Gov. Scott issues updates on Tropical Storm Colin preparedness efforts

Today, Gov. Rick Scott received a full update on Tropical Strom Colin at the State Emergency Operations Center. Gov. Scott has been in constant communication with state agency leaders who are also working to ensure the state is prepared for any impacts from Tropical Storm Colin.

Florida Division of Emergency Management

• At 11:00 A.M. EDT yesterday, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee elevated its activation status to Level 2, which activates mission-specific emergency support and planning functions, as the state prepares for possible impacts from the storm.

Florida National Guard

• The Florida National Guard has been activated and has more than 6,000 Guardsmen ready for deployment to Florida’s communities.

Florida Department of Education

• The Florida Department of Education activated its emergency contact system for the west coast, central, big bend and north east Florida school districts and colleges, and is monitoring closures made at the district and college levels.

K-12 Public Schools

• Charlotte County has cancelled summer camp activities.
• Duval County has cancelled all after-school activities.
• Hillsborough County has cancelled night school classes and postponed graduations for Tampa Bay Technical School and Durant High School.
• Levy County closed schools by 12:30 p.m.
• Manatee County closed Anna Maria Elementary and cancelled all after-school activities.
• Pasco County closed schools by 12:30 p.m.
• Pinellas County schools will dismiss students an hour and a half early and all evening classes and after-school activities are cancelled.
• Taylor County School District closed all pre-k programs and its reading summer camp.
• Wakulla County closed schools for the afternoon and cancelled the Baccalaureate Ceremony scheduled for this evening.

Florida College System

• Hillsborough Community College closed at 1 p.m. and cancelled all afternoon and evening classes.
• Pasco-Hernando State College closed at noon.
• St. Petersburg College closed this afternoon.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

• FDLE regions are coordinating with local law enforcement agencies and emergency operations centers to identify protective actions in advance of the storm.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• The Department of Environmental Protection and Water Management Districts have been contacted and are closely monitoring the storm. DEP is prepared to offer assistance upon request.
• Florida Park Service has closed several parks for day use and/or camping. For a complete list, click here.
• The department has designated staging areas to manage debris clean up after the storm.

Florida Department of Health

The department has contacted all county health departments and is actively monitoring the storm.

Florida Department of Transportation

• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) urges all motorists to use caution when driving during storm conditions.
• Florida’s FL511.com Traveler Information System is one of the most effective ways drivers can keep informed about the state’s roadways during severe weather.
• The Transportation Emergency Operations Center has been partially activated to ensure coordination and support of FDOT assets.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• FWC has increased capacity for water rescues by dispatching additional boats in preparation for flooding.

Office of Early Learning

The Office of Early Learning is monitoring closures which include:

• Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast (Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Sumter counties) closed at 12 p.m.
• Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County closed at 12:30 p.m.
• Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County closed at 12:30 p.m.
• Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County closed at 1 p.m.
• Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties closed at 2 p.m.

Florida Department of Corrections

The Department will continue to closely monitor the trajectory of Tropical Storm Colin and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of inmates and security of the institutions.

Department of Elder Affairs

• The Department continues to closely monitor the storm and is coordinating with its local Area Agencies on Aging to ensure that there are no unmet needs of clients. 

Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety

• The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Highway Patrol has a 250-person response team ready to deploy as needed to assist with road closures, directing traffic in the event of power outages and respond to any call for service as needed by local law enforcement agencies. 
• The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has designated specific mutual-aid communication channels on the State Law Enforcement Radio System, including a channel specifically designated for contraflow on the interstate if needed.
• FHP reports they are closing all lanes of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge / I-275 mile marker 8 in St. Petersburg due to high winds. The Howard Frankland Bridge remains open.

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

• All state nursing homes and domiciliaries have implemented their emergency preparedness protocols.
• All FDVA employees are prepared to respond to any additional needs of our veterans.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• DBPR's Division of Regulation stands ready to respond to potential influxes of unlicensed contracting activity in impacted areas. This outreach will consist of licensure checks for contractors engaging in services requiring a license as well as outreach efforts to educate homeowners and business owners of the steps to take to avoid becoming victim to an unlicensed activity scam.