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Scott PowersNovember 13, 2017

The influx of Puerto Ricans evacuating their devastated homes in Puerto Rico are beginning to test the capacities of Central Florida and in particular Osceola County, and more state coordination is needed, a group of local officials told Gov. Rick Scott Monday. Those officials, including Kissimmee Mayor Jose Alvarez, Osceola County Schools Superintendent Debra Pace, […]

Scott PowersNovember 1, 2017

Confusion and concern are mounting as Central Florida governments working with Puerto Rican and Virgin Island evacuees await direction from state and federal officials, leaders of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties warned Wednesday. In a letter Wednesday to Florida Division of Emergency Management Interim Director Wesley Maul and copied to FEMA Administrator William Long and […]

Scott PowersOctober 21, 2017

Rene Plasencia sees it in the faces of countless Puerto Rican Hurricane Maria refugees when he or someone else says, “we’re here to help you.” A mixture of anguish, relief, pain, joy, fear, confidence, hopelessness, hope — all the emotions of losing everything and traveling to a strange, new place with almost nothing, and then […]

Mitch PerryOctober 17, 2017

(UPDATED) Debbie Wasserman Schultz is again pressing Gov. Rick Scott on his decisions about debris removal in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The South Florida Democrat says she was already perplexed about why the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) refused to submit to FEMA local requests for full reimbursement. The local communities were forced to […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 26, 2017

With a little more than two months left in the 2017 hurricane season, Florida’s emergency management head is leaving his job “to pursue an opportunity in the private sector,” the Governor’s Office announced Tuesday. Gov. Rick Scott announced Bryan Koon’s resignation as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM), effective next Sunday. “On Sept. 1, […]

Scott PowersSeptember 15, 2017

The lower Florida Keys were hammered in special ways by Hurricane Irma and remain closed to residents, visitors and even more volunteer cleanup workers as authorities try to get them livable, officials said Friday. An estimated 65 percent of the housing was damaged to the point of being uninhabitable, according to authorities, but residents will […]

Terry RoenSeptember 10, 2017

Central Florida shelters have plenty of space as Hurricane Irma’s path shifted west and many residents have decided to weather the storm at home. Only two of 18 Orange County shelters are full. Shelters at Apopka and Colonial high schools were the first to fill. The gymnasium at Colonial High School was covered with inflatable […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 8, 2017

With tropical storm-force winds less than 24 hours away, Hurricane Irma also is expected to bring storm surge of 6-12 feet to the state’s southern coasts, Gov. Rick Scott said Friday night. “Our state has never seen anything like this before,” he said. The governor spoke at an evening news briefing from the state’s Emergency Operations Center […]

Drew WilsonMarch 22, 2017

A bill that would help state agencies work together in preparation for natural hazards was approved by the House Government Accountability Committee Wednesday and is now ready for the House floor. HB 181, by Coconut Creek Democratic Rep. Kristin Jacobs, would have all executive state agencies, water management districts and the Public Service Commission designate […]

Staff ReportsDecember 5, 2016

State Sen. Jeff Brandes says he will file legislation for the 2017 Legislative Session to fund flood mitigation in affected communities. The idea is to lower the cost of flood insurance by decreasing flood severity in areas covered by the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System. The legislation will create a matching grant program, in […]

Tag: Florida Division of Emergency Management
Image via AP.

Central Florida officials ask Rick Scott for more coordination for Puerto Rico evacuees

Orange, Osceola, Seminole leaders urge Florida, FEMA to plan better for Puerto Rican refugees

Anguish, relief, fear, hope: Relief efforts serving thousands of Puerto Rico storm refugees

Debbie Wasserman Schultz again questions Rick Scott on debris removal

Personnel note: Bryan Koon quits as state emergency management head

Florida Keys still closed; ‘different kind of lifestyle for a while’

Central Florida shelters still have room for evacuees

Rick Scott: Irma’s ‘storm surge could kill you’

Bill to create interagency workgroup on natural hazards clears final House panel

Jeff Brandes to file flood mitigation bill