Broward Library offers summer reading program and Govenor DeSantis continues to visit Surfside

Broward Library offers summer reading program

From David Volz

Animal lovers and book lovers are in for a treat during Broward County Library’s summer program: Summer at Your Library: Tails and Tales, taking place online now through August 14. Programs focus on animals and nature with book discussions, trivia contests, crafts, puppet shows, musical performances, wellness and wildlife education programs and more. In addition to free events, there will be giveaways. Readers of all ages can register for chances to win great prizes.

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Gov. DeSantis continues to visit Surfside

From David Volz

Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Kevin Guthrie and Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett and provided updates on the Surfside Building Collapse response.

There are currently more than 440 first responders and state workers on-site to support ongoing search and recovery efforts. Today’s state response efforts include:

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)

FDEM personnel have assisted in the completion of 29 FEMA Individual Assistance applications for individuals impacted by the Surfside Building Collapse.
The following heavy equipment is on-site being used for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force operations:
- A 248-ton crane
- A 400-ton crane
- Two excavators
- A concrete nibbler
- Two Skidsteer loaders
- A telehandler
- Ten dump trucks
- Two front loaders
The state is sending mental wellness teams and critical incident stress management resources to Surfside to support the mental health of Urban Search and Rescue responders.
The State Mental Health Coordinator is on-site and working with the Florida Crisis Response Team and local organizations to centralize available mental health resources.

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)

DEO Secretary Dane Eagle has visited dozens of area businesses to personally assess the impacts on their business and employees.
DEO has a mobile unit on scene with deployed personnel who are assisting individuals with completing housing assistance applications and coordinating available business resources.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

FLHSMV issued Emergency Order 062621, which waives replacement fees for driver license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
FLHSMV is providing no-fee driver license and motor vehicles services to impacted individuals at the Family Assistance Center and is coordinating with the Red Cross to identify any individuals needing assistance.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

FDOT continues to fulfill resource requests by Miami-Dade County for additional traffic maintenance devices.
FDOT began debris removal operations with contract support and continues to provide additional equipment as needed.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

FDLE agents and analysts are assisting with family reunification efforts and victim advocacy for survivors and their loved ones.

Florida Department of Education (DOE)

DOE is collaborating with Miami-Dade Public Schools to identify health counseling and resources for families of those impacted by the Surfside Building Collapse.

Department of Children and Families (DCF)

DCF is on-site providing assistance and mental health resources to impacted families at the Family Assistance Center.
DCF is coordinating with Miami-Dade County to distribute gift cards to displaced individuals at the Family Assistance Center.

Florida Department of Health (FDOH)

FDOH is coordinating with local partners on-site to assess and respond to any potential public health hazards.
FDOH has activated the Florida Crisis Consortium to provide behavioral health care for impacted individuals at the Family Reunification Center.
FDOH is ready to offer COVID-19 vaccination outreach in areas near or at the Family Reunification Center.
FDOH is supporting health and food safety at resource distribution sites for displaced individuals, families and first responders.

Florida Department of Management Services (DMS)

DMS is coordinating with the state’s tenant broker to locate a warehouse to store donations for individuals impacted by the Surfside Building Collapse.
DMS is currently procuring commodities for debris removal from the site.

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)