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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 […]

Guest AuthorJune 10, 2016

One of the responsibilities of living in the paradise of Florida is annually preparing for hurricane season. After a 10- year run with few hurricane impacts in Florida, it is important that we all prepare a plan. We certainly had a wake-up call with the heavy rains across the state from Tropical Storm Colin this […]

Phil AmmannJune 5, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has elevated the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee to Level 2 as Florida prepares for what has been named Tropical Depression No. 3 developing in the Gulf of Mexico. Scott issued a statement 11:15 a.m. Sunday: “As we continue to closely monitor this tropical depression, Floridians should remain vigilant and have […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott has sent a team of “hazard managers” to South Carolina to assist in the Palmetto State’s response to record flooding in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin. From the Monday afternoon press release: The seven-member team from the Jacksonville area arrived in South Carolina yesterday and are working jointly with South Carolina’s state government […]

Guest AuthorJuly 14, 2015

Emergencies and disasters occur quickly, without notice, and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or be confined to your home. Being ready for a disaster is more than storing water and stocking up on supplies. It’s being prepared to handle financial responsibilities and issues should disaster strike. Having a plan to pay bills and […]

Tag: Florida Division of Emergency Management

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

David Mica: Oil, gas industry prepare for hurricane season to keep supply flowing

Rick Scott elevates emergency center to Level 2 in anticipation of tropical storm

South Carolina gets help from Florida emergency managers

Drew J. Breakspear: Prepare now to weather hurricanes’ financial hardships