school closures, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively working to provide 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. Currently, more than 98% of the drinking water facilities in the impacted area are operational.
• 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 and response agencies are working 1-on-1 with partially- and non-operational drinking and wastewater facilities to get them back to operational status as quickly as possible to meet the immediate service needs of the communities they serve. Areas under boil water advisories can be found at https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/drinking-water/boil-water-notices/index.html.
• DEP has deployed a mobile testing lab, in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in Chiefland, Florida to expedite testing for drinking water and surface waters for the protection of public health.
• DEP is working in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard to identify oil spills and hazardous material releases in coastal and inland waterways.
• 159 Disaster Debris Management Sites have been authorized to operate for Hurricane Helene. These sites are a critical component of expediting clean-up and reducing environmental and public health impacts post-storm and meeting federal reimbursement requirements. DEP is working to expeditiously authorize new sites.
• Seven Florida State Parks strike teams have deployed to assist with assessment and recovery efforts at impacted parks.
• 136 state parks have reopened following Hurricane Helene. 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.

Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Hotels and Restaurants inspection teams have conducted more than 1,400 disaster inspections and 1,200 outreach calls to impacted licensees in the affected counties.
• DBPR’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco has visited more than 600 impacted locations to complete damage assessments.
• DBPR’s Division of Regulation teams have conducted unlicensed activities sweeps across 17 impacted communities.
• At the direction of Governor DeSantis, DBPR issued Emergency Order 2024-08 to streamline Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and remove barriers for impacted businesses. Food service businesses can register a temporary food kitchen here.
• 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 ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
• Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. 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 Helene. Interested applicants can apply now through November 25, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.
• FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene 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 Helene” from the dropdown menu. 
• FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector recovery coordination calls. Briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners. For call information email esf18@em.myflorida.com.
• FloridaCommerce continues to work with the Florida Chamber, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and other private sector partners to consistently update business open/close status on FloridaDisaster.biz. FloridaCommerce staff have made more than 2,000 calls to rural and small businesses to help with this effort.
• FloridaCommerce and CareerSource Florida continues to host calls with the 21 Local Workforce Development Boards and 38 Community Action Agencies across the state to assess damage and deploy resources to help the hardest-hit areas. To find your local career center, visit careersourceflorida.com. 
• CareerSource Florida Career Center openings are being updated on FloridaDisaster.biz.
• FloridaCommerce has deployed 60 agency employees into communities in Charlotte, Dixie, Franklin, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla counties including Apalachicola, Bradenton, Crawfordville, Dekle Beach, Fort Myers, Greenville, Holiday, Horseshoe Beach, Jasper, Keaton Beach, Lee, Live Oak, Madison, Mayo, Monticello, New Port Richey, Perry, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Steinhatchee and Suwannee providing outreach and support to individuals and businesses.
• The Florida Small Business Development Center Network has deployed its Mobile Assistance Center to support outreach to impacted businesses.
• Florida SBDC Network regional offices are working with local stakeholders and clients to understand impacts and support technical assistance for applications to available disaster resources.
• Wawa stores in Florida are providing free coffee and fountain beverages to all first responders, including National Guard in Florida in appreciation for all they are doing to support and serve our communities during Hurricane response and recovery efforts. 
• The Wawa Community Care Coffee Truck has been deployed to Taylor and Lafayette Counties, providing free coffee and water to residents impacted by the storm.
• Spectrum announced it will help residents stay connected after Hurricane Helene by offering free, unlimited access to Spectrum WiFi access points in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For locations: https://lnkd.in/ghjN6wAD
• Walmart has donated $500 gift cards to shelters in Hamilton, Madison and Suwannee Counties for the purchase of pet food.
• Lowes has deployed their Tool Rental Truck to assist in recovery efforts
  providing a rental option for power tools from chainsaws and pressure washers, to fence post augers and compressors. The truck is also staffed with small engine mechanics to support local communities with power.
• VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia, Priceline and Booking.com will remain available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
• Comcast has opened more than 52,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida. The free and public hotspots are open for all, including non-Xfinity customers. For more information, click here.
• CVS Health created pop-up pharmacies in impacted areas.
• FloridaCommerce in partnership with CareerSource Florida and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network is hosting several One-Stop Business Resource Sites across the state. Business owners and employees can get in-person assistance with recovery resources.
• Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.:
• Lafayette County – CareerSource North Florida, 114 Northwest Community Circle, Mayo
• Madison County – CareerSource North Florida, 705 East Base Street, Madison
• Taylor County – CareerSource North Florida + BBTC, 3233 South Byron Butler Parkway, Perry
• Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.:
• Hillsborough County, USF Connect, 3802 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa
• Hernando County, Weeki Wachee Area Club, 7442 Shoal Line Boulevard, Spring Hill
• Pinellas County, CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas, 2312 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater
• Monday, October 7 – Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.:
• Citrus County – Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, 915 North Suncoast Boulevard, Crystal River
• Dixie County – CareerSource North Central Florida, 25811Southeast Highway 19, Old Town
• Levy County – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, 2175 Northwest 11th Drive, Chiefland
• Monday, October 7 – Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.:
• Manatee County – CareerSource Suncoast, 3660 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota
• Pasco County – CareerSource Pasco Hernando, 4440 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey 
• Airbnb.org is providing free, temporary housing for people who have been displaced by Hurricane Helene in several US states. The organization has partnered with local nonprofits and 211 contact centers in Florida and North Carolina to connect people with a free place to stay. For more information click here.
• Lyft is providing access to free and discounted rides to help those affected by Hurricane Helene travel to and from designated shelters with critical resources. Rides can be accessed in the areas listed below using the code HELENERELIEF24, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each for 1,500 riders until 10/4 at 11:59 p.m.
• Today, October 2, Winn-Dixie, together with the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, is distributing FREE water, ice, food and cleaning essentials to more than 500 neighbors in need. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Winn-Dixie will host a drive-thru and walk-up distribution event in the parking lot of the Madeira Beach Winn-Dixie store, located at 15200 Municipal Drive for local residents. Supplies will be distributed for FREE on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.
• FloridaCommerce is coordinating with the Florida Small Business Development Network, Local Workforce Development Boards, Community Action Agencies and other private sector partners on business outreach and damage assessments. More than 1,600 Business Damage Assessment Surveys have been completed.
• FloridaCommerce partnered with The Salvation Army to distribute 170 hot meals, ice and water to Hurricane Helene-impacted residents in Greenville, Madison County.
• FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.2 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. To date, 55 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 announced that it is providing at least $250,000 in funding to 11 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding will give the agencies the flexibility to offer immediate support to their communities. The impacted CAAs include the Capital Area CAA, Central Florida CAA, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners, Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, Lee Board of County Commissioners, Pinellas County Urban League, Salvation Army, Suwanee River Economic Council, Step Up Suncoast, and YouThrive Florida.
• Wednesday, October 2, Winn-Dixie, together with the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, distributed FREE water, ice, food and cleaning essentials to more than 500 neighbors in need.
• Spectrum announced it has committed $1 million, including $250,000 in cash contributions and $750,000 in in-kind public service announcement (PSA) airtime to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The contributions will assist organizations in providing much-needed aid and assistance to impacted communities. Spectrum will donate $50,000 each to the OneSC Fund, to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, and to the NC Disaster Relief Fund. An additional $100,000 will be donated to local organizations in the hardest hit areas of Georgia; along the Western Florida coastline; and impacted communities in and around Asheville, NC and Spartanburg, SC. The Company is also offering $750,000 in PSAs that will air at no cost to assist these organizations, and other community partners, with fundraising and awareness for disaster relief efforts.
• FloridaCommerce has worked with Stihl to secure 50 chainsaws for immediate mobilization in North Carolina.
• The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) worked 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. The Florida Forest Service staged equipment, like high-water vehicles.
• The Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has approved an Emergency Order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for animal transportation. 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, North Carolina and South Carolina. 
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule authorizing out-of-state licensed security guards to protect people and property in Florida and has approved an emergency rule to aid the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas to disaster response and recovery operations.
• Fuel inspectors are responding to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are working properly and testing the quality of fuel.
• As of Oct. 2, inspectors had completed preliminary inspections of all potentially impacted retail fuel stations. Of these facilities, 1,847 are open and operating.
• Floridians are encouraged to visit complaints.fdacs.gov or call 1-800-HELP-FLA to report water-contaminated fuel issues to the department.
• Food safety inspectors are responding to impacted areas to conduct
  damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of over 15,000 potentially impacted food establishments.
• As of Oct. 2, inspectors have completed 10,546 assessments of food establishments in impacted regions. 7,867 facilities are open for business.
• FDACS has delivered or is in the process of delivering a total of 118 truckloads of ice to support local communities.
• Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for livestock and animals in critical need, please complete this form and then send it to DAIOPSAssessment@FDACS.gov, or call 863-993-5460.
• 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.
• Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department
  of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) launched the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program for Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property – including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings – or to remove vegetative debris.
• FDACS is securing and providing critical resources to our agricultural producers, such as generators, fencing, feed/water, and veterinary supplies.
• Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has requested a USDA Disaster Declaration to support Florida farmers, ranchers and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• The Department of Management Services (DMS) reports that 100% of Statewide Law Enforcement Radio Systems (SLERS) are online with 15 on generators and that all county 911 centers are operational with no issues.
• The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued Emergency Order 400385-24 to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Helene. The order applies to all insurers in the state and policyholders in Alachua, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Franklin, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. The order:
• Extends grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act until November 26, 2024. 
• Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until November 26, 2024. 
• Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired as a result of damage from Hurricane Idalia for a period of 90 days after it has been repaired. 
• Directs insurers, surplus lines and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims.
• The Florida Department of Revenue (FDOR) has issued Emergency Order 24-002: Sales and Use Tax and Related Taxes, extending September and October 2024 reporting periods for sales and use tax, reemployment tax, and several other taxes to November 22, 2024, for 17 counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla. This extension is intended to ensure fairness and consistency in tax administration for those affected by the Hurricane Helene. 
• The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has supervised public works squads working to aid in community clean up and recovery efforts as part of Clean up and Restoration Teams (CART).
• FDC is posting additional updates publicly at FDC.myflorida.com/weather-updates.
• The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) has deployed DJJ Hope Navigators, leadership, and team members to Taylor, Madison, Lafayette, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Manatee counties to assist at Hope Florida distribution sites. 
  
  
  For previous updates see below: 
  9/24/2024
  9/25/2024
  9/26/2024
  9/27/2024 (1)
  9/27/2024 (2)
  9/28/2024
  9/29/2024
  9/30/2024 (1)
  9/30/2024 (2)
  10/01/2024 (1)
  10/01/2024 (2)
  10/02/2024
  
  Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Helene. 

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