Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Alert Franklin

  • Alert Franklin is an early warning system that Franklin County Emergency Management has implemented.
  • This system allows FCEM to send you a warning message to your phone, email or both.
  • You can access Alert Franklin by going to our website at www.franklinemergencymanagement.com and clicking on the Alert Franklin Icon on our Home Page.
  • Once you create your account be sure to check your SUBSCRIPTIONS which tell the system what alerts you wish to receive.
  • You can also download the Everbridge App on your Smart Phone for easier access.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.

850-653-8977 or em1frank@fairpoint.net

Re-Entry Tags


RE-ENTRY TAGS

  • Re-Entry Tags will only be used when a mandatory evacuation of Franklin County has been called.
  • You can obtain your Re-Entry Tags via our website at www.franklinemergencymanagement.com or by stopping by our office at 28 Airport Road, Apalachicola, FL.
  • You will need to have the following documentation to obtain your Re-Entry Tag:
  1. Driver’s License or Photo ID
  2. Forms of Proof of Ownership of Property (Tax Bill, Utility Bill, etc.) OR Proof of Rental of Property (Lease or Renters Agreement, Insurance, etc.)

  • Re-Entry Tags are used and are in place to protect property owners/renters from vandalism and looting.


Just a Few Reminders:

  • We anticipate that there will be few if any, services (gas, food, water, electricity, etc.) available after a disaster of the magnitude it would require for an evacuation to be called.  If you have a safe place to stay, please do so for the first few days after the disaster.
  • If you are a secondary homeowner, you do have a safe place to stay.  We ask that you remember that what few supplies we have will be used for the primary residents of the county who do not have a second home.
  • When returning to Franklin County after an evacuation, be sure to bring supplies with you. (Water, Fuel, Generators, etc.
  • ONCE the EOC has been activated – NO RE-ENTRY TAGS WILL BE ISSUED!

Friday, August 23, 2019

FDOT Traffic Advisory for Big Bend Area


Chipley – Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in the Big Bend area as crews perform construction and maintenance activities. In observance of the Labor Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures on state roads from 6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30 to 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. These lane closure restrictions include both construction and maintenance activities.

Gadsden County

I-10 Rest Area over I-10 Bridge Painting – Motorists will experience lane closures Sunday, Aug. 25 through Thursday, Aug. 29 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for guardrail and temporary asphalt operations.

Franklin County

U.S. 98 Hurricane Michael Permanent Repairs from East Point to Carrabelle – Hurricane Michael recovery operations at the bridge continue. Intermittent lane closures can be expected until work is complete.

Liberty County

State Road (S.R.) 20 from East of S.R. 65 to Ochlockonee River Bridge – Lane closures are scheduled Monday, Aug. 26 through Friday, Aug. 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews continue paving the shoulders near the intersection of S.R. 267.

County Road (C.R.) 12 and Chester Street Intersection –Intermittent daytime lane closures can be expected Monday, Aug. 25 through Friday, Aug. 30 as crews unload sodding material to the project site. Flaggers will be onsite to assist in directing traffic.

Leon County

S.R. 265 (Magnolia Drive) Resurfacing from U.S. 27 (Apalachee Parkway) to Park Avenue – North and southbound traffic will encounter lane closures from 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 to 6 a.m. Monday, Aug 26. Additional signage will be on-site to direct traffic through the work area.

Monroe Street (S.R. 63) from Clara Lee Boulevard to Harriet Drive – Intermittent lane closures are scheduled from Monday, Aug. 26 to Friday, Aug. 30 at the Faulk Drive/Perkins Drive intersection to install sidewalk ramps and for pedestrian signal work.

Wakulla County

U.S. 98 (Coastal Highway) Resurfacing from St. Marks River to the Jefferson County Line- Intermittent lane closures will be experienced as crews continue paving operations and drainage installation.
C.R. 375 over Smith Creek Bridge Replacement- There will be intermittent lane closures Monday, Aug. 26 to Saturday, Aug. 31 for paving operations.

U.S. 319 from north of S.R. 267 to Leon County line – The traffic shift for northbound and southbound lanes from Pixie Circle to the Wakulla/Leon County is in place until spring of 2020.  The traffic shift will allow crews to begin constructing the middle section of the new roadway.

All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area, to watch for construction equipment entering and leaving the roadway, and to use caution when driving through the work zone. Speeding fines double when workers are present.

For more information visit the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on the web at www.nwflroads.com, follow us on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Area Census Office (ACO) Vacancies



Area Census Office Manager (ACOM): Responsible for the quality and progress of all field and office operations and activities. The ACOM directs Census operations in the local area, including monitoring budgets, schedules, and progress of operations.  

Census Field Manager (CFM): Responsible for managing field data collection activities associated with the ACO. The CFM will be responsible for managing several hundred field operations staff at peak times. The field operations staff work outside the office, throughout the office's geographic territory. Specifically, the CFM will be responsible for training, supervising, and managing field staff involved in activities such as updating address lists and maps, conducting in-person interviews to gather census data, and conducting other follow-up activities. The CFM will also train, supervise, and manage office staff. 

Lead Census Field Manager (LCFM): Responsible for managing the CFMs throughout the office geographic territory.  The LCFM is responsible for training, supervising and managing CFMs in an ACO. The LCFM will ensure that the CFMs are performing their duties and responsibilities.

Recruiting Manager (RM): Responsible for ensuring that qualified applicants are recruited to fill ACO field and office positions. RMs are responsible for the development of an ACO recruiting plan that will allow the office to recruit thousands of applicants throughout the ACO territory. The RM is also responsible for recruiting, training, and managing recruiting support staff, including dozens of field RAs and office support staff.  

Recruiting Assistant (RA): Responsible for outreach and contacting local organizations to request responding to job advertisements by answering their questions from the public about jobs, qualifications and how to apply. In addition, RAs will conduct formal and informal presentations about census jobs and work at the grassroots level to spread the word about jobs. 

Information Technology Manager (ITM): Responsible for managing technological functions used by field and office staff in an ACO. Specifically, the ITM is responsible for troubleshooting, evaluating, analyzing, and coordinating automation operations to support office and field activities.  The ITM also supports mobile devices used by field staff. The ITM will train and supervise office staff to assist in the IT support function. 

Administrative Manager (AM)Responsible for office administrative activities, including personnel and payroll operations for an assigned ACO. AMs will be responsible for administrative support of all supervisory and staff level positions. The AM will be responsible for processing applications for thousands of applicants, managing applicant selection (telephone interview and job offer), processing personnel actions for several hundred new hires, and processing payroll for several hundred or more employees a week at peak times. 
Office Operations Supervisor (OOS): Assists in the management of office functions and day-to-day activities required to support field operations, recruiting, IT support, and administrative activities. The OOS supervises, schedules, and assigns work to clerks and oversees related office operations.

Clerk: Performs various administrative and clerical tasks to support various functions, including payroll, personnel, recruiting, field operations, and support functions.  

Census Field Supervisor (CFS): Supervises Enumerators/Listers. CFSs train their staff, monitor progress and performance, troubleshoot issues and provide instructions, approve time and expense reports, and may document and recommend termination actions. 


Enumerator/Lister: Conducts field activities such as updating address lists and maps, conducting in-person interviews to gather census data, and conducting other follow-up activities.  
                                                                                                                                  

Monday, July 15, 2019

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces More Than $750,000 in Community Planning Technical Assistance Grants to 19 Florida Communities - Including Apalachicola


Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $750,000 in Community Planning Technical Assistance grants to 19 Florida communities. These grants, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), assist communities in creating innovative planning and development strategies to promote economic diversity while protecting environmentally sensitive areas.

“Community planning is critical to the long-term economic success of Florida communities across the state,” said Governor DeSantis. “These technical assistance grants will help provide for the development of strong, resilient local economies that attract businesses and support a highly-trained workforce.”  

“Governor DeSantis’ dedication to building a stronger, more resilient Florida economy begins at the community level,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of DEO. “DEO will continue to guide and assist communities with every available resource to make smart strategic investments so they can achieve their planning and economic goals.” 

The Florida communities receiving funding include: 

  • Apalachee Regional Planning Council – ($65,450) to expand a website with local government maps and links to individual local government websites.

  • Calhoun County – ($40,000) to develop a long-term recovery plan to help with recovery from Hurricane Michael.

  • Central Florida Regional Planning Council – ($50,000) to complete the next phase of the Heartland 2060 Regional vision plan, which is a seven-county effort to plan for a more resilient region.

  • City of Apalachicola – ($40,000) to create a 10-year plan for completion of community projects required as part of the Apalachicola Bay Area of Critical State Concern statute.

  • City of Chattahoochee – ($32,600) to support the development of a Streetscape Improvement Plan to develop a vibrant and enhanced streetscape to help revitalize its historic downtown.

  • City of Frostproof – ($35,000) to create a technical memorandum on how to best expand the City’s sewage treatment plant waste disposal facility.

  • City of Hallandale Beach – ($40,000) to develop a Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan to address the city’s vulnerabilities to natural hazards.

  • City of Springfield – ($30,000) to prepare preliminary site plans for municipal structures lost in Hurricane Michael.

  • City of Tamarac – ($40,000) to support the development of a comprehensive Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan.

  • Everglades City – ($40,000) to assist with the development of a comprehensive wastewater plan.

  • Hernando County – ($35,000) to develop a master plan for the Anderson Snow District Park.

  • Indian River County – ($30,000) to outline and research a management plan for the County’s portion of the Indian River Lagoon.

  • Liberty County – ($40,000) to prepare a long-term recovery plan to help with recovery from Hurricane Michael.

  • Miami Shores Village – ($40,000) to support the research and development of a Sewer Facility Plan.

  • Monroe County – ($40,000) to update and streamline Monroe County’s land development code to comply with the “peril of flood” statute, build community-wide resilience and protect environmentally sensitive areas.

  • Town of Havana – ($34,500) to develop Historic Mainstreet design standards.

  • Town of Hilliard – ($40,000) to update comprehensive plan data and analysis, goals, objectives, policies and to digitize maps.

  • Town of Loxahatchee Groves – ($40,000) to support the development of a GIS Future Land Use and Zoning Map database and to complete related comprehensive plan amendments. 

  • Town of Orange Park – ($40,000) to develop a long-range Strategic Vision Plan for the town.

For more information on Community Planning Technical Assistance Grants, please click HERE.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Secretary of the Navy Names Navy's Newest Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship Apalachicola




From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has announced the newest Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship will be named USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF 13).

“The city of Apalachicola is one of the most historic cities in Florida, with foundations rooted in the maritime industry and support for a strong Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Spencer. “I am pleased that the history, culture, and spirit of this city will live on in the future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13).”

The future USNS Apalachicola is the second ship named in honor of the city of Apalachicola, Fla: the first, a large harbor tug (YTB-767), served from 1965-2002.

“I am both grateful and honored that the City of Apalachicola, a small, rural coastal community along Florida’s Forgotten Coast has been chosen to receive such a distinct recognition by the United States Navy,” said the Hon. Van W. Johnson, mayor of Apalachicola.  “This recognition speaks volumes about Apalachicola’s significance as a historic Port City and its hardworking, dedicated and resilient residents.”

“I am proud of our community and sincerely pray that when called into action to provide assistance, relief, and support to those in need, that the USNS Apalachicola and its crew will rise to the occasion and exemplify the true essence of the people who live and work in this unique and historic Port City.” 

The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) is a shallow draft, all aluminum, commercial-based catamaran that is designed for High-Speed Intra-Theater Surface Lift and serves in a variety of roles for the military branches to include support of overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and supporting special operations forces.

Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, is under contract to build the new EPF, which will be 338 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 93.5 feet, displace approximately 2,362 tons and can operate at speeds of 35-plus knots.

For more information, visit www.navy.milwww.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Secretary of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/secnav/.

Friday, June 28, 2019

FDOT Traffic Advisory for Big Bend Area


Chipley – Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in the Big Bend area as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.  In preparation for the Independence Day Holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on state roads from 9 a.m. CST Wednesday, July 3 to 12:01 a.m. CST Monday, July 8. 

Franklin County
  • U.S. 98 Hurricane Michael Permanent Repairs from East Point to Carrabelle – Hurricane Michael recovery operations at the bridge continue. Intermittent lane closures can be expected until work is complete.

Jefferson County
  • U.S. 19 from U.S. 27 to North of Martin Road – Lane closures are anticipated Monday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 2 near Monticello as crews perform curb and sidewalk construction operations.

Liberty County:
  • State Road (S.R.) 20 from East of S.R. 65 to Ochlokonee River Bridge – Lane closures are scheduled Monday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 2 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews begin paving the shoulders near the intersection of S.R. 267.

Leon County 
  • S.R. 265 (Magnolia Drive) Resurfacing from U.S. 27 (Apalachee Parkway) to 7th Avenue  Motorists can expect lane closures between Apalachee Parkway and 7th Avenue and at the intersection of Apalachee Parkway and Magnolia Drive from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 2 as crews continue roadway widening operations and sidewalk construction.
  • S.R. 61 (Wakulla Springs Road) Roundabout from Wakulla County Line to U.S. 319 – Intermittent daytime lane closures may be experienced as crews continue drainage operations and intersection improvements. Traffic at the intersection of S.R. 61 and County Road 2204 has been changed from a four-way stop to a roundabout pattern.
  • U.S. 27 (Monroe Street) from Clara Kee Boulevard to Harriet Drive – Intermittent daytime lane closures may be experienced Monday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as crews prepare for material deliveries to the project site.

Wakulla County
  • U.S. 98 (Coastal Highway) Resurfacing from St. Marks River to the Jefferson County Line- Intermittent lane closures may be experienced as crews continue paving operations and drainage installation.
  • U.S. 319 (Crawfordville Highway) from S.R. 267 to Leon County Line - Traffic will encounter intermittent northbound and southbound lane closures from C.J. Spears Road to Lonnie Raker Lane Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 30 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews install drainage.

All planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area, to watch for construction equipment entering and leaving the roadway, and to use caution when driving through the work zone. Speeding fines double when workers are present.

For more information visit the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on the web at www.nwflroads.com, follow us on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Looking for a Career in Oyster Aquaculture?


The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension Program's, Franklin County Incubator/Accelerator Project is looking to sponsor up to four (4) individuals to attend the Oyster Aquaculture Class held at the Tallahassee Community College - Wakulla Environmental Institute (WEI).  Normally this class would cost an individual between $250-$300 to attend. However, the FAMU Cooperative Extension Program currently has two slots left to fill for FREE for anyone interested in attending.

The purpose of the Oyster Aquaculture program is to provide residential oystermen and fishermen with the necessary tools to open their own businesses by offering training on how to farm-raise oysters in Wakulla County.

If interested, please contact David Walker, Project Coordinator for the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension Program’s, Franklin County Incubator/Accelerator Project at (850)228-9252.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

President Trump signs $1.9 billion dollar disaster relief bill for FL Panhandle


Received an email earlier today from the office of U.S. Senator Rick Scott announcing that President Trump has signed the $1.9 billion dollar disaster relief package into law.
The Florida panhandle, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Michael will now have access to funding necessary to rebuild, similar to the way the State of Mississippi did after Hurricane Katrina.