Orlando

Gov. Scott Directs FDOT to Implement Evacuation and Fuel Capacity Improvements During Emergencies

Published

7 years ago

February 2, 2018

ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to implement both immediate and long-term improvements to help Florida residents, businesses and visitors during emergencies. Following Hurricane Irma, Governor Scott directed FDOT to begin examining ways to help expedite evacuation routes from the I-75/ Florida Turnpike Interchange near Wildwood to the Florida-Georgia border, as well as ways to increase fuel capacity during state storm emergencies. The improvements FDOT is adopting are based on the findings of these reports.

Governor Scott said, “As Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Irma, the largest storm to impact our state in modern history, it is critically important that we continue to do all we can to make sure our state is fully prepared in the face of any potential disaster. Last fall, I directed FDOT to examine ways to improve evacuations and fuel capacity and following the completion of these reports, I have directed the agency to implement short and long-term improvements that will help protect our families and visitors. These improvements will ensure that Florida continues to be a national leader in emergency management and solely focused on keeping families safe.”

Short-term evacuation-related improvements to be implemented no later than June at the direction of Governor Scott include:

Expanding Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) along key interstate routes;
Beginning installation of cameras and dynamic message signs on I-75 from Ocala to the Georgia state line; and
Increasing the department’s Florida 511 website system to accommodate increased usage.

Long-term evacuation-related improvements to be implemented at the direction of Governor Scott include:

Completing the I-75/Turnpike interchange construction in 2019;
Beginning construction to widen Florida’s Turnpike to six lanes from the Lake/Sumter county line to the CR 468 interchange in 2023 and from the CR 468 interchange to I-75 in 2025; and
Studying the deployment of traffic management tools along the US 19/98/27 route for emergency evacuation.

Short-term fuel-related improvements to be implemented no later than July at the direction of Governor Scott include:

Working with the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and law enforcement to identify critical gas stations along state evacuation routes and plan for more efficient fuel service during emergencies;
Assessing options for expanding fuel capacity at existing department owned facilities for first responders; and
Coordinating with neighboring states on a communications plan on the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles during emergencies.

Long-term fuel-related improvements to be implemented at the direction of Governor Scott include:

Assessing options for additional fuel storage and dispensing at fuel terminals in collaboration with Florida Ports and the fuel industry.

To view the full FDOT reports, please see the links below:

Hurricane Irma – Emergency Evacuation Report and Recommendations

Hurricane Irma’s Effect on Florida’s Fuel Distribution System and Recommended Improvement

Related Topics:FDOT Governor Rick Scott Hurricane Maria

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Florida

Scottie Scheffler Wins Second Red Cardigan at 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Published

6 months ago

March 10, 2024

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Scottie Scheffler wins his second red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. Scheffler first won the API in 2022.

Scottie Scheffler wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

The number one ranked golfer in the world, Scheffler finished at 15 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 66 today. Wyndham Clark finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Kurt Kitayama, did not make the cut, this weekend, finishing 7 over par after the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday.

This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for the 50th anniversary of The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Golf

Lydia Ko and Jeff McNeil win the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

Published

8 months ago

January 21, 2024

Mike Brodsky

Lydia Ko win the 2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Sunday, January 21, 2024. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Lake Nona resident, Lydia Ko, has won the 2024 Hilton Grand Vacations LPGA Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, while Mets All-Star Second Baseman, Jeff McNeil, has won the celebrities and amateurs competition. The four day tournament wrapped up Sunday. Ko takes home $225,000 of the $1.5 million prize pool, while baseball player McNeil wins $100,000 of the $500,000 designated for the athletes and entertainers.

Lydia Ko and Jeff McNeil win the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Sunday, January 21, 2024. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Ko finished at -14, two strokes ahead of Alexa Pano. Defending champion, Brooke Henderson, finished third at ten under par. McNeil ended with 138 points using the Modified Stableford scoring system, in his first time competing in this tournament. Annika Sorenstam finished in second place amongst the celebrity golfers, with 136. Former Major League Baseball pitchers Derek Lowe and Mark Mulder tied for third place at 135.

The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions also announced today that they have extended their agreement with the LPGA to continue this tournament at Lake Nona for another five years, with a 65% increase in the prize pool money.

Stay tuned to Florida National News for more, and be sure to follow our Florida National News page on Facebook for more photos and videos from the tournament.

Golf

Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions Returns to Lake Nona

Published

8 months ago

January 17, 2024

Mike Brodsky

Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions is back at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando Thursday, 1/18 through Sunday, 1/21. This tournament kicks off the LPGA Tour’s 74th season, featuring top women golfers, who have qualified by winning a tournament in 2022 or 2023, playing alongside celebrities from the world of sports, entertainment, and music.

Annika Sorenstam practices on the driving range for the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Comedy fans can watch Larry The Cable Guy entertain the crowd with his one-liners and banter. “Fresh Prince” fans can tune in to Alfonso Ribeiro in hopes of seeing him dance “The Carlton.” Bachelor fans can follow Ben Higgins or Wells Adams to see if they’re passing out any roses.

Sports fans can see some true legends in a different light. Basketball fans can look for Vince Carter, Ray Allen, or Chandler Parsons. Baseball fans can watch for John Smoltz, Albert Pujols, or Roger Clemens. Football fans will find Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith, Marcus Allen, Brian Urlacher, and Charles Woodson.

You’ll find many other actors, musicians, and champions of various sports. If you’d like to watch some fun golf while also celebrity spotting, be sure to visit the tournament’s website to get your tickets, and to see who else will be playing this year.