Local

UPDATED AUG. 29, 2023 7:59 p.m.

• FDEM is leading the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) for the Hurricane Idalia response.
• FDEM is mobilizing requested resources to support residents and first responders in the path of the storm, including more than 100 pallets of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), nearly 500 pallets of bottled water, and more than 20 pallets of tarps.
• The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has been fully activated, with a mobilization of 3,700 guardsmen in position across the state for preparedness and response efforts. An additional 1,800 guardsmen are on the way bringing the total to 5,500 prior to the storm landing.
• 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. 
     
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center Team to support ongoing operations. FDLE has prepared:
  • One mobile command vehicle;
  • One operations command center;
  • Six mobile staging units;
  • 80 agents and analysts ready to deploy;
  • Three large trailers;
  • Four box trailers;
  • Two cargo trucks;
  • One forklift;
  • 24 generators and,
  • 30 chainsaws.

• FDLE mutual aid team is coordinating Florida’s law enforcement response with 25 missions including helping with evacuation and pre-staging resources.

• Regional law enforcement coordination teams (RLECTs) are activated in impacted regions to assist local law enforcement agencies ahead of the storm. 

• FDLE’s Criminal Justice Information Services received permission from the FBI to allow law enforcement agencies to perform criminal history queries on behalf of emergency shelters to determine suitability of shelter staff who may care for vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, the disabled).

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied all storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding due to Hurricane Idalia. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and are flexible based on the storm’s projected path.

• Two rapid response teams consisting of officers, support staff and equipment have staged in locations just outside the projected path for immediate deployment following Hurricane Idalia’s exit from the impact zone. These teams consist of assets outside the immediate impact area. 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 UAS (drone) unit
  • 4 swamp buggies
  • 2 supply trailers
  • 1 command trailer
  • 4 BERG units
  • 4 hygiene trailers
  • 1 water trailerr
  • multiple generators
  • mobile communications equipment
  • fuel resupply containers

• FWC Officers will respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, including:
  • Shallow draft boats; 
  • Larger platform vessels; 
  • ATVs; 
  • Airboats; and  
  • Four-wheel drive vehicles. 

• These assets are in addition to local FWC officers deployed to potentially affected areas. 
• A supplemental support team of 15 additional officers and equipment has been identified to provide immediate assistance to the rapid response team if necessary.
• FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and report back on damage after the storm has made landfall. 
• FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for EOC aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
• The FWC has issued pre-storm messaging to vessel owners to secure boats ahead of severe weather and set up a hotline (888-404-3922) to report vessels lost, displaced or rendered derelict as a result of the storm.
• FWC captive wildlife investigators have made contact with all captive wildlife facilities in the storm’s projected path and reviewed contingency plans with facility owners for the impending severe weather. A team of 6 captive wildlife investigators has staged just outside the storm’s path to conduct assessments of Class I captive wildlife facilities following the storm.
• The Florida Highway Patrol has 300 troopers ready to deploy and implemented 12-hour Alpha, Bravo shifts in troops B, C, D, G, H, I, J and K in preparation for Hurricane Idalia in order 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) has completed pre-storm beach surveys in all shoreline counties.
• All significant hazardous waste facilities in potentially affected counties are being contacted to ensure all pre-storm preparations are being made.

• DEP has requested a fuel waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to temporarily adjust certain regulatory requirements to ensure a sustained, useable fuel supply. 

• All Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Correctional Institutions have back-up power generators in the event commercial power is lost.

• The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has submitted the federal waiver request for early release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This will expedite the receipt of benefits for those scheduled to receive food assistance during the first half of the month in September.
• DCF’s Mass Care unit is working with the American Red Cross and feeding partners to assess shelter needs and get updated inventory information for food on hand for distribution.
   
• DCF is assessing the need for utilization of the crisis counseling program and deployment of crisis counseling teams to support area resiliency.

• The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics stands ready to coordinate with wholesale distributors of prescription drugs and medical gas to ensure an uninterrupted supply for potential impacted residents.
• The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is supporting 14 special needs shelters, which are accepting clients, in the following counties: Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Alachua, and Volusia. Additional special needs shelters are on standby as the storm approaches. For assistance regarding special needs shelters, contact your local emergency manager. 
• DOH has staged 33 strike teams, totaling 165 ambulances, for any facility evacuations or patient transport needs. Staging is currently in Marianna and Lakeland. An additional 200 ambulances have been requested.  
• DOH has provided additional supplies of special infant formula to Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clients in need.
   
• DOH met with Epilepsy Services Program Providers to open lines of communication if their clients, epilepsy patients, or persons with disabilities need resources during and after the storm.
• 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.

• DOH remains in contact with Medical Foster Care (MFC) families to ensure services and needs are met. 

• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is pulling reports utilizing newly developed GIS software that includes information from residential providers and hospitals in counties under the State of Emergency.
   
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  • AHCA has contacted the Department of Health for inputting shelter registration information into E-PLUS system as special need shelters begin opening.
  • Digital Services has been credentialed access to the E-PLUS Missing Persons tool to assist them in getting information about individual locations at healthcare facilities
• AHCA partnered with Florida Health Care Association and Florida Hospital Association to initiate statewide calls with long term care facilities and hospitals.
• 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 opened an event in the Health Facility Reporting System ahead of any potential impacts. 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 and when a situation changes. This has been put in place for all 67 counties.
• AHCA has contacted the Medicaid Managed Care Plans, to ensure they are taking the necessary preparations for the storm, including allowing for early prescription refills. Fee-for-service recipients are also eligible for early refills.
• AHCA Secretary Jason Weida has spoken with the CEOs of all hospitals that are evacuating, the CEOs of all Associations for Residential and Inpatient Health Care facilities, and the CEOs of all managed care plans to ensure lines of communication are open and we are working together.
• AHCA staff has made over 505 calls and counting, in a coordinated outreach effort to all residential health care providers in the cone of the hurricane, along the coastlines, in mandatory evacuation zones, and those who have not updated HFRS.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), based on the Governor’s Executive Order, has mapped out the locations and current census of APD clients and residents located in potentially affected areas.
• APD initiated and established daily partner calls to effectively provide and receive information to proactively respond and anticipate future needs. Partners include:
  • Arc of Florida 
  • Florida Association of Rehabilitative Facilities 
  • Florida Developmental Disabilities Council 
  • Waiver Support Coordinator Associations  
  • Family Care Council Chairs 

• APD Disseminated and collected daily situation reports throughout the state to capture data related to APD client, provider and group home current state and activities including census, staffing, site readiness, emerging situations, and unmet needs.

• No reports of unmet needs.
• APD team working to complete direct outreach with remaining clients and group homes

• APD conducted a site visit to the Developmental Disability Center (Tacachale) located in Gainesville, FL to support the team and ensure facility readiness.  

• WaterTracker is active, DEP’s online portal for drinking and wastewater facilities to report their operational status.
   
• Walgreens has four mobile pharmacies positioned ready to deploy along with additional generators and are prepared to provide mobile pharmacy services for shelters.
• The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is receiving daily updates from all 11 Area Agencies on Aging throughout Florida.
• ElderSource (PSA 4, Jacksonville) has provided the following updates:
  • St. Johns Council on Aging will close on Wednesday and Thursday.  Nutrition Services will send extra meals out tomorrow for those closures with the home-delivered meals. Their Independent Living Services and Programs departments are calling participants to check on them and also to see if they need transportation to a hurricane shelter.  They will be called again once the storm passes.
  • Flagler County Senior Services: Flagler has activated the EOC, Senior services staff are working 12-hour shifts at the EOC. Home delivered meals are still scheduled for today, so all home delivered meals will be going out today as scheduled. Call downs to clients were completed.  The Senior Center will be closed on Wednesday as of right now.
• The Office of Public and Professional Guardians (OPPG) Director spoke with more Executive Directors today to confirm that those with wards who are being evacuated are being moved to a safe place. For those being evacuated, the programs followed up with the receiving facility to make sure there is still capacity and that the wards have been received.

• 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. Based on these assessments, FDACS will determine the types of fuel that is contaminated and issue subsequent communications. 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).
• The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting with evacuations in Dixie, Levi and Taylor counties in preparation for Hurricane Idalia.
• FLHSMV driver license and motor vehicle service center closures can be found here.
• Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobile units stand ready to deploy to affected counties post storm to aid with replacement of credentials.
• FDACS has opened up the consumer hotline to receive complaints from impacted consumers. 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) has nearly 700 team members strategically staged across the state and ready to deploy, which includes 64 Bridge Inspectors and 224 Cut and Toss crew members. 
• FDOT crews are equipped with almost 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 have been staged near the storm’s direct path to be able to quickly restore traffic signals following the storm.
• Comcast’s preparations include staging emergency generators and fuel trucks as well as bringing in additional technical and network restoration teams that are ready to be deployed into any impacted area.
• 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.
   
• In consultation with state partners, and under the direction of Governor DeSantis, tolls have been suspended at facilities along the West Coast of Florida for 7 days. 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.)
• All state drawbridges have been locked down in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough County. Bridges are open to traffic and will remain open as weather permits or until closed by law enforcement.  
• All FDOT road and bridge contractors have suspended operations on active construction projects in the following counties: Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Marion, Alachua, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Columbia, Union, Bradford, Putnam, Clay, Baker, Hamilton, Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Mantee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Desoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Highlands, Polk, Sumter, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler, Osceola, Brevard, Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Bay, Washington, Holmes and Walton. 
• The Howard Frankland Bridge project in Tampa is completing the process of securing barges in the area. All other active construction projects are taking necessary actions related to storm preparations such as securing work sites including barges and marine equipment, lowering high mast arm lighting, clearing traffic control devices that are not actively being used to direct traffic, and checking drainage systems.  

• Port Panama City, Port Tampa Bay, Seaport Manatee, Port St. Joe, and Port of St. Petersburg have begun securing port infrastructure and clearing waterways as they prepare for the approaching storm.

• FDOT has postponed previously scheduled maintenance activities on Jacksonville’s Main Street Bridge and the St. Augustine Bridge of Lions.
• FDOT crews are actively sweeping roadway shoulders, preparing signage, and opening the maximum amount of lanes possible within construction zones in preparation for the potential implementation of Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) in case of evacuations.
• FDOT is in close communication with transportation partners across the state, including airports, seaports, rail lines and transit agencies, as they are on watch and making any necessary preparations.
• 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. To use Florida’s 511, visit the website at FL511.com or download the app—on both Apple and Android devices.
• FDOT is monitoring traffic levels along I-10, I-75, and I-4 to ensure safe flow of traffic as the storm’s predicted path becomes clearer.
• FDOT is working with utility providers to allow staging of utility trucks at weigh stations across the state as well as coordinate post-storm debris operations in support of swift electrical power restoration.
• Movable bridge lockdowns are being coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard.
• FDOT is activating district emergency and pre-event contracts for post-storm operations including debris removal, traffic signal and lighting repairs, and generators.
   
• FDOT reminds motorists to always drive safely. Remember to avoid distractions and slow down during inclement weather.
• For rolling updates on Florida’s airport, seaport, and transit partners, please visit local listings or www.fdot.gov/idalia.    
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
   
• DEP 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.

• DEP has contacted all significant hazardous waste facilities in potentially affected counties to ensure all pre-storm preparations are being made.

• DEP is coordinating with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to respond to potential fuel availability impacts following the Port of Tampa Bay fuel mixing issue. 
  
  
• Florida’s water management districts’ webpages have been updated to include links for real-time tracking of water levels.
   
• 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.

• 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.
• The following CareerSource locations will experience closures:
  • CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion – from 5 p.m. on 8/28/23 through 8/30/23.
  • CareerSource Pasco Hernando – from 8/28/23 through 8/30/23.
  • CareerSource Tampa Bay – from 3 p.m. on 8/28/23 through 8/30/23.
  • CareerSource Gulf Coast Apalachicola Satellite Office- from 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource North Florida- from 12 p.m. 8/29/23 through 8/30/23.
  • CareerSource Florida Crown- from 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource North Central Florida- from 1 p.m. 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource Pinellas- from 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource Suncoast- from 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource Northeast Florida- from 1 p.m. 8/29/2023 through 8/31/2023.
  • CareerSource Southwest Florida- Fort Myers and Port Charlotte offices closed from 8/29/23 through 8/30/23.
• FloridaCommerce partners, including CVS, Walmart, Publix, Kroger, Avis, Waze and L3 Harris have indicated that they are monitoring and preparing their employees for potential impacts. Wells Fargo is supporting to ensure banking services remain available to Floridians.
   
• FloridaCommerce has also been in contact with Amazon who will donate gift cards and supplies to nonprofits following the storm.

• Uber announced FREE* round-trip rides to Florida shelter locations in Alachua, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Lake, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Pasco, 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. 

• Businesses located in Florida are encouraged to review the Business Re-Entry Procedures and ensure that employees have the required documentation prior to the storm's arrival.
• Rosen Hotels and Resorts is activating their Florida Residents Distressed Rates to give Floridians a safe, affordable place to stay during Hurricane Idalia. Evacuees can call 866-33-ROSEN (76736) to reserve a room.
• VISIT FLORIDA has activated the Emergency Accommodations Module with Expedia to provide real-time availability of hotel rooms throughout the state.
• DBPR sent the Boil Water Notice Guidelines to food and lodging establishments throughout the impacted areas of the state to help businesses prepare for post-storm recovery.

• The DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants is coordinating and preparing 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. DBPR is a founding partner in the Disaster Contractors Network, a contractor-verified clearinghouse to connect individuals with building professionals to address storm-related construction and repairs, and minimize fraudulent construction schemes seeking to take advantage of vulnerable Floridians after a storm.
• In response to potential impacts from Hurricane Idalia, DBPR has closed district offices today, Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in Fort Myers, Gainesville (at 1 p.m.), Jacksonville, Largo and Tampa. The Tallahassee office will be closed Wednesday, August 30, 2023. DBPR will continue to monitor storm conditions and make determinations on additional closures for the safety of staff and visitors as necessary.
  
  
• DBPR has published an emergency page at MyFloridaLicense.com/emergency, where the current status of DBPR office closures, executive orders, board meeting updates, and other resources related to Hurricane Idalia will be posted as necessary.

*************************************************************************************************

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — This morning, Governor Ron DeSantis provided updates on Hurricane Idalia at the State Emergency Operations Center with Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue and Major General John Haas. As the storm approaches, landfall is expected early Wednesday morning with evacuation orders being called across 22 counties. The Governor also expanded the Executive Order to include three additional counties, bringing the total to 49 counties under a state of emergency. Full remarks can be found here .

FDEM has launched the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL), a toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida. Residents can call the SAIL hotline at 1-800-342-3557.

Today, Tropical Storm Idalia has strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane. It is predicted to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane. Life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

As of 11 a.m. EDT, Tropical Storm Idalia is located approximately 120 miles west of the Dry Tortugas. Idalia has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and is forecast to have the greatest impact to the state during the overnight hours of Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon.

Storm surge watch is in effect along the Gulf Coast from the Charlotte/Sarasota County border to the Collier/Monroe County border, including Charlotte Harbor.

Storm surge warning is in effect along the Gulf Coast from the Charlotte/Sarasota border to the Franklin/Gulf County border, including Tampa Bay.

Tropical storm watch is in effect for inland Collier and the Lower Keys.

Tropical storm warning is in effect for Baker, Bradford, Brevard Charlotte, Clay, coastal Collier, DeSoto, Duval, inland Franklin, Flagler, Gadsden, Gulf, Hardee, Lake, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Central and Eastern Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St, Johns, Union, Volusia, and inland Wakulla counties, as well as the Dry Tortugas.

Hurricane watch is in effect for Eastern Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Leon, central Marion, Sarasota, Union, and inland Wakulla counties.

Hurricane warning is in effect for western Alachua, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, coastal Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, western Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sumter, Suwanee, Taylor, and coastal Wakulla counties.
Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and listen to all orders from local officials, as well as have emergency contact lists updated and important documents backed up and stored in a waterproof protective container.

State Preparedness Efforts

• FDEM is leading the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) for the Tropical Storm Idalia response.
• FDEM is mobilizing requested resources to support residents and first responders in the path of the storm, including more than 100 pallets of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), nearly 500 pallets of bottled water, and more than 20 pallets of tarps.
• The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has been fully activated, with a mobilization of 3,700 guardsmen in position across the state for preparedness and response efforts. An additional 1,800 guardsmen are on the way bringing the total to 5,500 prior to the storm landing.
• 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. 
     
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center Team to support ongoing operations. FDLE has prepared:
  • One mobile command vehicle;
  • One operations command center;
  • Six mobile staging units;
  • 80 agents and analysts ready to deploy;
  • Three large trailers;
  • Four box trailers;
  • Two cargo trucks;
  • One forklift;
  • 24 generators and,
  • 30 chainsaws

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied all storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding due to Hurricane Idalia. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and are flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
• A rapid response team consisting of officers, support staff and equipment are staging for immediate deployment following Hurricane Idalia’s exit from the impact zone. This team consists of assets outside the immediate impact area. The team will consist of 46 officers and support personnel and the following equipment:
  • 46 high water vehicles including four-wheel drives
  • 12 vessels including airboats and shallow draft vessels
  • 4 UTV/ATVs
  • 4 Swamp buggies
  • 2 supply trailers
  • 1 command trailer
  • multiple generators

These assets are in addition to local FWC officers deployed to potentially affected areas. 

• FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and report back on damage after the storm has made landfall. 
• FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for EOC aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
• The Florida Highway Patrol has 300 troopers ready to deploy and implemented 12-hour Alpha, Bravo shifts at 6 a.m. in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has completed pre-storm beach surveys in all shoreline counties.

• All significant hazardous waste facilities in potentially affected counties are being contacted to ensure all pre-storm preparations are being made.

• All Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Correctional Institutions have back-up power generators in the event commercial power is lost.

 
Health and Human Services

• The Florida Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) will be releasing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits early in preparation/response to Hurricane Idalia for 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 46 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.

• DCF’s Mass Care unit is working with the American Red Cross and feeding partners to assess shelter needs and get updated inventory information for food on hand for distribution.
   
• DCF is preparing to deploy the crisis counseling program and deployment of crisis counseling teams to support area resiliency.

• The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics stands ready to coordinate with wholesale distributors of prescription drugs and medical gas to ensure an uninterrupted supply for potential impacted residents.
• The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has staged 33 strike teams, with nearly 200 ambulances, for any facility evacuations or patient transport needs. Staging is currently in Marianna and Lakeland. An additional 200 ambulances have been requested.  
• DOH has provided additional supplies of special infant formula to Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clients in need.
   
• DOH met with Epilepsy Services Program Providers to open lines of communication if their clients, epilepsy patients, or persons with disabilities need resources during and after the storm.
• 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.

• DOH remains in contact with Medical Foster Care (MFC) families to ensure services and needs are met. 

• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is pulling reports utilizing newly developed GIS software that includes information from residential providers and hospitals in counties under the State of Emergency.
   
• AHCA sent a Medicaid Provider Alert outlining Key Medicaid Information for Fee-For-Service and Managed Care Providers during Tropical Storm Idalia, this can be found here.
• 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.
  • AHCA has contacted the Department of Health for inputting shelter registration information into E-PLUS system as special need shelters begin opening.
  • Digital Services has been credentialed access to the E-PLUS Missing Persons tool to assist them in getting information about individual locations at healthcare facilities
• AHCA partnered with Florida Health Care Association and Florida Hospital Association to initiate statewide calls with long term care facilities and hospitals.
• 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 opened an event in the Health Facility Reporting System ahead of any potential impacts. 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 and when a situation changes.
• AHCA has contacted the Medicaid Managed Care Plans, to ensure they are taking the necessary preparations for the storm, including allowing for early prescription refills. Fee-for-service recipients are also eligible for early refills.
• AHCA Secretary Jason Weida has spoken with the CEOs of all hospitals that are evacuating and in the coastal cone.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), based on the Governor’s Executive Order, has mapped out the locations and current census of APD clients and residents located in potentially affected areas.
• APD initiated and established daily partner calls to effectively provide and receive information to proactively respond and anticipate future needs. Partners include:
  • Arc of Florida 
  • Florida Association of Rehabilitative Facilities 
  • Florida Developmental Disabilities Council 
  • Waiver Support Coordinator Associations  
  • Family Care Council Chairs 

• APD disseminated and collected daily situation reports throughout the state to capture data related to current state and activities including census, staffing, site readiness, emerging situations and unmet needs for APD clients, providers, Developmental Disability Centers, and group homes.
    
• APD conducted a site visit to the Developmental Disability Center (Tacachale) located in Gainesville, FL to support the team and ensure facility readiness.  

• WaterTracker is active, DEP’s online portal for drinking and wastewater facilities to report their operational status.
   
• Walgreens has four mobile pharmacies positioned ready to deploy along with additional generators and are prepared to provide mobile pharmacy services for shelters.

Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

• 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. Based on these assessments, FDACS will determine the types of fuel that is contaminated and issue subsequent communications.  
• FDACS has opened up the consumer hotline to receive complaints from impacted consumers. 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) has nearly 700 team members strategically staged across the state and ready to deploy, which includes 64 Bridge Inspectors and 224 Cut and Toss crew members. 
• FDOT crews are equipped with almost 400 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 have been staged near the storm’s direct path to be able to quickly restore traffic signals following the storm.
• 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.
• In consultation with state partners, and under the direction of Governor DeSantis, tolls have been suspended at facilities along the West Coast of Florida for 7 days. 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).
• All FDOT road and bridge contractors have suspended operations on active construction projects in the following counties: Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Marion, Alachua, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Columbia, Union, Bradford, Putnam, Clay, Baker, Hamilton, Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Mantee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Desoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Highlands, Polk, Sumter, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler, Osceola, Brevard, Franklin, Liberty, Gadsden, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Bay, Washington, Holmes and Walton. 
• The Howard Frankland Bridge project in Tampa is completing the process of securing barges in the area. All other active construction projects are taking necessary actions related to storm preparations such as securing work sites including barges and marine equipment, lowering high mast arm lighting, clearing traffic control devices that are not actively being used to direct traffic, and checking drainage systems.  

• Port Panama City, Port Tampa Bay, Seaport Manatee, Port St. Joe, and Port of St. Petersburg have begun securing port infrastructure and clearing waterways as they prepare for the approaching storm.

• FDOT has postponed previously scheduled maintenance activities on Jacksonville’s Main Street Bridge and the St. Augustine Bridge of Lions.
• FDOT crews are actively sweeping roadway shoulders, preparing signage, and opening the maximum amount of lanes possible within construction zones in preparation for the potential implementation of Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) in case of evacuations.
• FDOT is in close communication with transportation partners across the state, including airports, seaports, rail lines and transit agencies, as they are on watch and making any necessary preparations.
• 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. To use Florida’s 511, visit the website at FL511.com  or download the app—on both Apple and Android devices.
• FDOT is monitoring traffic levels along I-10, I-75, and I-4 to ensure safe flow of traffic as the storm’s predicted path becomes clearer.
• FDOT is working with utility providers to allow staging of utility trucks at weigh stations across the state as well as coordinate post-storm debris operations in support of swift electrical power restoration.
• Movable bridge lockdowns are being coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard.
• FDOT is activating district emergency and pre-event contracts for post-storm operations including debris removal, traffic signal and lighting repairs, and generators.
   
• FDOT reminds motorists to always drive safely. Remember to avoid distractions and slow down during inclement weather.
• Airports:
  • Tampa International Airport is closed to commercial operations and cargo operations.  
  • St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will close at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, (8/29).   
  • For passenger service updates, please continually check your local listings as the status of services continues to rapidly change. 
• Seaports:  
  • Port Panama City, Port St. Joe, Port Fernandina, JAXPORT, Port Canaveral, and Port Key West are actively preparing for the approaching storm.  
  • Port Tampa Bay, Port of St. Petersburg, and Seaport Manatee landside operations remain open, however the ports are closed to inbound vessels. 
  • All ports currently have adequate fuel supplies and are well-positioned to quickly reinstate operations following the storm to keep fuel supplies moving.   
• Transit and Rail:  
  • For passenger service updates, please continually check your local listings as the status of services continues to rapidly change. 
  • SunRail service has been suspended. 
  •   Florida’s four regional railroads (Florida Northern, Florida Midland, Florida Central and Port Manatee Railroads): will suspend operations the afternoon of Tuesday, August 29. 
  • Baker Council on Aging (COA): Service will be suspended on Wednesday, August 30. 
  • Citrus Connection will run a modified service on Tuesday, August 29. 
  •  Citrus County Transit is suspending door-to-door service until Thursday, August 31. 
  • City of Gainesville RTS is providing reduced service after 1 pm on Tuesday, August 29. 
  • Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) offered Emergency Service on Tuesday, August 29. HART will offer free service on limited or reduced service routes.  
  • ARC Jacksonville is closing Wednesday, August 30. 
  • Jacksonville Transportation Authority will suspend ferry operations on Tuesday, August 29. 
  • City of Key West Transit has modified service starting today Tuesday, August 29. 
  • Levy County Transit will run limited service for dialysis on Tuesday, August 29.  
  • Manatee Transit will begin evacuation trips at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29. 
  • Marion County Transit will suspend service on Wednesday, August 30. 
  •   Nassau COA will suspend service starting on Wednesday, August 30. 
  •  Pinellas Suncoast Transit (PSTA) will suspend service at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29. 
  • Putnam Ride Solutions is providing Medically Needy trip requests only. 
  • ARC Putnam is closing Wednesday, August 30. 
  •   Sarasota County Breeze will suspend service beginning at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29. 
  • St. Johns River Ferry will suspend operations on Tuesday, August 29. 
  • St. Johns is on standby to assist with evacuation. Paratransit closed Wednesday, August 30. 
  • Suwannee River Economic Council is closed Wednesday, August 30. 
  • Volusia County Votran will suspend service at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29.

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: floridastateparks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
   
• DEP has pre-authorized 627 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.
   
• DEP is coordinating with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to respond to potential fuel availability impacts following the Port of Tampa Bay fuel mixing issue. 
• Florida’s water management districts’ webpages have been updated to include links for real-time tracking of water levels.
   
• 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.
  • 43 County School Districts have issued closures.
  • 16 Florida State College Systems have issued closures.
  • Seven State University Systems have issued closures.
  • One State Testing Site has issued closures.
  • Five Division of Blind Services have issued closures.

Private Sector Resources

• 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.
• The following CareerSource locations will experience closures:
  • CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion – from 5 p.m. on 8/28/23 through 8/30/23.
  • CareerSource Pasco Hernando – from 8/28/23 through 8/30/23.
  • CareerSource Tampa Bay – from 3 p.m. on 8/28/23 through 8/30/23.
  • CareerSource Gulf Coast Apalachicola Satellite Office- from 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource North Florida- from 12 p.m. 8/29/23 through 8/30/23.
  • CareerSource Florida Crown- from 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource North Central Florida- from 1 p.m. 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource Pinellas- from 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
  • CareerSource Suncoast- from 8/29/2023 through 8/30/2023.
• FloridaCommerce partners, including CVS, Walmart, Publix, Kroger, Avis, Waze and L3 Harris have indicated that they are monitoring and preparing their employees for potential impacts. Wells Fargo is supporting to ensure banking services remain available to Floridians.
   
• Comcast’s preparations include staging emergency generators and fuel trucks as well as bringing in additional technical and network restoration teams that are ready to be deployed into any impacted area.
• FloridaCommerce has also been in contact with Amazon who will donate gift cards and supplies to nonprofits following the storm.
• FloridaCommerce has been in contact with Uber to set up rides to shelters. More information on that will be available soon.
• Businesses located in Florida are encouraged to review the Business Re-Entry Procedures and ensure that employees have the required documentation prior to the storm's arrival.
• Rosen Hotels and Resorts is activating their Florida Residents Distressed Rates to give Floridians a safe, affordable place to stay during Tropical Strom Idalia. Evacuees can call 866-33-ROSEN (76736) to reserve a room.
• VISIT FLORIDA has activated the Emergency Accommodations Module with Expedia to provide real-time availability of hotel rooms throughout the state.
• DBPR sent an email with Boil Water Notice Guidelines and sent to food and lodging establishments throughout the impacted areas of the state to help businesses prepare for post-storm recovery.

• The DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants is coordinating and preparing 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 . DBPR is a founding partner in the Disaster Contractors Network, a contractor-verified clearinghouse to connect individuals with building professionals to address storm-related construction and repairs, and minimize fraudulent construction schemes seeking to take advantage of vulnerable Floridians after a storm.
• In response to potential impacts from Hurricane Idalia, DBPR has closed district offices today, Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in Fort Myers, Gainesville (at 1 p.m.), Jacksonville, Largo and Tampa. DBPR will continue to monitor storm conditions and make determinations on additional closures for the safety of staff and visitors as necessary.
• DBPR has published an emergency page at MyFloridaLicense.com/emergency , where the current status of DBPR office closures, executive orders, board meeting updates, and other resources related to Hurricane Idalia will be posted as necessary.

• The DBPR Division of Service Operations is currently prioritizing the processing of roofing contractor and construction out-of-state endorsement applications to ensure an abundance of qualified, licensed contractors are available to legally provide construction and repair services to homeowners after Hurricane Idalia.

• 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.

Emergency Orders

• State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo signed Emergency Order 23-001, 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 and EMT’s licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
• The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 23-002, which: 
  • Permits mobile pharmacies to operate during the state of emergency.       
  • Extends the reporting requirement for controlled substances to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, contained in section 893.055(3)(a), Florida Statutes, from 1 day to up to 30 days.
  • Extends the licensure renewal deadlines set forth in sections 468.309(1)(a), 480.043(10), and 480.0415, Florida Statutes, for upcoming license renewals of radiological personnel, massage therapists, and massage establishments.
• 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.
• FLHSMV has 5 Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) Mobiles and 6 mini-FLOW mobiles ready to deploy to impacted areas to help residents replace important documents such as identification cards.
• 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.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs residents are speaking up about a local park. At the Aug. 10 High Springs City Commission meeting, a planned expansion of Memorial Park near Edgemoor subdivision was the subject of numerous citizen questions and comments.

Originally, the park was to be extended to include another baseball diamond. The land, which was purchased through Wild Spaces Public Places funds, had a $200,000 grant associated with development of the park facilities.

However, the City returned the grant funds when it was determined that the property would have to be repurposed due to its proximity of the City’s third well field.

According to Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations limit development of the park in proximity to the water well. As there was no time to re-engineer the project in accordance with the grant funding deadline, the City returned the grant funds. Gillingham believes the City will be exploring the matter further in the coming months.

In other business, the Commission approved a fire services rate on second reading for Fiscal Year 2023-24 in compliance with Fire Assessment Guidelines. The initial preliminary Resolution directing the preparation of the assessment roll was read and adopted at the July 13 meeting with the assessment rate of $223 for residential properties. Resolution 2023-L establishes the final rate of assessment the proposed rate. Gillingham said this is the highest rate the City could set this year, adding that there was no new equipment or personnel planned for the coming year.

Gillingham announced that Sept. 15 is the date set for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters to be shipped to High Springs. He anticipates that actual installation of the meters will begin the first week of October. The AMI system will remotely collect customer water usage data in real time.

High Springs Town Hall meetings are scheduled to begin Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, 1240 N.W. 1^st Avenue, High Springs. The second Town Hall meeting will take place Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., but the venue hasn’t yet been set. The third Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Sept. 19 at City Hall. Advanced Metering Infrastructure will also be discussed at the Aug. 31 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) soiree for business owners.

The next High Springs City Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 24, at 6:30 p.m.

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NEWBERRY – As first reported by Alachua County Today on May 8, 2023, Publix Supermarkets is coming to Newberry. The Florida grocery chain is anticipated to break ground in the city of Newberry in the fall of this year. In May of 2023, Newberry’s Board of Adjustment (BOA) approved an application for the development of a large shopping center plaza on 9.06 acres of land on the corner of Newberry Road and County Road 235. According to City officials, the development has now received all of the approvals required by the City prior to construction.

At the May BOA hearing, it was anticipated that groundbreaking would take place approximately six months later to allow time for approval from Alachua County, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Suwannee River Water Management District.

Although an opening date has not been set, it is anticipated that the build will take approximately nine to twelve months after groundbreaking, leading to speculation that an opening may take place in fall 2024.

Publix will be one of the newest economic development additions to the city of Newberry and this Publix is anticipated to be the largest to date in Alachua County at 55,000 square feet and 7,700 square feet of retail space.

“A Publix in Newberry is more than a grocery store,” said Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. “Publix does extensive vetting of an area’s growth rates and demographics before establishing a location there, so this move signals a shift in growth patterns. I think that Publix in Newberry is the reward Newberry residents get for the growth and development we’ve worked so hard to attract,” said Marlowe.

City Manager Mike New agrees. “We’ve put a lot of energy into attracting Publix and couldn’t be more excited that they decided to site a store in our town,” New said. “We anticipate further commercial economic development will follow bringing more jobs to our residents, which is something the city commission has been working toward for some time.”

Newberry’s residents, like many citizens of small towns in Alachua County, are concerned about growth and increased traffic. However, their main concerns seem to be centered on increased residential properties and not commercial growth. Many see commercial growth for the job opportunities they present.

Founded in 1930, Publix employs over 250,000 people across seven states in 1,347 store locations and is the largest employee-owned company in the United States with retail sales in 2022 reaching $54.5 billion.

Publix is anticipated to provide upwards of 100 job opportunities based on the number of employees at other Alachua County Publix supermarkets.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A puppy’s plight in a sinkhole brought out help from the High springs Fire Department.

At 10:10 a.m., Saturday, July 29, the High Springs Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Northwest 255^th Terrace and Northwest 168^th Place in High Springs’ Cinnamon Hills Estates neighborhood, for a report of a dog stuck in a sinkhole.

High Springs firefighters arrived on the scene at 10:21 a.m. to find a 15-foot-deep sinkhole that had opened up a few days earlier inside a stormwater retention basin, with an 11-week-old Labradoodle puppy trapped, but uninjured, at the bottom of the hole.

Within minutes of arrival, firefighters began rescue operations. The first responders first attempted to create a sort of hammock, using ropes and a foldable tarp-like device used for moving patients, called a “MegaMover. They placed treats and peanut butter inside in hopes of being able to safely wrap the dog within the MegaMover and bring it up to the ground.

Unsuccessful in luring the puppy with treats, firefighters deployed a ladder and lowered firefighter/ paramedic Kim Arnold into the hole, where she was able to successfully rescue the puppy.

Recent technical rescue and animal rescue training attended by firefighter Arnold and other members of the High Springs Fire Department paid off in another successful rescue.

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NEWBERRY ‒ Newberry City Manager Mike New will be staying in Newberry. This comes despite the offer of what appeared to be a more financially lucrative city management position from the City of Atlantic Beach. New made the decision to remain in Newberry and notified Atlantic Beach on Thursday, Aug. 10, withdrawing his name from consideration for the position of city manager.

“I submitted my application after being encouraged by people in the Jacksonville area that I have professional relationships with,” said New. “My family lives in Fernandina Beach, and we are over there often visiting,” he said. “Plus, we love being on the coast, so it could have been a good fit for us.”

In an Aug. 7 City of Atlantic Beach special commission meeting, the commission approved a resolution appointing New as the City’s city manager. The resolution also authorized the execution of an employment agreement between the City of Atlantic Beach and New.

“Unfortunately, negotiations weren’t successful,” said New, who said he wasn’t actively looking for a new position. “I have submitted only one job application in the past five years and that was for the City of Atlantic Beach. I’m really happy at the City of Newberry. I couldn’t work for a better city commission,” he said.

New added, “My staff is top notch and the citizens are warm and welcoming. However, the opportunity to live closer to my mother and on the coast, along with all the encouragement I received from professionals in the Atlantic Beach/Fernandina area, were things to consider. But it just wasn’t a good fit after all,” New said.

New has been the Newberry City Manager since July 2014 and previously served as the Public Services Director for the City of Alachua for 10 years. He graduated in 1988 from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Environmental Engineering.

New and his staff have earned recognition in several key areas of city management. His most recent recognition came when he was named 2023 Member of the Year by the Florida Municipal Electric Association in July.

During his tenure, the City of Newberry has established an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, finalized negotiations with the County to establish a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), earned recognition for Certification of Achievement in Excellence in Financial Reporting for four consecutive years, participated in a large-scale solar project expansion and is working to increase the City’s solid waste system into a regional wastewater system while also creating an environmental park.

“The Newberry City Commission is excited to know that our city manager will be staying at the helm and continuing to manage all the exciting projects that are happening in our community,” said Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. “His steady hands and his commitment to our community are truly valued. We look forward to many more years with him.”

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NEWBERRY ‒ Newberry City Manager Mike New has been recognized as the 2023 Member of the Year by the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA). The award was presented to New during FMEA's annual conference in St. Petersburg.

The Member of the Year award is given to an individual or group within an FMEA member utility who exemplifies extraordinary service and dedication to the association and Florida's public power industry.

“Mike has consistently gone above and beyond to advance the value that public power provides to Florida's communities,” said FMEA Executive Director Amy Zubaly. “His unwavering commitment to supporting public power in Newberry and throughout Florida has made numerous contributions to FMEA.”

New has served as Newberry's City Manager since 2014. In his role, he is responsible for ensuring reliable power delivery to the city's public power customers, orderly execution of emergency response measures and providing the city's line workers with the training and resources they need to do their jobs.

New served as FMEA's president from 2015 to 2016 and remains one of the longest-serving executive committee members. His numerous accomplishments include receiving the American Public Power Association's Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award in 2017, which recognizes utility managers who serve in the nation's smaller public power communities and whose variety of management responsibilities extends well beyond those of a manager at a larger utility with a larger staff.

New admitted that he was caught off guard by the award. “FMEA and its members have provided me with much more benefit than I could reciprocate,” said New. “Their sole mission is providing affordable, reliable power to their rate payers. It’s quite an honor to be recognized by your peers, and I am forever grateful.”

“We are incredibly proud of Mike for this well-deserved recognition," said Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. "Mike's leadership, vision and dedication to public service align perfectly with the city's core values. This award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our community and public power."

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