Thank you to our Sponsors

Part Time CNA Postion

Wakulla Senior Citizens Center is accepting applications for the following position: Part-time Certified Nursing Assistant. Background check and drug testing are required. Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and CNA Certificate. Please contact Ms. Vicki McKenzie at (850) 888-1021

Volunteer Coordinator Position

Coordinator of Volunteers
2-1-1 Big Bend operates Helpline 2-1-1, the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline and the Family Health Line. In addition, the agency answers calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and other organizations that contract with 2-1-1 Big Bend for hotline services. This position is responsible for the super-vision of the agency’s Volunteer Program including volunteer recruitment, retention, scheduling, re-cording volunteer hours, evaluations and recognition. Other duties include providing community out-reach, answering hotlines and serving as an Off-Site Supervisor. Some evening and weekend work required. BA/BS degree & supervision experience preferred. Knowledge of human services and computer application skills preferred. Send cover letter & resume to 2-1-1 Big Bend Personnel, POB 10950, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or email hotlinedir@211bigbend.org. Deadline is 11/26/18. EOE. More Coord Volunteers posting 111318 v2

November is National Hospice Month

November is National Hospice Month

Each of us has unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs. That is never more evident than when confronted with a serious illness. For 35 years, Big Bend Hospice (BBH) has based our care on respecting the patient’s desires and empowering the caregiver/family.

November is National Hospice Month. BBH welcomes this opportunity to let our neighbors know that there is an option when there is no cure. Patients have the right to manage their pain and to live their last days to the fullest extent possible. BBH’s team approach helps to improve the quality of life for patients with illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal or liver disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s and any other disease that, if left to run the natural course, would result death in six months or less.

How do you get Hospice care? Anyone – the patient, the family, physician or friend can initiate the conversation by calling Big Bend Hospice at (805)878-5310. Who pays for Hospice care? All services related to the illness, including prescriptions, are covered through Medicare, Medicaid, or Private Insurance. Thanks to the support from the community through the Big Bend Hospice Foundation, no one is ever turned away from BBH care due to inability to pay.

What is hospice care? It is supportive, compassionate and respectful care for the patient and their caregiver. Hospice is provide wherever the patient calls home, including hospitals, nursing home, and assisted living facilities. Every patient can keep their own physician, but is offered a team of nurses, social workers, aids, spiritual counselors and trained volunteers. If the patient desires, Big Bend Hospice also offers unique services including music therapy, grief and loss counseling, a Veteran Liaison, and animal therapy to complete the team.

For Big Bend Hospice, we inspire HOPE by positively impacting the way our community experiences a serious illness or grief – one family at a time.
If you would like to learn more about Big Bend Hospice, call 850-878-5310 or visit our web site at www.bigbendhospice.org.
Big Bend Hospice has been serving this community since 1983 with compassionate end-of-life care along with grief and loss counselors available to provide information and support to anyone in Leon, Jefferson, Taylor, Madison, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin or Wakulla County. If you would like additional information about services, please call 850-878-5310 or visit www.bigbendhospice.org.

Hurricane Relief: UF/IFAS Extension to Help Distribute 36,000 Jars of Peanut Butter in the Florida Panhandle

NEWS RELEASE

Hurricane Relief: UF/IFAS Extension to Help Distribute 36,000 Jars of Peanut Butter in the Florida Panhandle

October 22, 2018

By: Samantha Grenrock, 352-294-3307 (office), 949-735-1076 (cell), grenrosa@ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Eleven days out from Hurricane Michael, Rachel Pienta considers Wakulla County lucky. She’s using that good fortune to help others who aren’t so lucky.

“If the storm had veered a little to the east, it could have been us who were devastated,” the University of Florida faculty member said. “But damage here was minimal compared with other parts of the Panhandle. That’s why we knew we had to help. Since October 14, we have been ….PEANUT BUTTER HURRICANE MICHAEL 2018 final

Wakulla County Debris Removal Update

WAKULLA COUNTY DEBRIS REMOVAL UPDATE:  Debris Contractors will begin picking up debris early next week.  Please see  flyer demonstrating how to separate your debris.  The separate debris categories may be picked up in stages at different times.  County staff is currently in discussions with FEMA to determine if we will be picking up on private roads; therefore, for now, we ask that you please place your debris curbside on a County/Public roadway.  Once we receive confirmation from FEMA, we will notify the public.  Also, we do not have a schedule of the Debris Contractors routes; however, we will try to advise the public of the areas they will be in as we learn. Flyer CurbsideDebrisFlyer

In addition, the Lower Bridge Landfill is still open if you would like to take your debris there.  You can dump green yard debris and food spoilage at the Landfill free of charge; and may also dump construction debris for a fee of $3.75 per 100lbs/$75.00 per ton.  The Lower Bridge Landfill is located at 156 Landfill Rd. and will be open Monday-Friday from 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.

Governor Scott issues Updates

Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Hurricane Michael Response

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott is in constant communication with federal, state and local emergency management officials and state agency leaders to ensure the state is prepared to respond to Hurricane Michael. Governor Scott has surveyed damage from Hurricane Michael and is providing updates on the state’s work. In addition, the Governor activated 500 more Florida National Guard troops for deployment, bringing the total of activated Florida National Guard to 4,000.

Following Governor Scott’s request, President Donald Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Michael. See the declaration HERE. On October 7^th, Governor Scott declared a state of emergency in 26 Florida counties, and expanded it to include 35 counties total on October 8^th. To see his Emergency Order, click HERE. 

Following a request by the Governor, and approval by FEMA, families in the following counties are now eligible for FEMA individual assistance:  

• Bay
• Franklin
• Gulf
• Taylor
• Wakulla
• Calhoun
• Liberty
• Jackson
• Gadsden
• Holmes
• Washington

Governor Scott’s request for Transitional Sheltering Assistance has been approved for Bay County, meaning that FEMA will be providing more options for places for families to stay, including hotel rooms. They’ll begin accepting applications tomorrow and more information will be announced as soon as possible.  

STATE PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS 

FOOD AND WATER

• The state is working to ensure adequate food resources are available for Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Michael, prioritizing based upon need. Specific activities include the following:
  • Law enforcement escorts have been arranged to expedite food and water resources.
  • Food and water commodities are being airdropped into the hardest hit counties.
  • Approximately 3 million meals ready to eat are prepared and being distributed.
  • Approximately 2 million gallons of water are prepared and being distributed.
  • Approximately 2 million pounds of ice is prepared and being distributed.
  • Emergency Supply Distribution Centers, or Points of Distribution (POD), are places where the public can pick up emergency supplies following a disaster. These sites have food, water, or other critical supplies. Click HERE for a complete map of POD locations.

FUEL

• There are no reported widespread fuel shortages.
• Florida SERT made first responder fueling depots available to utility crews across the Panhandle. This helps ensure that utility restoration trucks have the fuel they need so they can restore power faster.  
• 500,000 gallons of fuel is being distributed daily at 40 fueling stations to support restoration efforts.

COMMUNICATIONS

• More than 2,000 personnel are working to restore cell service and communications in the impacted areas. 
• Communications support packages have been dispatched through the Florida National Guard to Holmes, Liberty, Jackson, Gadsden. Calhoun, Gulf, Franklin, and Washington counties.
• At the direction of Governor Scott, Florida Highway Patrol escorted cellular service provider crews to the affected areas. See the video HERE.

POWER RESTORATION

• Prior to Hurricane Michael’s impact, Governor Scott called on every local government to immediately confirm their mutual aid agreements between investor-owned utilities, municipals and co-ops are in place and effective so there is no delay in power restoration for Floridians. These agreements allow municipal utilities to receive aid from investor-owned utilities and co-ops as they work to restore power to customers. Without these agreements in place ahead of time, power restoration will be delayed. To view the full list of Florida utilities with agreements in place, click HERE.
• Florida SERT made first responder fueling depots available to utility crews across the Panhandle. This helps ensure that utility restoration trucks have the fuel they need so they can restore power faster.  
• Following Governor Scott’s offer to each utility in Florida additional push crews to augment the ability of power restoration workers, five utilities have drawn down push crews. Push crews will go in advance of utility crews and clear their paths so the utilities can focus solely on getting power restored.
• Governor Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation to organize, lead and mobilize push crews to expedite power restoration.
• Approximately 600 generators have been mobilized to impacted counties to bring traffic lights online, which will alleviate the need for law enforcement to direct traffic.
• Governor Scott also requested assistance from Manny Miranda, Florida Power and Light’s Senior Vice President of Power Delivery, to advise and assist the state’s power restoration efforts. Manny will be traveling to Tallahassee where he will serve as a liaison between the state and FEMA to help provide technical support and assistance.
• The current power outage as of 6 p.m. is 182,838.

SHELTERS

• Currently 18 shelters are open with a population of 1,656.
• Visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/shelter-status/ to find information on shelters in your area. This site is being updated as shelters open throughout the day.

MILITARY SUPPORT

• At Governor Scott’s direction, the Florida National Guard has authorized the activation of up to 4,000 Soldiers and Airmen to assist with response efforts.

• Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the Florida National Guard has coordinated for extra aviation assets from other states. Currently on site in Florida, there are five extra CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Mississippi, New York, Ohio and Minnesota National Guards to augment our aviation capabilities, as well as six UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the Louisiana, New York, Arkansas and Kansas National Guards.
• The Florida National Guard currently has a total of 3,239 Soldiers and Airmen on orders, along with 69 counterparts from Title 10 and other National Guard states. Joint Task Force-Florida has been tasked with a total of 205 missions including (but not limited to) the following:

• • Continuing to conduct reconnaissance, search and rescue, and road clearance missions, including an increase in search and rescue missions in Bay County
  • Communications support packages have been dispatched to Washington, Liberty, Jackson, Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf and Holmes counties
  • Currently staffing 11 county Emergency Operations Centers
  • Supporting 29 Points of Distribution (PODs) throughout 10 counties
  • Operating at the State Logistics Readiness Center (SLRC) in Orlando and various Logistics Staging Areas (LSAs) to ensure that we are able to get supplies quickly to those who need them
  • Our aviation assets are actively conducting missions sets including reconnaissance, search and rescue, Governor support, and an air bridge operation to deliver life-saving supplies to affected areas
  • The 202nd REDHORSE Squadron – a heavy engineering unit – has cleared 107 city blocks throughout the affected area

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• More than 1,630 law enforcement officers have been deployed to impacted areas in the Panhandle and Big Bend.
• FWC has set up three command posts; one in Marianna, one in Carrabelle and one in Blountstown. 
• FWC officers continue performing search and rescue, welfare checks, reconnaissance, public safety missions and assisting with debris removal. This includes two initial waves of officers and support staff. They are providing aid to areas of greatest need in Franklin, Gulf, Calhoun, Liberty, Bay and Jackson counties.
• A third wave of approximately 60 additional officers is currently on standby for deployment to replace the first wave.
• 15 members of FWC’s Special Operations Group continue working with the National Guard and Florida Fire Service USAR teams to create highly specialized urban search and rescue units.
• The Florida Highway Patrol has activated Alpha / Bravo for field troops throughout the state. This activation means regular days off being cancelled and 24-Hour enhanced coverage.

• The Florida Highway Patrol has 632 state troopers assigned to the Panhandle and Big Bend area of Florida to assist with response and recovery. The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting with emergency management missions throughout the Florida Panhandle.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol is providing security escorts to utility crews and Florida National Guard route clearance teams within recovery areas.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol is providing security escorts to essential commodity convoys into Bay County from distribution points along Interstate 10.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol is supplementing local law enforcement agency efforts with increased patrol of damaged areas.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol is providing traffic control and security at points of deliveries (PODs) for essential commodities.
• The Florida Highway Patrol has deployed multiple MRAP’s  (high clearance recovery vehicles) to perform search and rescue missions and clear roadways in affected areas.
• The Florida Highway Patrol currently has 24/7 representation within the State Emergency Operations Center coordinating preparation, response and recovery efforts. The Florida Highway Patrol is also staffing numerous County Emergency Operations Centers.
• The Florida Highway Patrol will maintain high visibility on Interstate-10 and other roadways to assist motorists, clear roadways and will routinely check rest areas to assist residents and visitors.
• The Florida Highway Patrol has deployed an aircraft with live streaming capabilities to assess response and recovery needs.
• The Florida Highway Patrol has deployed two small unmanned aerial vehicles with livestreaming capabilities to assess road and bridge response and recovery needs, as well as search and rescue missions.

• DHSMV’s Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles are on standby to deploy three units to Bay County to assist customers impacted by the storm.
• FDLE’s Mutual Aid Team is coordinating more than 300 law enforcement missions assisting local agencies after the storm with search and rescue, patrols and curfew enforcement. FDLE is also coordinating escorts of utility companies, food, water and other critical commodities.

• FDLE and other statewide law enforcement partners are working at SEOC and in the Pensacola and Tallahassee regions. 
• 12 FDLE deployment teams are assisting law enforcement.
• Regional FDLE law enforcement coordination teams (RLECTS) are coordinating with urban search and rescue teams to get into impacted areas.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• There are more than 1,700 search and rescue personnel deploying to the impacted areas. Including:

·         4 water tender strike teams, fire engine water tankers

·         8 EOC fire liaisons to support EOC’s impacted areas

·         20 Urban Search and Rescue teams; to include 7 swift water rescue teams with more than 900 personnel

o   CFO Jimmy Patronis has activated or placed on alert seven out of eight state Search and Rescue task forces in preparation for Hurricane Michael’s landfall

o   An additional 13 task forces from federal and state (Mississippi and Louisiana) partners have been activated

·         12 fire engine strike teams with 60 fire engines and 300 firefighters

·         A Florida Fire Forest Service Incident Management Gold Team;

·         2 TERT (Dispatchers) teams with 9 personnel

·         1 EVT (Vehicle Maintenance) team with 3 people

·         1 Unmanned Arial Surveillance (UAV) team of 6 members;

·         More than 400 ambulances with more than 700 staff; and

·         Four Disaster Medical Assistance teams have been deployed.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is coordinating with utility companies and search and rescue companies to prioritize cut/toss debris clearance routes.
• 49 Emergency Road Access teams were deployed to ensure access to critical coastal communities
• Portable generators were distributed to provide standby power to critical roadway intersections
• Inspection teams were deployed to review roads and bridges to ensure safety for travel, particularly along US 98. All bridges have been inspected.
• 75 High Water Vehicles, swift water vehicles and air assets are being deployed to provide contingency options for reaching critical areas.

• Governor Scott directed FDOT to suspend tolls effective immediately in the Northwest Florida region. Tolls are suspended at the following facilities: Mid-Bay Bridge and Spence Parkway (Okaloosa County), Garcon Point Bridge (Santa Rosa County), Bob Sikes Toll Bridge (Escambia County), and Orchard Pond Parkway (Leon County).
• FDOT has suspended all construction operations from the roadways in the counties under the state of emergency.
• FDOT is coordinating with the Florida Highway Patrol to reopen bridges and roadways when clear and safe to travel.
• FDOT issued an Emergency Road Use Permit letter to relieve size and weight restrictions for vehicles responding to Hurricane Michael.
• FDOT issued Weigh Station Bypass letter to allow emergency response vehicles such as utility vehicles and bucket trucks to bypass all FDOT weigh stations.
• FDOT is coordinating with Florida’s seaports and airports on the status of their operations.
• FDOT is coordinating with utility companies to coordinate post storm clean-up activities.
• FDOT is coordinating with the Florida Highway Patrol on bridge and roadway closures and detours.
• FDOT crews, in coordination with law enforcement, continue to inspect and assess state bridges and roadways.

• FL 511 includes a listing of closed state roadways and bridges at fl511.com. This listing continues to be updated as additional state roads are inspected, opened, or closed and includes updated detour routes.
• US 98 is closed to traffic from the Dupont Bridge in Bay County to the Wakulla County line for road inspection and emergency repairs except for first responders and power/rescue efforts.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is in contact with healthcare facilities to ensure they have the resources they need.  
• Facilities report their evacuation status to the Agency through the Emergency Status System. An updated evacuation report can be found on the AHCA twitter page: https://twitter.com/AHCA_FL
• AHCA has activated the Emergency Status System (ESS) for health care facilities in the panhandle to enter their storm preparedness status including generators and utility company information, emergency contacts, and bed availability.
• All nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to keep residents in a safe environment in an emergency to ensure the protection of resident health, safety, welfare, and comfort. 

• • Facilities are required to have a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan approved and on file with the local emergency management agencies.
  • Nursing facilities all have back-up power that can power medical equipment and refrigeration for medicine and food. 
  • Additionally, facilities are required to have an emergency power plan in place to ensure that resident occupied area temperatures do not exceed 81 degrees. These plans include onsite generators, delivered generators, or shifting populations to locations that can maintain comfortable temperatures.
  • As part of licensure, facilities are responsible for the health and safety of their patients.
  • The State is here to serve as a resource to connect facilities to the local emergency management officials to make sure needs are being met.

• AHCA staff continues to reach out to all hospital CEOs and all residential health care facilities in the panhandle.

• The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) continues communication with directors and emergency coordinators at the affected Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and is working with our partners to resolve unmet need as they are identified.
• DOEA has deployed staff from their Pensacola and Tallahassee CARES Bureau offices to assist at Special Needs Shelters both in Tallahassee and other storm-affected counties. Most CARES staff are RNs, and they are helping with special needs and discharge planning of seniors and others at the SPS locations.
• DOEA is also prepping for the Disaster Recover Center Staffing needs and stand ready to deploy and assist.
• US HHS declared a public health emergency in Florida following the storm, which will allow more people to continue to get treatment under Medicaid and Medicare.
• The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is actively communicating with ESF-8 leadership in the counties within the area of operations and supporting county health department (CHD) operations.

• DOH is in contact with hospitals and other health care facilities within the area of operations to determine operational status and resource needs.
• DOH is monitoring and supporting Special Needs Shelter operations through census reporting and resource support as requested by local emergency operations. 175 nurses and non-clinical support staff have been deployed to augment local special needs shelter staff. Special Needs Shelter populations are decreasing slightly in the affected areas due to a return to normal operations.
• 389 ambulances and 5 multi-patient Ambu Buses and 124 paratransit vehicles are in the area of operations to assist with rescue operations, health care facility evaluations and local EMS augmentation. 
• 125 FEMA paratransit vehicles are in the area of operations assisting with patient movement.
• A hospital augmentation team from the International Medical Corp has been activated including 50 nurses, two hospital emergency department teams and one hospital augmentation team is supporting one area hospital. Four Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are supporting four area hospitals.

• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced steps taken to support Florida in response to Hurricane Michael, including:

• • Temporarily waiving or modifying certain Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP requirements,
  • Making special enrollment periods available for certain individuals seeking health plans offered through the Florida Health Insurance Exchange,
  • Helping patients obtain access to life-saving services such as dialysis.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues to work with waiver support coordinators and providers to ensure the health and safety of the customers the agency serves. Residents of a group home in Bay County have been evacuated to an ADT program in Pensacola.
• APD crews are addressing needs at Sunland Center. Tacachale in Gainesville provided significant aid to Sunland, including staff, generators, chain saws, fuel, small air conditioning units, a large mobile air conditioning unit, tarps, ice, coolers, a Bobcat for debris removal, lumber, nails, extension cords, and more.
• APD’s William J. Rish Recreational Park in Gulf County remains closed.
• APD made Hawkins Park in Santa Rosa County available to utility trucks as a staging area if needed.
• Restoration efforts are underway at the Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City. Residents are doing well and continuing to receive medical care. All utilities are operational thanks to a number of operational onsite and portable generators. Diesel fuel delivery made this morning. The facility is awaiting main utility power restoration from Gulf Power. Blue tarp installation continues on the roof. Inside, clean up continues from storm-generated water leaks. Large-scale tree and debris removal was performed today. Director of FDVA’s Veterans’ Homes Program and key staff are onsite to assist with recovery efforts.

• The following national VA hotlines are available to assist Veterans:
  • Veteran Disaster Hotline: 1-800-507-4571 (24/7 operations)
  • Pharmacy Customer Care: 1-855-574-7288 (8:00 am – 4:30 pm EST)
  • Veterans Benefits Administration Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
  • Vet Center/Counseling: 1-877-WAR-VETS
• The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is working with courts in Florida Panhandle counties to sign blanket travel approvals for all foster parents who evacuated or whose homes were impacted by Hurricane Michael.  

• DCF has ordered an early release of food assistance benefits for those Florida residents in the 35 counties included in the emergency order who would have received normal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between now and October 28^th.
  • DCF also waived restrictions on purchasing hot prepared food with SNAP benefits through October 31 statewide to assist customers who evacuated to another area or suffered storm damage to their home.

• A team from FEMA including experts from Homeland Security, the EPA, the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Army Corps of Engineers is now in Florida and providing federal assistance.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has conducted post-storm assessments on high priority facilities. Two emergency final orders have been issued to ensure recovery efforts are not hampered or delayed.
• At DEP’s request, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has waived certain federal requirements related to fuel use and distribution so Florida’s recovery efforts are not hampered by supply disruptions. 
• DEP has activated and is closely monitoring StormTracker, a reporting tool for water and waste water facilities to provide updates on their operational status.
• DEP is assisting with 57 requests for assistance submitted through Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), and has made outreach calls to 2,244 facilities to assess needs.
• Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) completed hazardous waste facility assessments and are currently conducting coastal fuel storage facility assessments and abandoned container identification in the impacted area.
• Beach Surveys have been completed in Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties, as well as portions of Gulf County.
• Drinking water and wastewater crews completed on site spot assessments and have deployed resources to Bay County.
• The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has completed fly overs to assess coastal areas.  
• An online tool for the public to report the location of storm debris in waterways has been deployed; and 293 reports of debris have been received.
• 235 Disaster Debris Management Sites have been pre-authorized for the counties addressed by the Governor’s Executive Order.
• Florida State Parks strike teams are on site to clear debris and assist individuals in impacted state parks. More than 40 state parks have re-opened. Current Florida State Park closures can be found at https://www.floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates
• DEP’s Florida Park Service has opened areas to dry camp for self-contained rigs – usually parking lots without utility connections – at some state parks for evacuees on a first come, first served basis with waived overnight fees. A list of open parks and contact information to check for availability can be found at https://www.floridastateparks.org/get-involved/storm-assistance.  

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY    
           

• The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide short-term, interest-free loans to affects businesses at www.floridadisasterloan.org.
• Disaster cleanup and other related job openings are now available at http://disasterrecovery.employflorida.com for businesses to post job openings and for individuals to find job opportunities.
• DEO has opened the Business Damage Assessment Survey for businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael. Businesses with damage should complete the survey at https://www.floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments
• Businesses can also visit FloridaDisaster.biz to view tips for assessing storm damage and to register to receive updates on storm recovery.
• To help residents and emergency personnel stay connected following the storm, Comcast is opening its network of more than 8,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout the Florida Panhandle, including Tallahassee, Panama City, Panama City Beach and surrounding areas and the Dothan, Alabama area, to anyone to use for free, including non-Xfinity customers.
• The state has opened the Private Sector Hotline at (850) 815-4925. The hotline is available for business inquiries about the storm, preparedness information and post-impact information.

• VISIT Florida has activated the Expedia/VISIT Florida Hotel Accommodation Web Portal to support evacuation orders. Visit www.expedia.com/florida to find available hotel rooms.

• Airbnb Open Homes is now active in Alabama, Florida and Georgia in response to Hurricane Michael. Visit www.airbnb.com/HurricaneMichael for open homes.
• Members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in the Tallahassee area are providing meals and lodging for first responders.
• The Florida Retail Federation and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association continue to share disaster recovery information with their business affiliates.
• The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) offers a Hurricane Guide with information about recovery, and helpful hurricane-related resources. DBPR has shared the Guide on social media and it is available at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/documents/HurricaneGuide_web.pdf

EDUCATION

• The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is in contact with school districts, state colleges and universities for updates and to determine their needs and provide assistance.
• The following school districts have announced closures:
  • Bay will be closed until further notice.
  • Calhoun will be closed until further notice.
  • Franklin will be closed until further notice.
  • Gadsden will be closed until further notice.
  • Gulf will be closed until further notice.  
  • Holmes will be closed until further notice.
  • Jackson will be closed until further notice.
  • Liberty will be closed until further notice.
  • Washington will be closed until further notice.
• The following state colleges and universities have announced closures:
  • Chipola College will be closed through Friday (10/19).
  • Florida State University’s Panama City Campus will be closed until further notice.  
  • Gulf Coast State College will be closed until further notice.
• The following Division of Blind Services (DBS) and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offices are closed until further notice:
  • Bay (DVR & DBS): 2505 West 15th Street, Panama City
  • Gadsden (DVR): 305 West Crawford Street, Quincy
  • Jackson (DVR): 4743B Highway 90 East, Marianna
• Many district schools are still operating shelters; for a list of Florida shelters, visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters/.
• FDOE will be posting up-to-date information regarding closures and meeting cancellations at www.fldoe.org/hurricaneinfo.

INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

• OIR has ordered property insurers to submit claims information from Hurricane Michael on a daily basis for the next two weeks. Additional data calls will be scheduled in the near future.
• Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier and CFO Jimmy Patronis conducted a conference call with representatives of various insurance companies that have policies in force within the regions forecasted to be impacted by Hurricane Michael to ensure those companies:
  • Have resources positioned and available to respond to consumers’ needs
  • Assess damage and pay claims quickly
  • Report any challenges or issues as quickly as possible
  • Report claims to the OIR on time and in accordance with the reporting schedule that will be issued later today
• OIR’s Incident Management Team remains fully activated and will have representatives at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. OIR team members will be actively working throughout the recovery phase with consumer advocates, industry stakeholders and entities licensed under OIR’s regulatory authority.

• In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order, OIR has notified all health insurers, managed care organizations and other health entities of their statutory obligation to allow for early prescription refills during a state of emergency.
• The Florida Department of Management Services, Division of State Group Insurance, has arranged for early prescription renewals for members of the state group insurance program. 
• The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services has resources for consumers seeking assistance with the claims-filing process or to file insurance complaints HERE.

• CFO Jimmy Patronis activated his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST) to get ahead of and stop post-storm fraud.

• CFO Jimmy Patronis’ Division of Consumer Services has resources for consumers assistance with the claims-filing process or to file insurance complaints HERE.

STATE OFFICE CLOSURES

• DMS will stay in contact with all state offices and has asked them to report closures in WebEOC.
• Open Enrollment will begin Monday at 8 a.m. ET as scheduled.  State employees can log in at that time to People First to begin making benefit choices. Due to storm response logistics, the benefit fair scheduled Monday at the Betty Easley Center is cancelled. All others are still on.  

VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

• Volunteer Florida’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) has deployed to Bay County, where they will be assisting with shelter operations in order to relived Florida National Gard to respond to other assignments.
• As the state’s lead agency for coordinating volunteers and donations before, during and after disasters, Volunteer Florida has established resources for individuals and groups who would like to support Floridians affected by Hurricane Michael. 
• Tarps from FEMA were sent to logistical staging areas (LSAs) last night, and we’re coordinating with our partners to have them there to help with tarping.
  • These include Team Rubicon, AmeriCorps, All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response, Operation Blessing, Florida Baptist Disaster Relief, International Orthodox Christian Church, NECHAMA – Jewish Response to Disaster and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
• Volunteer Florida’s 38 Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) partners, including Habitat for Humanity and Team Rubicon, are still engaged in response and recovery activities.
• Several Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are still assisting with shelter operations in Bay County. Today, another CERT team will begin preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) in Leon County. Other CERT teams throughout the state are on standby, prepared to mobilize upon Volunteer Florida’s direction.
•  A 100-person team of AmeriCorps members will arrive in Tallahassee on Wednesday to be briefed before deploying to affected areas throughout the Panhandle.
• Volunteer Florida has joined a task-force to help establish comfort centers at shelters throughout the panhandle. This will include bringing games and other activities to the shelters to entertain children and help them feel safe during the displacement period.
• At Governor Scott’s direction, Volunteer Florida has activated the Florida Disaster Fund, the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. To donate, visit, www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/.
• Volunteer Florida also continues to share updates about volunteer registration and donating to the Florida Disaster Fund via the Volunteer Florida website. 
• Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support individuals who are impacted by Hurricane Michael. The Florida Disaster Fund helps provide financial support to Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, please visitwww.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a one-time donation of $10.
• The Salvation Army is working with state and local emergency management throughout the Florida Panhandle.
• The Salvation Army has 42 mobile feeding kitchens committed to serve in locations throughout Panama City, Tallahassee and surrounding areas. Each unit can serve 500-1,500 meals per day. 
• 31 Salvation Army mobile feeding units (canteens) have been deployed to Panama City and the surrounding area, including: Panama City Beach, Callaway, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Wewahitchka, and Apalachicola. The Panama City Incident Command has been established at: 1824 W 15th St., 32401.
• In partnership with The Salvation Army, Operation BBQ Relief is serving meals at 7160 US 98, Panama City Beach, 32407, and providing meals for distribution through mobile feeding kitchens.
• The Salvation Army has deployed a personnel support unit to Panama City as well as shower trailer to support staff and volunteers that are providing services.
• 11 Salvation Army mobile feeding units are serving meals throughout impacted areas in Leon County, Wakulla County, Franklin County, and Gadsden County. These mobile feeding units are supported by a partnership between The Salvation Army and Operation BBQ Relief based in Tallahassee.
• As of October 13, The Salvation Army has provided 24,649 meals, 25,024 drinks, 20,113 snacks, and 6,197 hours of service.
• Red Cross has 549 disaster relief workers in the affected counties with an additional 230 on the way.

STATE EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER/ CONTACTS

• The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a level one, which is a full-scale, 24-hours-a-day activation.
• The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number is 1-800-342-3557.
• The State Emergency Operations Center Media Line: 850-921-0217.
• Follow @FLSert or @FLGovScott on Twitter for live updates on Hurricane Michael.
• Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/info to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.

Business Recovery Centers Now Open

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of Business Recovery Centers (BRC) in Taylor and Wakulla Counties, Florida on Monday, Oct. 15, to help businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael. The SBA offers low-interest, long-term disaster loans for physical damage and working capital.
Due to the severe damages caused by Hurricane Michael, recovery centers may not immediately open in the disaster area. As a result, disaster survivors may register for federal assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov and apply for SBA disaster loan assistance using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should also call 800-621-3362.
Disaster survivors don’t have to wait to submit their insurance claim to apply for a SBA disaster loan because we can approve and disburse your loan funds while the claim is pending. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their SBA loan.
SBA representatives at the Centers will provide information about disaster loans, answer questions and assist businesses with completing the SBA application.
The Centers are located as indicated below and will operate until further notice:
Taylor County
Super Pufft Snacks
700 W. Lance Drive
Perry, FL 32348
Opens: Monday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m.
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed: Sundays

Wakulla County
Wakulla County Community Center
322 Shadeville Road
Crawfordville, FL 32327
Opens: Monday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m.
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed: Sundays

“The SBA is committed to facilitating economic recovery in this disaster. We want area businesses to have a resource where they can meet individually with SBA representatives and find out how a low-interest disaster loan can help them recover,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.
Interest rates are as low as 3.675 percent for businesses, 2.5 percent for nonprofit organizations and 2 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
SBA offers disaster loan assistance to businesses with the help of SBA’s resource partners: the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, and the Women Business Centers (WBCs). For more information on these services, please go to www.sba.gov to locate the nearest SBA district office and/or SBA’s resource partners.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 10, 2018. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 11, 2019.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

US Small Business Administration Committed to Helping Florida Residents

“The U.S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing Florida residents with the most effective response possible to assist businesses, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans. Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority.” 

The disaster declaration covers Bay, Franklin, Gulf, Taylor and Wakulla counties in Florida which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.  Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Calhoun, Dixie, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Walton and Washington in Florida. 

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes.  Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster. 

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.  Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage. 

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property. 

Interest rates are as low as 3.675 percent for businesses, 2.5 percent for nonprofit organizations and 2 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.  Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. 

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.  

Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. 

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 10, 2018.  The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 11, 2019.

Please feel free to distribute this release to any of your local contacts, so we can make the widest possible distribution for those affected and those that may be interested.  We will provide updated information as it becomes available. 

FSUCML – Job Opening: Administrative Assistant

The Florida State University Coastal & Marine Laboratory (located roughly 45 miles from the main campus in Tallahassee) seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented full-time Administrative Assistant who will provide administrative support for the Director, the Business Manager (supervisor for this position), and the Faculty.

DEADLINE FOR APPLYING IS October 12, 2018

Primary responsibilities:
This position provides administrative support to the Director and the Business Manager; assists with business and HR operations, and manages grant proposal submissions.
• Administrative support for the Director includes: assistance with daily calendar and travel schedule, organizing meetings, taking meeting minutes, and handling confidential assignments.
• Administrative support for the faculty and research staff includes: review of grant proposals for compliance with funding agency and FSU technical requirements, acting as a liaison with FSU Sponsored Research staff responsible for proposal submission to agencies and facilitating effort certification reports for exempt (3 times per year) and non-exempt employees (monthly).
• General office support includes: ordering office supplies, distributing daily mail and shipping FedEx packages, conducting P-card coding and reconciliation; handling purchasing/disbursements for Foundation Account, serving as back-up for Travel, reservations; posting jobs and ensuring compliance with HR rules and guidelines while facilitating the screening, interviewing, and hiring process.
Qualifications
• High School diploma or equivalency and two years’ experience, or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to two years is required.
• Must be highly detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and organize assignments effectively and meeting project deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel (or comparable software).
• Experience working in an office environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, math skills, and knowledge of collection and/or cash handling procedures.
• Ability to perform assignments with minimal supervision.
• Preferred (but not required) – experience with University OMNI system
Anticipated Salary Range – Minimum $23,000 – negotiable commensurate with education and experience. Full benefits in addition

Tobacco Free Campus
Effective January 1, 2014, tobacco use, including simulated tobacco use, is prohibited on property, interior and exterior,owned or managed by Florida State University. This policy applies to all Florida State University students, employees, consultants, contractors, visitors, and external individuals.

Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an AA/EEO employer. Female and minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
The FSU Coastal & Marine Laboratory is located in St. Teresa, Florida, about 45 miles southwest of the FSU main campus.

To Apply, Visit jobs.fsu.edu – position 44253

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.