After Hurricanes, Florida Executive Order Allows Marina Repairs Without DEP Permits

Florida’s Governor signed an executive order that allows owners of marinas, docks, and piers to make repairs without having to wait for a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Provided the structures were legally there prior to the hurricane, the order allows owners of these structures to repair or replace them to their original condition and in their original configuration. In addition, debris, trash, structural remains and even sunken vessels can be removed.

Owners should contact their local DEP for further information and instruction. Contacts can be found here: http://dep.state.fl.us/secretary/dist/default.htm

Other Hurricane Donations and Assistance

• Guy Harvey is donating all profits from two new t-shirts, “Florida Strong” and “Texas Strong” to the organization Feeding America.
  Feeding America is a network of member food banks that are collecting food and funds for communities impacted by the recent hurricanes. The organization coordinates with government officials and national organizations.
  The shirts are $24 and available at guyharvey.com.
• Bristol Marine, Newport Shipyard and J. Goodison Company are working together to gather supplies and equipment for Antigua and Barbuda. The group is focusing donations on two categories: day-to-day necessities and equipment/supplies for rebuilding. Donations are needed by the middle of October so one or two containers can be shipped by the end of October.
  For more information contact Sally Belmont sallybelmont@gmail.com / 401-965-3793. A list of items needed can be found here: http://rimta.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Company-List-of-Items-for-Islands.pdf
• Cay Electronics is collecting donations to purchase and distribute solar-charged lighting and power packs to the British Virgin Islands to help residents with daily power needs for cooking, refrigeration, pumping water, powering cell phones and computers and running tools for rebuilding.
  Go to http://www.youcaring.com/britishvirginislandsfamilies-946608 to get to the You Caring site the company has set up.
• Several members of the Keep Florida Fishing coalition are accepting goods to deliver to the Florida Keys. The group emphasizes that not only are essential items like generators, toiletries, food and water needed, but since many people in the Keys make their living from charter boats, that items to get their boats and businesses back up and running, items the boating industry can supply but FEMA doesn’t, are also being collected.Monetary donations can be directed to:www.gofundme.com/thefloridakeyirmafund.
  For a list of drop-off and drop-ship locations visit:  goo.gl/JqjmXG

Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is collecting funds to distribute to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) employees and families impacted by the hurricane. FWC officers and specialists were among the first responders during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. To donate: https://www.fishwildlifeflorida.org/Irma