Local

ALACHUA ‒ There is an old saying that when one door closes another door opens, meaning new opportunities arise to replace lost ones. For Alachua, it comes in the form of one company cutting 205 local jobs, while another firm is moving into San Felasco Tech City that will create hundreds of new jobs over the next two years.

Thermo Fisher added an Alachua plant in Progress Park through the acquisition of Brammer Bio in 2019. Once the acquisition was completed, the company invested $6 million in expanding gene therapy and viral vector services at the site, and doubled laboratory and warehousing capacity to four buildings. The 95,000 square-foot facility provided process and analytical development, QC testing, and manufacturing capacity in support of clinical trials for cell and gene therapies.

The new facility was lauded as a great addition to the biotech industry in Alachua and a boost to the local economy.

But less than four years later the company announced it will be cutting 205 jobs at the Alachua location and moving the manufacturing end to Plainville, Massachusetts while the science and technology innovation work will remain in Alachua. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice from the Florida Department of Commerce, the layoffs will occur between Oct. 9, 2023 and March 2024.

The downsizing in Alachua is part of a larger trend by Thermo Fisher. Over the past year the company closed a New Jersey cell therapy plant in April as well as widespread job cuts at single-use technology facilities in Logan, Utah. Thermo Fisher also axed nearly 800 jobs at a COVID-19 diagnostics site in San Diego, California.

While the loss of jobs at Alachua’s Thermo Fisher is a blow to the local economy, other incoming businesses will provide more jobs than the ones lost at Thermo Fisher, according to Mitch Glaeser, CEO of Emory Group Companies and owner of San Felasco Tech City.

Tech City currently houses 57 businesses, with many of them in the science and biotechnology fields. “We are proud to announce the AI/software company, Vobile, will establish a 10,000-square-foot R& D and Operations Center in in the newly completed Phase II of the Tech City development,” said Glaeser. “The company plans on hiring hundreds of employees over the next few years, recruiting both engineers and other operating staff from the University of Florida and the surrounding community.” According to Glaeser, 75 of these jobs will be filled in October and November 2023.

“We are excited to welcome Vobile to San Felasco Tech City,” said Glaeser. “Their expertise in digital content protection will only further enhance the thriving tech community here.”

Vobile is the world’s leading provider of digital content asset protection and transaction software as a service. The company develops a series of software services based on its core patented VDNA fingerprinting and watermarking technologies to protect the copyright and increase distribution revenue for digital content owners.

Vobile clients include movie studios, TV networks and streaming platforms. Vobile also offers digital infrastructure service capabilities for content transactions on Web3.

“In addition to Vobile, we also currently have nine companies lined up for building contracts here,” said Glaeser. “While the loss of the jobs at Thermo Fisher is unfortunate, within the next six months we will see many more new jobs in the innovation and science industries in Alachua than those lost by Thermo Fisher's move.”

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alachuatoday.com

NEWBERRY – Nearly everything on the Newberry City Commission agenda for Aug. 14 was approved with the exception of one request. The Newberry City Commission wasn’t as agreeable with a request from the Alachua County Board of County Commission (BoCC) for another joint meeting. The Commission said it had been clear at the July 10 joint meeting and has not wavered on the commitment to offer the County acreage in Newberry for whatever projects they wish to place on the land.

An apparent sticking point is County Road 337. The road, which has been described as “dangerous,” would have increased traffic to and from any future project sites. At the July 10 meeting, Alachua County Public Works Director Ramon D. Gavarrete said CR 337 was scheduled for widening, but not until 2030. Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe and the Newberry Commission are holding out for the County to make road repairs sooner—in exchange for the City’s offer of property for the County’s use.

During the earlier meeting, Mayor Marlowe reminded BoCC members that the City was willing to provide land as part of the Newberry Environmental Park for property the County wanted to use for a rural waste collection center, meat processing facility (if they decide to go ahead with it) and a $250,000 fire training tower. In exchange, Marlowe asked the County to move the schedule up on repairs to CR 337 to the anticipated date the Environmental Park would be completed in 2026.

Newberry Commissioners see no reason for another meeting to rehash the same discussion. Mayor Marlowe will write a letter expressing the Commission’s decision and send it to the BoCC.

Impact Fees

Upon second reading of Ordinance 2023-14, which imposes impact fees on new construction, Commissioners voted 3 - 1 to approve with Commissioner Tim Marden voting in opposition. Assistant City Manager and Director of Finance and Administration Dallas Lee said implementing the impacts fees meets nine of the goals established by the City’s Strategic Goals and Objectives established during the previous year. “These fees help the City to maintain the current level of infrastructure services as the city grows,” he said.

Fees are to be imposed in the areas of public buildings, which includes new government buildings, a fire station and items to equip it. Also, multi-modal areas will be impacted by these fees which include streets, roads, and sidewalks.

Impact fee rates will be 60 percent of those suggested by an earlier study establishing what the fees should be beginning October 2023. Each year thereafter, the impact fees will be increased by 10 percent until Oct. 1, 2027, at which point the fees will reach the amount suggested by the earlier study.

Economic Development Incentive

A resolution establishing an Impact Fee Economic Development Incentive Program was also approved. Based on the number of employees a business hires and the wages paid to those employees, some economic development incentives will be offered to business owners who bring business into Newberry. All requests for economic development payments will come before the City Commission for approval.

Funding for Ag Tech Park

City Manager Mike New received approval to apply for a Phase One Strategy Development Grant for establishing a Regional Tech Hub in Newberry. The grant, if awarded, will provide $500,000 in funding with a nine to one match by the City. New said the Commission could turn down the grant if it was offered and the City didn’t have the matching funds.

Meat Processing Plant

Meanwhile, during a meeting Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 3-2 to nix plans for the proposed meat processing facility in Newberry. Editor’s note: Please read the Aug. 31, 2023 edition of Alachua County Today for thorough and updated coverage.

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alachuatoday.com

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City commission at its Aug. 14 meeting approved several land-related items and financing of the City’s newly acquired quint fire apparatus.

One of the approved items was a request for a large-scale Future Land Use Map Amendment to change 128 +/- acres known as Newberry Plaza from Agriculture to Planned Development.

As this was second reading for this item, there was very little conversation prior to voting to approve this request. The project will bring 350 single-family dwelling units and proposes 150,000 square feet of commercial use.

The application was submitted by CHW Professional Consultants on behalf of Glenn Thomas Arpin, Senior, Jennifer Gray, Johanna Yarborough, Mary Jane Schofield James, Michael Gray and Robyn E. Bond. The project is located at the southeast corner of State Road 26/West Newberry Road and Southwest 242^nd Street.

Following approval of the above-referenced amendment, Commissioners also approved a request to rezone the same 128 acres from Agricultural (A) to Planned Development (PD).

Avalon Woods

The Commission also approved an application by JBPro, acting as agent for M3 Avalon Woods, LLC, owner, for approval of the final plat for Phase 2 of the Avalon Woods Mixed-Use development. The site consists of 24.28 +/- acres and is located on the east side of U.S. Highway 41/State Road 45, between Northwest 24^th and Northwest 16^th Avenues.

According to the plat, 106 developable detached single family lots at an average density of one dwelling unit per three acres are proposed, bringing the total number of developable lots to 260.

Post Woods

Also approved was a request for a preliminary plat approval for Post Woods Subdivision. The request was made by eda consultants, inc., agent, for Pat M. Post, owner. The property is located on the east side of Northwest 266^th Street, between Northwest 8^th Lane and Northwest 3^rd Place. According to the plat a total of 166 lots are proposed. A sidewalk is planned along 266^th Street as part of the project.

Lease-Purchase Agreement

Assistant City Manager and Director of Finance and Administration Dallas Lee received authorization to engage in a capital lease arrangement to fund the Newberry Fire Department’s new quint. Lee said that the lease-purchase will help to preserve the City’s cash reserves and cash flow.

The annual payments for the lease will be funded by the fire assessment increase that the City Commission previously adopted. City staff engaged PFM Financial Advisors LLC to serve as financial advisors for the City's proposed issuance of the lease.

“Staff requested proposals from local, regional, and national financial institutions to identify the most advantageous financing option and received three proposals by the submittal deadline,” said Lee. Flagstar Public Funding, Renasant Bank and Truist submitted proposals.

“Based on review of these proposals, Flagstar Public Funding's offer provides the best combination of favorable interest rates and terms for the City,” said Lee. Flagstar proposed a tax-exempt, fixed rate of 4.873 percent for five years, with prepayment flexibility anytime at 101 percent of par.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.

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alachuatoday.com

NEWBERRY ‒ Amanda Ruth Copley, 46, of Newberry, was arrested on Tuesday, Aug. 8, after a bench warrant from the court was issued for her arrest.

She was charged with two counts of selling opium derivatives within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining a drug dwelling, using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony, fraud and money laundering after allegedly selling pills to a man who died of a fentanyl overdose a short time later.

On March 31, Copley allegedly sold counterfeit Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills to a man who overdosed and died after consuming the pills. The man reportedly bought 10 pills for $350 and later contacted Copley with concerns about the legitimacy of the pills because they were green and “busted up,” and Copley allegedly reassured him that they were genuine. The man replied, “I trust you, I’m just checking” and thanked her.

He was found dead hours later at his home. Green pills and a green powdery substance were reportedly found at the scene; the powder reportedly tested positive for fentanyl.

Post Miranda, Copley reportedly admitted selling pills to the man.

Copley has two felony convictions and one misdemeanor conviction, neither of which are violent. She is on probation for fraud and grand theft.

Judge Walter M. Green set bail at $275,000.

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alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Plan Board on Aug. 21 approved two requests for recommendation to the High Springs City Commission for consideration.

In a 4-1 vote, the Board approved a request by Josh Blackford, Turnsole Builders, to change the zoning on two parcels consisting of a total of 2.39 +/- acres from R1 (Residential) to C3 (Commercial Intensive).

City of High Springs Planning Technician Kristyn Adkins said that the property, located on U.S. Highway 441, would be consistent with other properties in the area if the Board chose to rezone to C3. Following discussion, the Board voted 4-1, with Board member Mark Bertocci casting the dissenting vote, to recommend approval to the City Commission.

The Board also considered a site plan application presented Josh Highlander, contractor and civil engineer for a project on behalf of LifeSpring Church. The property is in the 15000 block of Northwest State Road 45 (U.S. Highway 41/27). City staff recommended approval of the application.

A point of concern voiced was about the adequacy of the retention pond. Highlander said that the water management district now requires engineers to prepare for several sequential storms when determining the size of retention ponds and that has been done on this property.

The church structure is 8,900 square feet under roof, but the number of church members is approximately 100. “The church is situated in the center of the property, approximately 200 feet away from homes,” Highlander said. The property will be served by a private well and septic tank. Highlander said also that there is a significant buffer around the property.

Following discussion, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval to the City Commission.

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alachuatoday.com

• FDEM is leading the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) for the Hurricane Idalia response.
• FDEM has mobilized requested resources to support residents and first responders including more than 100 pallets of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), nearly 500 pallets of bottled water, and more than 20 pallets of tarps.
• Just two months after the first graduation of Florida State Guard soldiers in 75 years, they’ve been called up to support Florida’s Hurricane Response and are on the ground in Taylor County. We thank them for their service during this community’s time of need.
• The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has been fully activated, with a mobilization of 5,300 guardsmen in position across the state for response efforts. Mobilized units are postured to support humanitarian assistance, route clearance, traffic control, aviation, and security missions throughout impacted areas.
• The Florida National Guard’s Air Force Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadrin Engineer (REDHORSE) is a highly trained unit in heavy construction that is uniquley mobile and also able to quickly move debris and clear vital routes for our responders. They have worked tirelessly since early morning to clear routes for our own teams to conduct door to door wellness checks for our fellow Floridians. 
• The FLNG 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team has deployed forward into western and northwestern Florida.
• The Florida National Guard currently has:
  • 2400 vehicles to include high mobility and high-water vehicles,
  • 14 FLARNG helicopters strategically placed around the state and that number could double with assistance from neighboring states,
  • 23 small watercrafts ready to support search and rescue, and reconnaissance missions.
• Two National Guard Truck Companies from neighboring states are enroute to Florida to provide our Guardsmen with additional mobility capabilities.
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) mutual aid team is coordinating Florida’s law enforcement response with 68 active missions including deployment of search and rescue teams.
• A total of 80 FDLE agents from Miami, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Pensacola are deployed into the impacted area and an FDLE drone operator is working with Urban Search and Rescue Teams.
• FDLE has deployed the following equipment:
  • One command center
  • One mobile command center
  • Six mobile staging units
  • Three large trailers
  • Four box trailers
  • Two cargo trucks
  • One forklift
  • 24 generators
  • 30 Chainsaws.

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) two rapid response teams The teams have of a total of 47 officers and support personnel and the following equipment:
  • 47 four-wheel drive vehicles
  • 15 vessels including airboats and shallow draft vessels
  • 9 UTV/ATVs
  • 1 drone unit
  • 4 swamp buggies
  • 2 supply trailers
  • 1 command trailer
  • multiple generators
  • mobile communications equipment
  • fuel resupply containers

• FWC response teams have integrated with three teams from the Department of Financial Services Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations with heavy debris removal capability.
• The Florida Highway Patrol has activated 300 troopers and implemented 12-hour Alpha, Bravo to provide resources to impacted areas. This activation has resulted in regular days off being cancelled and 24-Hour enhanced coverage.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively working to provide any needed assistance to drinking water, wastewater and hazardous waste facilities. Outreach to these facilities to determine operation status is ongoing.
• DEP’s request for a fuel waiver was granted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to temporarily adjust certain regulatory requirements statewide so the state can ensure a sustained, useable fuel supply.
• DEP is coordinating with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to dispatch fuel and pump trucks to assist drinking and wastewater facilities.
• 14 Florida State Parks strike teams have been assembled to assist with assessment and recovery efforts at impacted parks.
• DEP’s Emergency Final Order removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.

• The Florida Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) has released more than $104 million in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits early in preparation/response to Hurricane Idalia for over 327,000 households that would normally receive their September SNAP benefit between the 1st – 14th of the month. This applies to SNAP households located in one of the 49 designated counties in Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order. Eligible recipients will have the benefits automatically added to their EBT card. There is no need for recipients to apply.
• The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is staging mobile field hospitals and emergency rooms for deployment to facilities in the Big Bend.
• DOH and AHCA are supporting patient transport and efficient reopening of health care facilities in affected areas.
• Over 400 ambulances and paratransit buses are deployed or staged to support emergency medical services and patient transport.
• DOH is supporting 45 special needs shelters in the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Charlotte, Clay, Columbia, Citrus, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades/Henry, Hardee, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, St. John’s, Sumter, Suwannee, Union, and Volusia.
• DOH Children’s Medical Services Managed Care Plan (CMS) conducted outreach to providers and high-risk clients within 46 counties. CMS has ensured clients have access to early prescription refills.
• DOH has provided additional supplies of special infant formula to Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clients in need. WIC clients have been contacted regarding clinic closures.
• The DOH and Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 23-171. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers.
• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is pulling reports utilizing newly developed GIS software that includes information from residential providers and hospitals in impacted areas.
• AHCA opened an event in the Health Facility Reporting System, All Residential/Inpatient Health Care Providers must submit updates on census, bed availability, evacuation and receiving status, power outages and generator status by 10AM daily & when a situation changes. This has been put in place for all 67 counties.
• On-site post storm visits will be made by the Agency to conduct health and life safety surveys.
• For health facilities with storm damage, damage assessment guidelines, are available here.
• Teledoc is providing free virtual health care services, including general medical telehealth visits, non-emergency services, and prescription refills, to Florida residents, first responders and others directly impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Call Teladoc directly at 855-225-5032.
• AHCA sent a Medicaid Provider Alert outlining Key Medicaid Information for Fee-For-Service and Managed Care Providers during Hurricane Idalia, this can be found here.
• The Agency waived all prior authorization requirements for providers to perform critical services beyond policy limits until further notice.
• AHCA has activated the Emergency Patient Look-Up System (E-PLUS).  Special needs shelters are able to utilize the system to retrieve patient medical records. E-PLUS is also available to assist medical providers and emergency response personnel with locating missing or displaced persons after the storm.
• Publix pharmacies have agreed to share data with the E-PLUS and are also being credentialed to use the system to assist with prescribing needs.
• 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
• AHCA has contacted the Medicaid Managed Care Plans, to ensure they are allowing for early prescription refills. Fee-for-service recipients are also eligible for early refills.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), APD and its partners have contacted APD clients, families, providers and critical stakeholders pre-landfall to ensure readiness and track any evacuations plans for post storm activities.
• APD Field Leadership and their teams are checking in with clients, providers, and staff in the affected areas to determine health and safety post landfall.
• The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is receiving daily updates from all 11 Area Agencies on Aging throughout Florida. PSA 6 is currently closed to the public but is operating in a more limited capacity with staff working on the Elder Help Line and in their Long-Term Care Services Departments. There are currently no unmet needs being reported by any PSA 6 providers.

• The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) continues to complete assessments of the fuel supplies as locations reported by CITGO to determine the severity of contaminated fuel within on-site tanks. Updates on inspections and testing can be found here.
• The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is maintaining high visibility on interstate systems, bridges, and rest areas. Motorists can report disabled vehicles or dangerous driving conditions to *FHP (*347).
• FHP is coordinating UAV flights to capture images of all the State Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) towers to ensure state law enforcement personnel have communications to provide Hurricane Idalia response and law enforcement resources.
• FLHSMV driver license and motor vehicle service center closures can be found here.
• FDACS has opened up the consumer hotline to receive complaints from consumers impacted by the Port of Tampa fuel contamination. If you believe you were sold contaminated gasoline, you can file a complaint by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA or visiting fdacs.gov.
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) For the latest and real-time road and bridge closures, please visit Florida 511, at FL511.com or download the app. Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is available for drivers to stay informed about roadway conditions during emergencies. This service is monitored and updated 24/7 by FDOT and includes traffic conditions, road and bridge closures, and other specialized alerts.
• FDOT has nearly 700 team members deployed to the impacted areas, which includes nearly 100 Bridge Inspectors and 224 Cut and Toss crew members.
• Nearly 250 pieces of major equipment, including 140 dump trucks, 59 pumps, and 207 other heavy equipment (front-end loaders, skid-steers, etc.)
• Nearly 1,100 generators are ready to deploy as needed to quickly restore traffic signals.
• All 13 traffic management centers across the state, which are open 24/7, are monitoring road conditions and traffic levels along critical corridors including I-10, I-75, and I-4 to ensure safe travel for drivers.
• 185 Road Rangers are available across the state to assist motorists in need.
• Tolls have been suspended at facilities along the West Coast of Florida until Noon on Tuesday, September 5. The facilities include the I-4 Connector, Selmon Expressway (S.R. 618), Veterans Expressway (S.R. 589), Suncoast Parkway (S.R. 589), Turnpike Mainline (I-75 to I-4), Pinellas Bayway (S.R. 679), Sunshine Skyway Bridge (U.S. 19).
• FDOT issued an Emergency Order to temporarily allow expanded weight and size requirements for vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agriculture commodities and citrus.
• For rolling updates on Florida’s airport, seaport, and transit partners, please visit local listings or www.fdot.gov/idalia.
• Remember to heed the advice of local officials following a severe weather event. FDOT reminds motorists to always proceed cautiously and drive safely.
• DEP has pre-authorized 707 Disaster Debris Management Sites for the counties included in the Governor’s Executive Order to temporarily stage storm-generated debris that may result from the storm.
• The Florida Department of Education is consistently updating their website with school district closures, as well as State University System and Florida College System Closures.
  • 50 County School Districts have issued closures.
  • 20 Florida State College Systems have issued closures.
  • Nine State University Systems have issued closures.
  • Ten State Testing Site has issued closures.
  • Ten Division of Blind Services have issued closures.
  • 20 Vocational Rehabilitation Offices have issued closures.

• Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Idalia. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Idalia recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of affected businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Idalia” from the dropdown menu.
• In partnership with FloridaCommerce, DOH has provided resources to private sector partners selling generators to Floridians regarding generator safety and carbon monoxide poisoning prevention. Information regarding proper generator safety has also been distributed on social media platforms.
• FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
• FloridaCommerce has alerted the statewide Community Action Agency (CAA) Network and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) to initiate disaster preparedness activities. LWDBs and CAAs have been advised to submit their anticipated cash needs or invoice packages for reimbursement, as appropriate, to ensure critical services to Floridians are not disrupted.
• FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector coordination calls beginning Monday, August 28, 2023. Briefings will be provided by SERT meteorology, fuels, communications, transportation, and energy, as well as private sector partners such as the Florida Retail Federation, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and VISIT FLORIDA.
• FloridaCommerce is in contact with local ESF 18 representatives in the anticipated impacted areas to support economic resiliency in their communities.
• FloridaCommerce has also been in contact with Amazon who will donate gift cards and supplies to nonprofits following the storm.
• U-HAUL is offering 30 days of free self-storage or container use at more than 50 of its locations across the state. For more information contact the nearest participating location: bit.ly/3Ehal49.
• OnStar: Crisis Mode has been turned on for all OnStar-equipped Chevrolet, Buick, GMC & Cadillac owners impacted by Idalia. Services are complimentary. Just push your OnStar button and say “Advisor.”
• Wells Fargo is ready to support Floridians by providing access to your accounts, banker support on their customer assistance line at 1-800-219-9739.
• Visa is waiving interchange fees for donations made to the Florida Relief Fund. They will match employee donations made in support of Florida disaster relief efforts and the Visa Small Business Team has activated their Back to Business tools to help Floridians affected by Hurricane Idalia.
• Comcast has opened 141,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across Florida in Hurricane Idalia’s potential path for anyone to use, including non-Xfinity customers, for free.
• Uber announced FREE* round-trip rides to Florida shelter locations in Alachua, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Leon, Marion, Manatee, Nassau, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Sumter, Union, and Volusia counties in preparation of Hurricane Idalia
  • Open your app.
  • Tap “Account” on the bottom right.
  • Tap Wallet
  • Scroll down to “+ Add Promo Code.”
  • Enter code IDALIARELIEF
    • *Up to $35 each way, to and from a state- approved evacuation shelter listed at floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters.
• VISIT FLORIDA has activated the Emergency Accommodations Module with Expedia to provide real-time availability of hotel rooms throughout the state.
• Updates on closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.Biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.
• The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) linking the Boil Water Notice Guidelines and the Emergency Recovery Guidelines was sent to food and lodging establishments throughout the impacted areas of the state to help businesses prepare for post-storm recovery.
• DBPR is coordinating with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to secure accommodations for state workers and first responders deploying to impacted areas.
• The DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants is coordinating emergency response teams in the Big Bend, North Florida and Tampa Bay regions for a post-storm rapid response to assist lodging establishments and restaurants in reopening as necessary.
• DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who are looking to help property owners in need of post-storm construction-related services to register with the Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org. Once homeowners are safely able to assess their home repair needs, DBPR encourages them to log onto DCNOnline.org and search by county for a list of Florida-licensed contractors providing these services in their community.
• OIR issued an Informational Memorandum to all authorized residential property insurers to provide guidance on hurricane preparedness and response. OIR directed insurers to review all aspects of their disaster preparedness and response plans to ensure they’re in compliance with Florida law. Informational Memorandum OIR-23-05M is available here.

• DBPR Emergency Order 2023-06 also:
  • Extends the deadline for the filing of monthly reports and returns by certain alcoholic beverage and tobacco license holders to October 25, 2023.
  • Suspends and tolls through October 25, 2023, all final orders reflecting agency action and all-time requirements and deadlines for filing responses outlined in agency orders through September 28, 2023.
  • Suspends and tolls the annual $4 mobile home fee and $1 surcharge for mobile home park owners.
  • Waives the $200 fee for the issuance of temporary licenses for out-of-state veterinarians through October 25, 2023.

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has FLHSMV has issued Emergency Order 082623, 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.
• Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, DEP has issued an Emergency Final Order waiving permitting requirements for the storage and processing of solid waste, including hurricane debris.
• DEP’s Emergency Final Order also removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.
• FDOT issued an Emergency Order to temporarily allow expanded weight and size requirements for vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agriculture commodities and citrus.