An edition of: WaterAtlas.orgPresented By: Orange County, USF Water Institute

Water-Related News

Dedicated Response Team Leads Storm Debris Pickup Following Back-to-Back Hurricanes

Back-to-back hurricanes present significant challenges relating to storm debris pickup. Those leading the recovery efforts know this firsthand. Fortunately, in Orange County a team of dedicated “hurricane heroes” swiftly restored safety, accessibility, and beauty back to the community in just about 60 days following Hurricane Milton. Ralphetta Aker, Manager, Orange County Public Works Fiscal & Operational Support, is pleased that they reached substantial completion and attributes the successful timeline to a well-coordinated plan and a seasoned response team. “We are fortunate to have a team with 20-plus years of experience, plus debris removal contractors who are leaders in the field,” Aker said. “They understand the process and have knowledge of what needs to be done.” That collaborative process begins immediately following a storm when Public Works crews monitor streets to assess high impact areas, review satellite images, and gather data. Key contractors are then deployed for a second assessment, and within 48 hours they decide where to mobilize trucks to resolve issues starting in the hardest hit areas. Support from many county departments, including Orange County Utilities, and external experts was key to expediting debris removal and monitoring.

Gulf Winter Weather System - Early Prescription Refills Permitted Under State of Emergency

On January 20, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 25-13 declaring a state of emergency in the State of Florida in preparation for winter storm impacts. The Florida Department of Health is working with emergency managers statewide to prepare for any impacts to communities and reminds Floridians to have enough of their prescriptions on hand in the event pharmacies are temporarily unavailable. Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills. An early refill may include controlled substances as long as the medical drug is not listed in Schedule II appearing in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Furthermore, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued the following reminder to all health insurers, managed care organizations, and health entities: Florida Law Reminder for Early Prescription Refills This notice is a reminder that all health insurers, managed care organizations, and other health entities must comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes, which allows for early prescription refills in the event the Governor issues an executive order declaring a state of emergency. This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires.

State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo Issues Community Water Fluoridation Guidance

Tallahassee, Fla.—Today, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo announced guidance recommending against community water fluoridation due to the neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure. Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical compound present in groundwater, fresh and salt water, rainwater, soil, plants, and foods. Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended to prevent tooth decay. Historically, community water fluoridation was considered to be a method to systemically, through ingestion, deliver fluoride to all community members. However, currently many municipalities across the U.S. and several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Sweden, have eliminated water fluoridation. Today, fluoride is widely available from multiple sources, including topical fluorides, such as toothpaste, mouthwashes, and fluoride applications by dental providers. Evidence shows fluoride strengthens teeth, making them more decay resistant. However, additional research is being conducted to review the impacts of overall fluoride exposure in the population. Floridians should be aware of safety concerns related to systemic fluoride exposure including:

Flower Power: Master Gardener Volunteers Help Beautify Orange County

Do you know how to choose the right plant for the right place? This is a key focus of UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, a division of Orange County’s Community and Family Services Department, and the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.

Master Gardener Volunteers ensure that all residents know what plant will flourish in the local landscape. On a larger scale, this benefits local ecosystems because people use less water, less fertilizer and less pesticides when they choose and maintain the appropriate plants.

With so many new people moving to Central Florida, understanding the horticultural nuances of the region is critical to maintaining healthy landscapes, and having well-trained volunteers who can assist them in this regard ultimately serves the entire community.

Participants engage in 12 weeks of intensive educational training on soil science, entomology (plant insects), plant pathology (bacterial/fungal diagnostics), vegetable gardening, turf grass, palm trees, and more. Once training is completed, they log 75 hours of volunteering before earning the Master Gardener Volunteer designation.