Roofers ripped off disabled veteran in Florida

Two Brevard roofers accused of scamming $35,000 from disabled veteran

Florida Today
Tyler Vazquez
June 18, 2019

Two Brevard County roofers are accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a disabled veteran, according to court records.

Craig Favero, 44, and Christopher Harris, 43, used intimidating tactics to compel the customer to pay for uncompleted work after Hurricane Irma, according to arrest records.

Harris, of Melbourne, was arrested Sunday and charged with exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult and grand theft. Favero, of Satellite Beach, received the same charges in addition to burglary of an occupied dwelling.

Favero and Harris were hired in November of 2017 to provide a new metal roof after damage from Hurricane Irma. At one point, Harris showed up at the customer's house and aggressively demanded payment but refused to accept her credit card, police said.

At various times, they would wait for the customer's husband to leave the house before showing up at her home to aggressively demand money for work they had not yet done, police said.
read more here

Veterans in other news October 9, 2018

By now you should have heard that Google+ will be shutting down. Now they are saying it will happen next year, but I am not waiting.

From today onward, news reports that used to be shared with followers there, will be on this site, in condensed format.

Since the national news 24-7 stations are no longer interested in anything but political talk, at least here, veterans are the story we cover! (OK, so we cover First Responders too, but they matter to us too :~)

If you subscribe to this site, then you will get a daily email that looks like this

Under the headlines that were posted the day before, you will see what is on the post. Then you can click the link or forward it to other people you know so that they can find out what is going on in other parts of the country, and often, in other parts of the world.

Because there are a lot of people who follow this site, in consideration of them, this is the best way to cover the news without driving them nuts with too many updates.

Followers get an email that looks like this every time a post goes up.

Considering there could be up to 30 updates, that would be way too many emails for most people to get through.

When there is a story that needs to be a single post, that will still be done as well.

I thought long and hard about this but when I thought about how Google+ posts end up going directly to the news source, it ended up cutting this site out. I had no way of knowing what stories mattered, or how many times it was read. Now I will know.

So dear readers, this is how the rest of the days will go. Let me know what you think. 

Leave a comment PLEASE because most of the time I do not hear from readers and IT GETS PRETTY LONELY by myself.

*******

Yokota airman, a recent ‘Airlifter of the Week,’ found dead in off-base home

STARS AND STRIPES
By SETH ROBSON
Published: October 8, 2018

Staff Sgt. Eliction Chan, 27, of the 374th Mission Support Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, was found dead in her off-base residence, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018.

COURTESY OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE

Staff Sgt. Eliction Chan, 27, assigned to the 374th Mission Support Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, died Oct. 1, according to an Air Force statement issued last week.

Chan had recently been named “Airlifter of the Week” by the 374th Airlift Wing, which encompasses the support group.
read more here

Florida's largest medical cannabis producer seeing 'huge transition' from opioids to marijuana treatment 
CNBC

CEO Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers describes how Florida's largest fully licensed medical marijuana company is faring amid the cannabis craze.

Rivers tells CNBC's Jim Cramer that Trulieve is "seeing a huge transition" from opioids to medical cannabis. Elizabeth Gurdus October 8, 2018

Florida patients with serious conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder are increasingly opting for medical cannabis over opioids, the CEO of the state's first and largest fully licensed medical marijuana company told CNBC on Monday.

"We're seeing a huge transition," Kim Rivers, the CEO of Trulieve, told "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer in an exclusive interview. "That's actually one of our initiatives in front of the [Florida state] legislature this upcoming session, to introduce policies to say instead of only having opioids as an alternative, why not medical cannabis?"

With over 80,000 patients and 17 retail locations in the state of Florida, Trulieve offers 90 cannabis-based products that help treat a series of conditions including seizure conditions, cancer and AIDS. A bulk of Trulieve's patients also suffer from PTSD given Florida's large veteran population, Rivers said.
read more here

Navy veteran and family still dealing with the mess Hurricane Irma left behind

NBC 8 News
By: Chip Osowski
Posted: Oct 08, 2018

WINTER HAVEN, Fla (WFLA)
When Faye Mays watches Hurricane Michael barrel toward the Florida panhandle, she thinks to herself, I hope those people have insurance. When Hurricane Irma blew through Polk County last year she thought she had insurance. She did not. She learned that the hard way when a huge Oak tree came crashing through the home she shared with her sister and two children.

The home on Sears Avenue Northeast in Winter Haven was willed to her and her sister by her parents. Her mother died unexpectedly and was quickly followed by her father. At some point during the funeral planning, burials and everything else that was going on, the insurance on the home lapsed.

It was September 10th, 2017 when Faye's life changed drastically. She was taking IT classes and had just laid down when the tree came crashing through the living room of the home. Had she been sitting on the couch where she normally sat, she believes she would've been killed. Her first priority: getting everyone out of the house safely. "We were able to get out," said Mays, pointing to one of the many wires that are haning from the exposed rafters. "These were sparking."
read more here

Navy petty officer wins transgender bodybuilding contest

By: David Goldman, The Associated Press 

 Wes Phills, of Brooklyn, N.Y., center, walks offstage after winning the overall award and middleweight class in the International Association of Trans Bodybuilders competition in Atlanta on Saturday. At left are fellow competitors Peter Moore, and Sandy Baird, both of Oakland, Calif., and Kennedy Conners, right, of Conyers, Ga., who took home the heavyweight trophy. (David Goldman/AP)

ATLANTA — It’s been 20 years since Charles Bennett took the stage to compete in bodybuilding. But at the age of 63, he’s now done something he’s never done before — compete as a man for the first time in what’s billed as the world’s only transgender bodybuilding competition.

Bennett and seven fellow competitors went before a crowd Saturday evening in the annual International Association of Trans Bodybuilders competition at a theater in Atlanta. read more here

Killed WWII Marine returning home after being buried for 75 years as an unknown serviceman
Associated Press
October 8, 2018 

Relatives of a Chicago-area Marine killed during World War II are welcoming his body back after 75 years being buried in Hawaii as an unknown serviceman.

Military officials say DNA tests helped confirm the identity of Marine Corps Tech. Sgt. Harry Carlsen of Brookfield, who was 31 when he was killed while storming a Japanese stronghold in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands.

Death by 'friendly fire': Local veteran's name added to Vietnam War Memorial
Bakersfield.com
Steven Mayer
October 9, 2018

It's extraordinary when you think about it, said Larry Bramblett, president of the Sonora chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, where Williams was a remote member.

Williams didn't die of conventional wounds on the battlefield, Bramblett noted. He died slowly, over a period of decades, from a constellation of health problems that didn't leave bullet wounds, but were just as deadly.

"There should be a new Purple Heart just for the Agent Orange guys," Bramblett said. #AgentOrange

Navy mom's tweet makes #HimToo mockery go viral

Stars and Stripes
October 9, 2018

"This is MY son. He graduated #1 in boot camp. He was awarded the USO award. He was #1 in A school. He is a gentleman who respects women. He won't go on solo dates due to the current climate of false sexual accusations by radical feminists with an axe to grind. I VOTE. #HimToo," the tweet read.

She posted the now-deleted tweet on the day Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, after a confirmation process that featured accusations of sexual misconduct. Twitter's response was rife with mockery, spawning a variety of "This is MY son" memes. And her sons had plenty to say, too.

Pieter Hanson, the son featured posing in his Navy uniform in the tweet, created an account in the early hours of Tuesday morning called @thatwasmymom. The first post?

"That was my Mom. Sometimes the people we love do things that hurt us without realizing it. Let’s turn this around. I respect and #BelieveWomen. I never have and never will support #HimToo. I’m a proud Navy vet, Cat Dad and Ally. Also, Twitter, your meme game is on point," he tweeted.
read more here

Coast Guard Veteran Lost Wife After Irma, Gained Community Wide Family Afterwards

Community helps Naples veteran repair home
WXVN ABC 7 News
January 13, 2017

NAPLES, Fla. -

More than four months after Hurricane Irma, neighbors in Naples are banding together to help a veteran at risk of losing his home.

US Coast Guard vet Walter Landrum, who served for 28 years, was already down on his luck when the hurricane ravaged his property, and he wasn't able to clean it up.

"It's been a nightmare," he said. "But not as bad as some of the nightmares I've seen in the Coast Guard."

He knows things could always be worse, but it got pretty bad after Irma.

"A coconut hit the window, sounded like an explosion."

He wasn't able to clean up because he was caring for his wife, who suffered from congestive heart failure.

"I was with her every day for the last three years. So I'd start cleaning the lanai, and she'd be wracked with pain and terror, and I'd come back to her," he said.

She passed away right before Christmas, by which time his neighbors realized he needed help. 

read more here

VA Resources For Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands After Hurricanes

VA providing support to Veterans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria

VAntage Point

September 22, 2017

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, VA announced today that it continues to provide vital health care and other support to displaced Veterans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).

In Puerto Rico where electricity was knocked out by Hurricane Maria, the San Juan VA Medical Center  — currently operating on generator power and staffed by 800 employees — is providing health care for 338 inpatients, with primary care and mental health services available for walk-in patients.

“We have been in constant contact with VA Caribbean Healthcare System leadership in San Juan and are sending relief resources to the VA medical center as soon as possible through available transportation assets,” said VA press secretary Curt Cashour. “Along with hurricane-hardened construction standards, the San Juan VAMC has enough fuel, water and other supplies to last at least seven days, if not more.”

Since Hurricane Maria also damaged communication systems, such as cellular phone towers and telephone landlines, VA officials have been monitoring the VA Caribbean Facebook page, and responding to family requests for status of both patients and staff.

Meanwhile, all community clinics, including Vet Centers in Puerto Rico and USVI, have been closed until further notice. Patients with appointments will be contacted as soon as possible to reschedule. Veterans Benefits Administration offices are also closed. VA national cemeteries in Puerto Rico are also temporarily closed.

VA is also coordinating standby personnel to deploy in the event they are needed, along with mobile shelters for use as sleeping quarters, as well as mobile medical units, which can be used to augment medical services in the area.

VA teams will begin damage assessments as soon as it is safe to do so and travel routes are clear. Once assessments are complete, officials will share information about when VA clinics will be operational.

The following resources are available for Veterans and employees impacted by the hurricanes:

• VA Employee Accountability hotline for staff to report their status and safety: 866-233-0152
• VISN 8 TelCare 24/7 hotline to assist Veterans with health-care advice and information, to include facility status updates and emergency prescription refill information: 877-741-3400
• Current operating status of VA Caribbean Healthcare System: https://www.caribbean.va.gov/emergency/index.asp
• Get more information about the VA Caribbean Healthcare System at https://www.caribbean.va.gov/, or on its Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/VACaribbean
• VA’s blog with information on VA facilities and services impacted by hurricanes Irma and Maria: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/hurricane-irma/.

Vietnam Veteran: electricity is not just a luxury, it’s a lifeline.

Pinellas Co. Vietnam veteran on oxygen thankful to have lights back on

WFLA 8 News

Chip Osowski

September 17, 2017

SEMINOLE, Fla. (WFLA) – Peter Wenners was one of many Pinellas County residents that were still without power on Sunday morning, despite Duke Energy’s promise to have electricity restored countywide by midnight.

Wenners is a Vietnam Veteran who is confined to a wheelchair and on oxygen. For him, electricity is not just a luxury, it’s a lifeline. “That’s all the oxygen I have left , which is about four,” said Weller as he pointed at the empty bottles of oxygen next to his front door. “And I’m done for. If it doesn’t come on tonight, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Peter and his wife, Dee, have been making do. Dee has been cooking meals on the grill, and the couple’s daughter brought a generator so they could run a room air conditioner and Peter’s electric easy chair.

So when the midnight deadline came and went, Dee became anxious. She went outside the couple’s Seminole home and finally was able to flag down a Duke Energy crew. Workers were already in the area working in that neighborhood. But no sooner did the power come on, but it turned back off. A line feeding the house had been damaged in the storm. Dee now jokes about the ordeal.

“I felt like I was in a Chevy Chase movie. Summer Vacation,” said Dee. “The power goes on…the power snaps …we have a fire in the back. Everything is black again! I’m like, this is not happening.”

Crews returned Sunday afternoon to repair the damaged line and re-restore power to the Wenners’ home. Peter couldn’t be happier. He’s breathing a sigh of relief.
read more here

Thank You Florida National Guard!

When you read this report and watch the videos, remember, they left their own families to take care of the rest of us! "Thank you" is just not enough to say! 

National Guard provides support across Florida

News 4 Jax

Kent Justice
September 15, 2017

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - The men and women serving at Florida National Guard headquarters are thousands of the state’s neighbors, co-workers and fellow citizens.

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, this group is providing support across Florida. The Guard’s emergency operations headquarters is at Camp Blanding in Clay County.

“Our main job here is to help the citizens of (the) state,” Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Watson said. “I mean, I'm a citizen of the state of Florida. So all we're doing is helping our brothers and sisters inside the state.”

Watson lives in St. Augustine. One of his commanding officers is from St. Johns County. His colleagues hail from across the Sunshine State.
read more here

Florida National Guard distributing food and water in Fort Myers

Florida National Guard distributing food and water in Fort Myers after Hurricane Irma. Food and water distribution centers are scattered across Southwest Florida to help those in need after Hurricane Irma left the majority of the population without power and displaced.

UCF Hosts Florida National Guard After Hurricane Irma

UCF has answered the call of Gov. Rick Scott to host the National Guard on campus as it uses the football facilities, including Spectrum Stadium, to stage its recovery operations efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

With Wings and a Prayer, National Guard Couple Wedding Inspires Floridaians Facing Irma

I couldn't post about this when I heard it on the radio the other day, but wow, it did us a world of good to hear this! It wasn't enough this Air National Guard couple were ready to risk their lives for us, but they decided to share their lives by starting their future here and gave us hope!

Hurricane Irma: Air National Guard couple gets married in fatigues

Fox News 
Published September 10, 2017 

Two senior airmen with the Air National Guard deployed to help out with Hurricane Irma efforts were supposed to get married later in September -- so with the storm on Orlando's doorstep, they raced to tie the knot early on Sunday. Lauren Durham, 24, and her fiance, 26-year-old Michael Davis, both wore fatigues for the ceremony.

Lauren Durham, left, and Michael Davis, both members of the Air National Guard, married on Sunday in their fatigues. (AP Photo/Claire Galofaro)

The bride and groom, who had planned a beach wedding, said they were deployed indefinitely and told their out-of-town guests that they’d likely miss their own nuptials. 

 They were eating breakfast with some friends Sunday morning, and one asked the couple why didn’t they get married in the middle of the storm. “It started out as a joke, and it just kind of unfolded,” Davis said. “And it turned out to be really great.” read more here

We Got The Power!

Irma Left and Rainbow Came
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
September 12, 2017

For over a week, we feared what Hurricane Irma could do to Florida. The monster was bigger than the entire state. We knew no one would go untouched by this. Having been through four hurricanes since we moved to Florida, this one was the one I feared the most. 

Food and water ran out. Long lines for gas, if they had any at all. And then we did the best we could to prepare. We boarded up the house, like every time before. We left my husband's sandals on the deck, like every time before because as powerful as Hurricane Charlie was, they did not move. This time we added mine.

We left the rest in God's hands since there was nothing more we could do.

Before Irma

This is where I waited during the beginning of it not knowing what to expect and feeling some fear. This was our 5th hurricane since moving to Florida.

But after it passed, this is what was saw in the sky!

Tree branches down and neighbor lost his fence.

But the rainbow got brighter and grew.

And spread out over my whole area!

And then it started to fade away like the storm itself.

12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

Maybe if all of us think of troubles coming into our lives like Hurricane's doing their damage and moving on, leaving us behind as survivors, we'd be a happier with what we have.

Last night was rough without air conditioning or getting any hope of the power restored, but then I thought about all the people here before we even had all the modern conveniences we have now. No internet service to find out what was going on, they had to listen the radio, much like we did for a couple of days. They had no way of keeping food stocked and safe to eat. Much like we did when we just had to throw away everything in the refrigerator.

Still, while we had the hope of power coming back on and life getting back to normal, they didn't even know what any of this was, yet they managed to survive.

This morning I wanted to jump out of the car and hug Duke Energy workers on the main street near our house as we took a chance on finding something to eat. I felt joy when I saw MacDonald's open and didn't mind waiting in a long line at all. I almost kissed the coffee cup! I felt more joy as we walked down the water isle of Publix and saw they had a couple of cases of water and gallon jugs. Yet, when I saw the traffic signals working again near our house, I flipped out! Hope took over and then as we approached our house, the street was quiet. No generators running and I screamed, "We got the power" and sure enough, it was back on.

All of us have the power to get through whatever is blown our way. Ask for help along the way and be there the next time someone asks you for help. No storm in our lives ever came with an order to go it alone!

Sheriff in Florida Issues Warning to Stop Shooting at Hurricane Irma

It is really tense right here in Central Florida, especially when most of us know folks in the areas about to be hit hard by storm surges. Here are some things that I hope make some of us laugh at this nightmare.

Florida sheriff's office warns people not to shoot at Hurricane Irma

Yep, that's Florida! That was on USA Today. Here are a few more

In other news, boat owners ride out hurricane in boats, because "they float."

WENY NewsFort Myers, Florida -- It's generally considered dangerous to attempt to ride out a major storm in a boat. But a look around the Fort Myers Yacht Basin Saturday evening revealed several boat owners remaining on board. 

We even talked to one man who plans to stay aboard throughout Hurricane Irma. 

We asked the brave mariner how he plans to deal with a potential 10-foot storm surge. "My boat floats...I'm going to be on top of it."

Hurricane Party 
South Beach

Shouts of “F— you, Irma!” rose from a group of some 20 surfers as they drank beer, white wine and champagne on the beach. 

“Block party, baby!” artist Jona Cerwinske, announced.

They’d reluctantly left off surfing by late afternoon, after the Atlantic Ocean began to churn.

“It’s like a washing machine out there,” noted George Granizo, 51, as he abandoned the water.

The surfers said they’d gathered on the beach to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of one of their friends, who’d died while surfing.

In defiance of Irma, Fort Pierce's infamous Archie's Seabreeze parties

Everyone at the bar had more to say about it than just liking the hot wings and cold beer — though owner Patty McGee said Budweiser has awarded her 21 years in a row for selling the most Budweiser in a four-county area.

"Thank God for Patty," said Frances Pollari, an island resident and Archie's regular. "Look at us, we're all happy. If we were isolated in our homes, we wouldn't be happy. God bless her."

Pollari and Feeney touched on why Archie's Seabreeze has thrived   for 70 years. It's more than just hosting the best hurricane party on the Treasure Coast, it's perhaps its close and raunchy family.

Besides being open 365 days a year, Archie's is  known for staying open close to a hurricane. They even made t-shirts for Hurricane Irma.  

Evacuation orders for Central Florida counties

WESH 2 News
Check here for updates

BREVARD COUNTY:

Brevard County officials have announced a mandatory evacuation order for residents living in Merritt Island and some mainland low-lying areas along the Indian River Lagoon.

The order for people living in Evacuation Zone A begins at 3 p.m. Friday.

In addition, people who live in mobile or manufactured homes or in other flood-prone areas are also vulnerable and should evacuate, whether on the mainland or the barrier islands, county officials said.

Residents who do not plan to stay in public shelters are encouraged to stay with family or friends on the mainland, and to evacuate tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles, as traffic on highways and interstates is likely to be heavier.

FLAGLER COUNTY:

Flagler County has issued a mandatory evacuation order effective at 7 a.m. Saturday for the following areas:

Evacuation Zone A includes everything east of the Intracoastal including Marineland, Hammock, Flagler Beach along A1A.

Evacuation Zone F is in western Flagler County and includes areas near Dead Lake - St. Johns Park and the Haw Creek Basin - as the St. Johns River, which feeds Dead Lake.

Low-lying areas subject to flooding, as well as for those who live in mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and trailers.

Individuals with special medical needs, due to the potential loss of power.

There is a mandatory evacuation for nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Flagler County zones A,B,C and F.

Flagler County announced a voluntary evacuation for residents and said evacuation zones A, B, C and F (not Palm Coast alphabet sections) should consider leaving the area ahead of Hurricane Irma.

The county has also expanded their voluntary evacuation to include residents who live in a mobile home, a recreational vehicle, a trailer or an unsafe structure that is not rated to withstand strong winds.

Evacuation Zone A : Everything east of the Intracoastal including Marineland, Hammock, Flagler Beach along A1A.

Evacuation Zone B: neighborhoods along Colbert Lane to the south, all of the C section and the F section east of Florida Park Drive and the F section east of Palm Harbor Parkway. This zone also includes the area east of Old Kings Road, south of State Road 100 including Bulow and its adjacent neighborhood, Grand Haven and western Flagler Beach.

Evacuation Zone C: Woodlands area of Palm Coast

Evacuation Zone F: Areas near Dead Lake, St. Johns Park and the Haw Creek basin, as the St. Johns River, which feeds Dead Lake is tidal.

The Flagler Beach Police Department is asking residents to stop by for a placard that can help with post storm recovery if residents plan to evacuate.

SEMINOLE COUNTY:

No voluntary or mandatory evacuation notice has been posted by Seminole County at this time.

ORANGE COUNTY:

Orange County mayor Teresa Jacobs issued a mandatory evacuation notice to all residents living in mobile homes in Orange County.

Officials are encouraging residents to stay with family or make their way to shelters which will open at 9 a.m. Saturday.

MARION COUNTY:

Marion County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents living in mobile homes and modular-type homes.

Residents are urged to evacuate those homes by 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 9.

Evacuees are encouraged to first seek shelter with family or friends living in a site-built home. If that option is not available, you can check the list of shelters by clicking here.

VOLUSIA COUNTY:
Volusia County is asking residents on the beachside, in low-lying areas, and in RVs, mobile or manufactured homes are asked at this time to evacuate voluntarily. If you are uncomfortable in your home, you also are encouraged to evacuate.

Florida Hospital
Florida Hospital Oceanside is an 80-bed facility located beachside in Ormond Beach on A1A. This facility will evacuate 31 patients to Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach on Friday, September 8. The emergency department at this facility is also expected to close, however the exact time has not yet been determined.

• Florida Hospital New Smyrna is a 112-bed facility located in New Smyrna Beach, a few short blocks from the Intracoastal Waterway. This facility will evacuate approximately 50 patients to Florida Hospital DeLand in DeLand and Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City on Friday, September 8. The entire hospital will be closed and the emergency department at this facility will be closed to patients as of noon on Saturday, September 9.

• The ERs will be open and available for patients in emergency medical situations at:

◦ Florida Hospital DeLand in DeLand
◦ Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City
◦ Florida Hospital Flagler is Palm Coast
◦ Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach

• All procedures, diagnostic testing and outpatient appointments scheduled for Monday, September 11 are cancelled and will need to be rescheduled for future dates.

• All freestanding Florida Hospital outpatient facilities and employed physician offices will be closed on Monday, September 11. Depending on the storm's track and localized impact, these facilities and offices plan to assess any damages on Tuesday, September 12 to evaluate reopening.

OSCEOLA COUNTY:

Residents in low-lying areas or in modular and mobile homes are officially advised to evacuate to safer accommodations, including shelters or staying with family or friends.

LAKE COUNTY:

Lake County has issued a voluntary evacuation order in Astor and Lake George.

Officials are asking the residents of those areas to safely self-evacuate by Saturday afternoon. Lake County has 13 emergency shelters that will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept 9.

The closest emergency shelters to Astor are Spring Creek Elementary, 44440 Spring Creek Road, Paisley and Umatilla Elementary, 40

1 Lake St., Umatilla. Both shelters are pet-friendly and Umatilla can also accommodate special needs persons.

More shelters 

You have to admit that Gov. Scott has done a fabulous job keeping all of us up to date on what is going on. He's on TV several times a day giving updates!

September 10th, 2017
Gov. Rick Scott: I’m not sparing any resources during Hurricane Irma
Florida Gov. Rick Scott tells TODAY that he’s extremely worried about the storm surges hitting Florida from Hurricane Irma. “It’s hard to believe anybody will survive it,” he says. Scott says he’s not sparing any resources to protect people from the storm.