[Tallahassee, Fla] The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has issued the following statement from Carol Dover, CEO/President, regarding Hurricane Dorian:
“As Floridians brace for Hurricane Dorian, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association has begun work to help members, residents and visitors alike prepare for the storm and its aftermath. Members of FRLA staff are part of the official response at the State Emergency Operations Center and staff ESF-18 alongside our private sector partners to assist in response and recovery.
“Although Floridians are accustomed to storms, it’s important to ensure that we take the threat of Dorian seriously, prepare accordingly and heed all emergency orders.
“FRLA has asked members to prioritize safety in a variety of ways beyond basic storm preparation. We encouraged members to waive cancellation fees as the storm approaches as our primary goal is always the safety of visitors, and we want to keep them out of harm’s way. Additionally, we have urged all members to extend hospitality to pets by relaxing any pet restrictions they may have. Many people are reluctant to leave their feathered and furred friends behind, and some will refuse to leave unless they can bring their pets with them. We hope that relaxed restrictions and pet-friendly accommodations will help motivate those in the path of the storm to heed evacuation warnings.
“We are directing members and travelers in the Sunshine State to VISIT FLORIDA’s Florida Now page for the most up-to-date information regarding the storm as well as accommodations availability via a partnership with Expedia.
“To help after the storm, FRLA asks members to register with FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, which provides short-term lodging assistance to evacuees who cannot return home immediately following a disaster.
“FRLA will continue to monitor the storm and stands ready to assist members, residents and visitors however we can before, during and after Hurricane Dorian.”
For additional resources before, during and after the storm, please visit FRLA’s Hurricane Resource page.