Gov. Scott Issues Updates on Subtropical Storm Alberto Preparedness Efforts

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, May 28 -- Gov. Rick Scott, R-Florida, issued the following news release:

Today, Governor Rick Scott received a full update on Subtropical Storm Alberto from the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The Governor will continue to be in constant communication with state and local emergency management officials and state agency leaders to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any potential impacts from Subtropical Storm Alberto. On May 26, Governor Scott declared a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties.

See below for more information on what the State of Florida is doing to support Subtropical Storm Alberto preparedness efforts:

STATE PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

* Tropical Storm Warnings, flood warnings and rip current advisories are in effect across the state. To see the most current advisories in your county, click HERE.

EVACUATIONS

* Franklin County - A mandatory evacuation has been issued for all barrier islands (Bald Point, Alligator Point, Dog Island, St. George Island), for anyone living directly on the coastline, mobile homes and RV parks.

* Gulf County - T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park began evacuations on Sunday, May 27 at 8:00 a.m.

* Taylor County - Voluntary evacuations were lifted at 11 a.m. today.

* Walton County - Voluntary evacuation for all mobile and manufacture homes as well as all low lying areas within the county.

MILITARY SUPPORT

* The Florida National Guard has 5,500 guard members available for deployment if needed.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

* The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is actively monitoring the storm and assisting with weather-related missions.

* Approximately 165 FHP troopers were activated to 12-hour shifts beginning Monday, May 28, 2018, at 6:00 a.m., providing 24-hour enhanced coverage in the Florida Panhandle, from the Suwannee River west to the Alabama state line. All other troops continue to have enhanced staffing and are assisting the public.

* The FHP has prepared two Quick Response Force teams comprised of 66 State Troopers to deploy with minimal notice to any area of the State of Florida that may need assistance.

* FHP is monitoring multiple bridges in Franklin and Walton counties and assisted Franklin County with the temporary closure of the St. George Island bridge.

* On May 22, at Governor Scott's direction, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began to pre-position and stage its high-water vehicles and all other flood response resources so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of any flooding.

* FDLE is monitoring and coordinating response as the storm approaches landfall.

* FDLE is staging resources ahead of the storm and making preparations for possible deployments to impacted areas.

TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS

* The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is actively monitoring for roadway flooding in areas already impacted by heavy rains and stands ready to respond as needed.

* FDOT crews are standing by to support post-storm bridge inspections and roadway erosion assessments.

POWER AND UTILITIES

* The current power outage as of 3:00 p.m. is approximately 9,900 accounts, which is how utility companies measure each Florida home or business. Currently, more than 99.9% of accounts have power.

* The state is monitoring the power grid for sufficient power in the state.

* The state is monitoring the natural gas infrastructure for any damages that can cause a loss of service to power plants.

SHELTERS

* Three shelters are currently open. To find information about shelters in your area, visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/shelter-status/.

* The state will continue to support local sheltering operations as needed

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL

* The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) are standing by to assist healthcare facilities if needed.

* DOH has been actively reaching out to Special Needs Shelter Consultants and County Health Department Directors with updates and preparedness information.

* The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is continuing to monitor the storm and regularly sharing information with waiver support coordinators and providers to ensure the health and safety of the customers the agency serves.

* The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA) operates six skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility. All state veterans' homes are currently operational.

NVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

* Twenty-eight state parks have been closed to ensure visitor safety. An additional 17 state-park campgrounds are closed. Visitors can visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/content/storm-update for updates.

* The current condition of the state's beaches has been assessed, which will expedite post-storm assessments.

* An online tool for the public to report the location of storm debris in waterways has been deployed.

* DEP has activated and is closely monitoring water and waste water facilities to provide updates on their operational status.

WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

* Water Management Districts are monitoring waterways and water levels, preparing staff and vehicles, and are prepared to adjust flows as necessary.

* Lake Okeechobee is currently at 13.90 feet and is being continuously monitored by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Lake Okeechobee water levels.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

* The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has activated the Private Sector Hotline at 850-815-4925. The hotline is available for business inquiries about the storm, preparedness information and post-impact information.

* Through VISIT FLORIDA's partnership with Expedia, www.expedia.com/Florida has been activated to provide accommodations availability information for visitors, residents and first responders.

INSURANCE

* The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is prepared to order property insurers to submit claims information from Subtropical Storm Alberto, if necessary.

* In accordance with the Governor's Executive Order, OIR has notified all health insurers, managed care organizations and other health entities of their statutory obligation to allow for early prescription refills during a state of emergency.

* The Florida Department of Financial Services' Division of Consumer Services has resources for consumers seeking to file insurance complaints HERE.

VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

* The Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) partner agencies are monitoring and are on stand by.

* Florida VOAD partner agencies are assessing any issues that might arise due to Subtropical Storm Alberto with the vulnerable populations they serve in their respective areas in South Florida.