DEP WORKS TO EXPEDITE FLOODING RECOVERY EFFORTS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP WORKS TO EXPEDITE FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS

~DEP issues Emergency Order to help residents after major flooding ~

TALLAHASSEE – Friday, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued an Emergency Final Order to speed up the time it takes residents to recover from the damage wrought by the April 29-April 30, 2014 storms. The move is in response to the imminent danger posed to the public health, safety and welfare of Florida residents. The order provides relief from many regulatory requirements to assist residents, business owners and local governments recover from the damage caused by last week’s severe weather and flooding.

"DEP is committed to helping residents get back on their feet after the devastating storms swept through Florida," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. "This order allows residents to focus on restoring their homes, businesses and neighborhoods, while still ensuring Florida's natural treasures are protected through that process."

The order makes provisions for residents living in the Panhandle and Big Bend regions of Florida where flash flooding and widespread damage were prevalent. To view a copy of the Emergency Final Order, click here.

The order is in effect immediately and expires on May 30, 2014.