Florida Commerce Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Measure Impact of Damage caused by Hurricane Idalia

Tallahassee, FL – 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.

If you need additional assistance with your business, please call the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925. The hotline was activated on Sunday, August 27, 2023, and the hotline will be operational between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or you can email [email protected].

About FloridaCommerce

FloridaCommerce combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.
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Governor Ron DeSantis Works with Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to Waive Pet Policies for Hurricane Idalia Evacuees

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis worked with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to waive their no-pet policies in preparation for Hurricane Idalia. Floridians in evacuation zones will need a safe place for themselves and their families, which include their pets. VISIT FLORIDA has activated the Emergency Accommodations Module with Expedia to provide real-time availability of hotel rooms throughout the state.

“We are so happy to have the support of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in ensuring that lodging establishments with no-pet policies are waiving those in order to help Florida families who have had to evacuate their homes due to Hurricane Idalia,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Responding to a hurricane is a group effort and we are proud to have such strong private sector partners who are committed to helping Florida families.”

“Our members and Florida’s hospitality industry are committed to being a safe haven for visitors and residents during Hurricane Idalia,” said President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Carol Dover. “It is imperative that hotels across Florida relax their pet policies and welcome pets along with those evacuating. This is nothing short of a lifeline for families seeking safety. Thank you to those hotels which have already done this and we strongly urge all hotels to do the same.”

“Too often families are forced to make the difficult decision between evacuating safely and ensuring the safety of their four-legged family members,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie. “I encourage all hotels to make exceptions as Floridians around the state evacuate due to Hurricane Idalia and allow these families to bring their pets to the hotel without additional financial burdens”

There are no regulations in the state that prohibit any lodging establishments from waiving no-pet policies and allowing pets. In this emergency situation, it is imperative that Floridians have all options available to stay safe.

Hurricane Idalia is currently set to impact Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing dangerous storm surge and high winds to the area. Follow @FLSERT for more updates. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for more information.

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Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Activation of Florida Disaster Fund in Preparation for Hurricane Idalia

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia. The fund is a component of the Volunteer Florida Foundation, Florida’s official 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports volunteerism, community service, and disaster recovery. To donate, click here.

“The Florida Disaster Fund helps us fill the gaps for impacted families and cut through red tape,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This money goes a long way for families impacted by a storm and it is an important tool in the disaster recovery process.”

“Harnessing the power of the private sector is an important tool when it comes to getting resources into the hands of the people that need it most,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Following Hurricane Ian, we were blessed by the outpouring of generosity from individuals and businesses that wanted to help support Floridians. The Florida Disaster Fund is a great resource to ensure that those looking to provide relief have the maximum impact in supplementing needs and expediting recovery.”

“Governor and First Lady DeSantis have directed our team to work with our dedicated partners to get these funds to the communities that need it most. We will do all we can to support the impacted communities in the response and recovery efforts,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “The Florida Disaster Fund is an excellent way for the private sector and individuals to financially support relief organizations in the most affected areas.”

Donations made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation are tax-deductible. Donations may be made by visiting www.FloridaDisasterFund.org, or by mail to the below address. Checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.

Volunteer Florida Foundation
Attention: Florida Disaster Fund
1545 Raymond Diehl Road Suite 250
Tallahassee, FL 32308

Volunteer Florida is the state’s lead agency for volunteerism and community service. Established in 1994 as the Florida Commission on Community Service, Volunteer Florida promotes volunteerism and community service throughout the state, administers national service programs, and coordinates disaster recovery efforts in impacted communities.

 

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Governor DeSantis Expands State of Emergency – Includes Brevard, Osceola, & Orange Counties

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-175 (Amending Executive Order 23-171, Emergency Management – Tropical Storm Idalia), expanding the number of counties under a state of emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia from 46 counties to 49 counties. Counties now included in the executive order are:

Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties.

To read the full executive order, click here or read below:

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 23-175

(Amending Executive Order 23-171, Emergency Management – Hurricane Idalia)

WHEREAS, on August 26, 2023, I issued Executive Order 23-171, declaring a state of emergency for several counties in Florida due to the dangers presented by Invest 93L, a broad area of low pressure off the west coast of Central America; and

WHEREAS, on August 28, 2023, I issued Executive Order 23-172, amending Executive Order 23-171 by adding coastal and inland counties in Central and North Florida to the state of emergency; and

WHEREAS, as of 5:00 AM EDT on August 29, 2023, Tropical Storm Idalia strengthened into a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour, and is moving northward over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico; and

WHEREAS, as of 5:00 AM EDT on August 29, 2023, Hurricane Idalia was approximately 175 miles southwest of the Dry Tortugas, Florida; and

WHEREAS, Hurricane Idalia is forecasted to become a major hurricane before making landfall along areas of the Florida Gulf Coast and the Florida Big Bend on August 30, 2023, and is expected to remain a hurricane as it moves across North Florida and into Georgia; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, working together with the National Hurricane Center to evaluate weather predictions, has determined that there is a continuing risk of dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds, hazardous seas, and isolated tomadic activity for the Florida Peninsula and portions of the Florida Big Bend; and

WHEREAS,  the threat posed by Hurricane Idalia requires that timely precautions must be taken to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of the people of Florida; and

WHEREAS, as the Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section l(a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:

Section 1. Section 1 of Executive Order 23-171 is amended to read as follows:

Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hemando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla Counties.

Section 2. Except as amended herein, Executive Order 23-171 is ratified and reaffirmed.

Sections. This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall expire upon the expiration of Executive Order 23-171

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Governor Ron DeSantis Expands State of Emergency to Additional 13 counties – 46 total

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-172 (Amending Executive Order 23-171, Emergency Management – Tropical Storm Idalia), expanding the number of counties under a state of emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia from 33 counties to 46 counties. Counties now included in the executive order are:

Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Nassau, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties.

To read the full executive order, click here or read below:

 

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 23-172

(Amending Executive Order 23-171, Emergency Management – Tropical Storm Idalia)

 

WHEREAS, on August 26, 2023, I issued Executive Order 23-171, declaring a state of emergency for several counties in Florida due to the dangers presented by Invest 93L, a broad area of low pressure off the west coast of Central America; and

WHEREAS, as of 11:00 PM EDT on August 27, 2023, Invest 93L strengthened into Tropical Storm Idalia, with maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour and is moving north-northeast towards the southeastern Gulf of Mexico; and

WHEREAS, as of 5:00 AM EDT on August 28, 2023, Tropical Storm Idalia was approximately 124 miles south of the westernmost point of Cuba; and

WHEREAS, Tropical Storm Idalia is forecasted to become a major hurricane before making landfall along areas of the Florida Gulf Coast and portions of the Florida Panhandle; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, working together with the National Hurricane Center to evaluate weather predictions, has determined that there is a continuing risk of dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds, hazardous seas, and isolated tornadic activity for the Florida Peninsula and portions of the Florida Big Bend; and

WHEREAS, the threat posed by Tropical Storm Idalia requires that timely precautions must be taken to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of the people of Florida; and

WHEREAS, as the Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:

Section 1. Section l of Executive Order 23-171 is amended to read as follows:

Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla Counties.

Section 2. Except as amended herein, Executive Order 23-171 is ratified and reaffirmed.

Section 3. This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall expire upon the expiration of Executive Order 23-171.

 

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Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Executive Order in Preparation for Invest 93L

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-171, declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties in preparation for Invest 93L, which is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days. The Governor and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are taking timely precautions to ensure Florida’s communities, infrastructure and resources are prepared, including those communities that are still recovering following Hurricane Ian. To read the Executive Order, click here.

“I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency out of an abundance of caution to ensure that the Florida Division of Emergency Management can begin staging resources and Floridians have plenty of time to prepare their families for a storm next week,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I encourage Floridians to have a plan in place and ensure that their hurricane supply kit is stocked.”

To find resources to help you and your family prepare for this storm, you can visit floridadisaster.org/planprepare.

The forecast currently places a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast early – mid next week, with the potential for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and for isolated tornadic activity. Governor DeSantis issued the State of Emergency for the following 33 counties:

  • Alachua
  • Bay
  • Calhoun
  • Charlotte
  • Citrus
  • Columbia
  • DeSoto
  • Dixie
  • Franklin
  • Gadsden
  • Gilchrist
  • Gulf
  • Hamilton
  • Hardee
  • Hernando
  • Hillsborough
  • Jefferson
  • Lafayette
  • Lee
  • Leon
  • Levy
  • Liberty
  • Madison
  • Manatee
  • Marion
  • Pasco
  • Pinellas
  • Polk
  • Sarasota
  • Sumter
  • Suwannee
  • Taylor
  • Wakulla

Follow @FLSERT and @GovRonDeSantis on Twitter for live updates. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on emergency preparedness.

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U.S. INCREASES PER DIEM RATES FOR FEDERAL TRAVELERS

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has increased the per diem reimbursement rates for the fiscal year 2024. Effective October 1, 2023 to September 23, 2024, the continental United States (CONUS) maximum lodging allowance rates in some existing per diem localities will be raised to $107 from $98.

The new rates will see 302 locations receiving a maximum lodging allowance higher than the standard rate, GSA said in a statement.

Meals and incidental expenses per diem tiers for FY 2024 remain unchanged at $59-$79, with the standard M&IE rate remaining fixed at $59.

The per diem allowance is paid to federal employees for their lodging, meals and incidental expenses incurred for official government travel.

The maximum lodging allowance is based on historical ADR data, less than 5%. The pandemic, however, resulted in unprecedented declines in ADR and an uncertain recovery of the hotel industry.

The ADR data available to establish FY 2024 rates was from before the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expired on May 11, GSA said and used data from the trailing April through March. Like the procedure used for FY 2023, GSA made upward adjustments to ensure maximum lodging allowances for federal travelers were sufficient in the next fiscal year.

Reacting to GSA’s announcement, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) said the $9 increase in the lodging rate was a “positive step” for hoteliers in the country, as government travel supports billions in travel spending. Many private-sector organizations also base travel reimbursements on federal per diem rates, Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO, said in a statement.

“The per diem rates GSA announced today come after months of hard work AHLA put in to lobby the administration on behalf of hoteliers nationwide. We thank GSA for working to ensure hotels are fairly compensated for the excellent services they provide government travelers year in and year out. We will continue to work with GSA and advocate for lodging and meal rate increases that reflect market conditions,” Rogers said.

Each year, AHLA works with the GSA to ensure that per diem rates “are fair to both hoteliers and the government.”

 

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Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Adds Meghan Myhill to Communications Team

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) has announced the recent hire of Meghan Myhill as Communications and Marketing Coordinator. Myhill joins the team led by Communications Director Ashley Chambers in the Tallahassee office. In her role, Myhill will work within FRLA and with its members, external partners, and stakeholders to amplify messaging and digital efforts to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s hospitality industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Meghan to the FRLA family,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA. “In her short time here, she has already demonstrated incredible value to the FRLA team and our members. Her strong skills with digital communications and marketing are a true asset as we work to promote Florida’s restaurants, hotels, attractions, and suppliers.”

Myhill graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida State University and previously served for six years in Congressman Neal Dunn’s office in both Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee.

For more information on the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, please visit FRLA.org.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.5 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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Important Human Trafficking Compliance Update from DBPR

DBPR Issues Industry Bulletin on Human Trafficking

Due to a recent legislative update to section 509.096(3), Florida Statutes, the Division of Hotels & Restaurants will no longer afford a public lodging establishment with 90 days to correct a human trafficking awareness violation, as was previously allowed. This change will take effect July 1, 2023. This change affects all DBPR-licensed public lodging establishments. 

Click the button below to read the full industry bulletin, and find a summary and additional information below. 

FULL DBPR INDUSTRY BULLETIN 

A summary of the legislative changes are as follows:

Starting July 1, 2023
– A public lodging establishment found to be in violation of a human trafficking awareness requirement for the first time will only be afforded 45 days to correct the violation. Previously, 90 days was afforded and administrative fines would not be assessed if the violation was corrected within the 90 days.
– A public lodging establishment found to be in violation of a human trafficking awareness requirement for the second or subsequent time will be assessed the applicable administrative fines as the establishment will no longer be afforded an opportunity to correct the violation. Previously, 90 days was afforded and administrative fines would not be assessed if the violation was corrected within the 90 days.

The Division of Hotels & Restaurants has published an industry bulletin to notify the industry of these changes. The Division also maintains a webpage with up-to-date information on the human trafficking awareness requirements that are applicable to public lodging establishments in Florida. Please visit MyFloridaLicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ for more information.

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Malaria in Florida: Department of Health Issues Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Advisory

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Florida Department of Health (Department) is issuing a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed and recovered local cases of malaria in Sarasota County. All individuals have been treated and have recovered. Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. Residents throughout the state should take precautions by applying bug spray, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible – especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitos are most active.

The Department continues to work closely with local partners and county mosquito control. Aerial and ground mosquito spraying continues to be conducted in these areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

In Florida, Malaria is transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The cause of malaria in these cases has been identified as the Plasmodium vivax species. Effective treatment is readily available through hospitals and other health care providers. Individuals in this area with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting, and headache should seek immediate medical attention.

The Department advises the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to “Drain and Cover.

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools and keep appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

  • Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

COVER skin with clothing or appropriate repellent.

  • Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent appropriately.
    • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective.
    • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Tips on Repellent Use

  • Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing.
  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
  • Some repellents are not suitable for children. Ensure repellent is safe for children and age appropriate:
    • Mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under the age of three years.
    • DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
    • Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.
    • Parents should apply repellent to their hands first and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the exit disclaimer iconFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent exit disclaimer iconproducts.

For more information, visit the Department’s website here.

 

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the exit disclaimer iconPublic Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at exit disclaimer icon@HealthyFla and on exit disclaimer iconFacebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.