The Florida Chamber of Commerce continues working with members and local chamber partners to help ensure Florida recovers from Hurricane Irma. Thanks to your support, Florida is getting back to business. If you’ve not yet had a chance to support ongoing efforts, please consider:
Here are two ways you can help:
• Florida Disaster Fund – Administered by Volunteer Florida to help Florida communities as they respond to and recover from Hurricane Irma.
• Florida Chamber of Commerce Local Chamber Relief Fund – A program that exclusively supports local chamber of commerce in Florida that have been most impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Statewide Update
The latest post-Irma recovery information, straight from the state Emergency Operations Center:
• PORTS: All ports are now open including Key West, albeit with restrictions.
• POWER: Since the height of power outages, 6.7 million on last Monday, power has been restored to more than 6.6 million accounts. In just over a week, nearly 100 percent of all outages have been restored by more than 30,000 restoration personnel across Florida – the largest power restoration undertaking in history for a single state. In fact, linemen have restored power to more Floridians than the population of 37 states. As of noon today, 75,088 accounts remain without power. The latest power outage information can be viewed here and is constantly updated.
• FUEL: The fuel situation in the state has improved significantly. Port Everglades, Port Canaveral, Port of Jacksonville and Port of Tampa are all open and are actively prioritizing fuel tanker ships.
• WATER SUPPLY: Due to damage to infrastructure throughout the Florida Keys, potable water is scarce. There is a water boil notice throughout the Keys, impacting both residents and businesses. The National Guard has set up comfort zones for residents throughout the Keys to receive water, food and supplies.
• HOT MEALS FOR LOW INCOME: For those chambers with a significant grocery member base – The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has waived the restriction on hot foods for SNAP recipients throughout Florida. In order for the retailer to accept, DCF says the retailer needs to update their point of sale system. This waiver will end Sept. 30.
• EMERGENCY RELIEF QUICK RELEASE GRANT: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved a $25 million Emergency Relief (ER) Quick Release Grant to support response and recovery efforts for Florida’s roadways and transportation system. This federal funding will be used to conduct emergency repairs on impacted roads, embankments, bridges or other infrastructure and help restore traffic on major roadways to ensure Florida residents and visitors can travel safely.
• PROPERTY INSURANCE: Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, per the direction of Governor Scott, issued an Emergency Order suspending and activating various insurance regulations and statues to assist policyholders in post-storm recovery. Click here to read the full order.
Resources to Help You
To learn more about the various resources that are available to aid Florida’s business community, visit www.FloridaChamber.com/Hurricane.