Antarctica's Ross Sea is often described as the most isolated and pristine ocean on Earth, a place where seals and penguins still rule the waves and humans are about as far away as they could be. But even there it has proven difficult, and maybe impossible, for nations to agree on how strongly to protect the environment.
Today, as Governor Scott proclaims September as Florida Preparedness Month, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) reminds Floridians that September is the historical peak of hurricane season and there is no better time than today to get a plan for your family or business. In 2004, September was designated as National Preparedness Month following the September 11th tragedies.
At the direction of President Barack Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the federal government's efforts to support state, local, tribal, private sector, and faith-based and non-profit partners, as the Gulf Coast states respond and recover in the wake of Isaac.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is providing an update on road and bridge closures and restrictions in Northwest Florida due to Hurricane Isaac. Scheduled highway maintenance and construction will resume Wednesday, Aug. 29. FDOT has suspended interstate maintenance and construction until further notice. All rail, transit and seaport facilities are functioning as normal.
The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management has decided NOT to order a mandatory evacuation for areas of the county south of U.S. Highway 98 and U.S. Highway 319. Original projections of storm surge from Tropical Storm Isaac had higher estimations along the coast. Emergency Management Director Scott Nelson said the storm surge will continue to be monitored closely.
“As Tropical Storm Isaac approaches Florida and the possibility of hurricane strength conditions becoming more likely for the Keys and Panhandle, I have made the decision to cancel my speech on Monday night at the Republican National Convention and will also cancel my other scheduled convention-related activities on Sunday and Monday, so that I can respond to storm-related matters.