Cocoa Beach Day News

Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)

Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) The OPSG Program supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection, United States Border Patrol, and Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies. The OPSG Program provides funding to support joint efforts to secure the United States' borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with international water borders.

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance Webinar Recording

The page provides information about an Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance Webinar Recording. The specific content of the webinar recording itself is not detailed on this page; rather, the page serves as a directory link to access the resource. The recording is hosted under the Financial Management section of the Florida Division of Emergency Management website, within the Preparedness Grants area.

State Nonprofit Security Grant Program

State Nonprofit Security Grant Program The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is no longer accepting applications for the 2023 Florida Nonprofit Security Grant Program (FL-NSGP). If more funding becomes available and more applications are being accepted, interested individuals can be notified by subscribing for informational updates by emailing [email protected]. In order to do business with the State of Florida, you will need to register your entity in My Florida Marketplace (MFMP), submit a valid W9, and register in DEMES if you have not done so already. Please see NSGP – Application Instructions. While the application deadline is not until January 19, 2024, we recommend you make sure to have someone from your entity registered now in DEMES and confirm that it works for you in order to avoid delays upon the application deadline. EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED. Please note FDEM will be utilizing DEMES for all future applications for NSGP (State and Federal) as well as many other grant programs, so we ask that you take the time now to work with others in your entity to ensure the right individuals have access and are able to view all your subrecipient agreements, as needed. FL NSGP Important Documents: - FL-NSGP-01 - FL-NSGP Application - FL-NSGP-02 - FL-NSGP Vulnerability Assessment Worksheet - FL-NSGP-03 - FL-NSGP Application Scoring Rubric - Application Instructions - Application Scoring Rubric - Frequently Asked Questions - State Nonprofit Security Grant Application - Vendor Registration Quick Reference Guide - Vulnerability Assessment Worksheet - Assessments conducted over the last 3 years (2020) will also be accepted - Program Notice for FY 2024 FL-NGSP - Contract and Employee Security Personnel - FL NSGP - Delegation of Authority Form - FL-NSGP Grant Reporting Forms FL NSGP Workshops and Webinars: - FL-NGSP Workshops and Webinars - Completing the Grant Agreement - FL-NSGP Procurement Guidance & Grant Reporting Forms Review - FY23 FL-NSGP Completing the Grant Agreement Webinar - FY23 FL NSGP Monthly Recipient Call - August Check-In, Updates and FAQs - FY24 FLNSGP Completing the Grant Agreement - Technical Assistance - FY23 FL-NSGP Monthly Recipient Call - November Check-In, Updates and FAQs - FY24 FL NSGP Monthly Recipient Call - November Check-In, Updates and FAQs Monthly Program Calls: - FL-NSGP Monthly Program Call 1/25/2025 - FL-NSGP Monthly Program Call 3/27/2025 - Advance Requests under FY24 - FL-NSGP Monthly Program Call 7/22/2025 - Amendments, Project Progress and Next Steps Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)

Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)

Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) The Urban Area Security Initiative program assists high-threat, high-density Urban Areas in efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism. FY 2018 NSGP UA and State Awarded Recipients Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program The purpose of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is to secure funding to improve cyber resilience, help protect local government critical infrastructure and law enforcement operational and information technology resources, secure critical data, and safeguard the privacy of Florida's citizens and those that do business with the state, municipalities, and other local government entities. The two categories for this grant are: Critical Infrastructure (CI): Cyber hardening projects for systems such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), industrial control systems, operational technology, and associated IT infrastructure. Law Enforcement: Cybersecurity risk mitigation initiatives for local law enforcement agencies. FAQ: Is alignment with the Florida SLCGP cybersecurity plan required? Yes. Projects proposed for Florida's SLCGP must align with the state's cybersecurity priorities, which are determined by the Statewide Cybersecurity Planning Committee. The state's priorities for this grant are: Critical Infrastructure: This encompasses all 16 critical infrastructure sectors as defined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Critical Infrastructure Sectors Law Enforcement: This encompasses any Law Enforcement (LE) office not considered a state agency. Eligible LE offices include but are not limited to sheriff's, municipal, tribal, etc. There will also be emphasis on awarding grants to rural communities: Per the Dept of Homeland Security Notice of Funding Opportunity, at least 25% of the awarded funding must go to rural communities. Do applicants get to choose their own budget items? Yes. This grant is pass-through funding. The application will ask for a budget describing your initiative including intended purchases. What is the current application cycle and funding year? The current application cycle is for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 federal funding, with $11,997,340 allocated to Florida. The federal SLCGP is a four-year program ending in FY 2025. For FY 2023, the recipient cost share is 20%. Funding for the FY 24 program: This program will be released next year in 2026 with a new application cycle. You will need to reapply for each year the program is offered. What are the priorities for Florida's SLCGP? For FY 2023, Florida prioritized Critical Infrastructure (CI) and Law Enforcement projects. When does the Application window close? The deadline for applications is 15 December 2025 Who is eligible to apply for the SLCGP? Eligible entities include local governments such as county, municipality, city, township, local public authority, school district, intrastate district, regional government agencies, Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, rural community or unincorporated town. Ineligible entities: Nonprofit organizations and private corporations.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations. In FY 2018, multiple funding allocations were appropriated for nonprofit organizations located inside or outside of FY 2018 Urban Area Security Initiative designated urban areas. The NSGP promotes emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration activities between public and private community representatives as well as state and local government agencies. The page provides access to application materials, guidance documents, and resources for multiple fiscal years including FY 2024, FY 2023, FY 2022, and earlier cycles. Resources include application process user guides, notice of funding opportunities (NOFOs), frequently asked questions, fact sheets, investment justification forms, and consortium workbooks. Awarded subrecipients lists are available for FY 2024, FY 2023, FY 2022, FY 2021, FY 2020, and FY 2019. Outreach and Training Opportunities: FY 2024 Winter Webinar Series is scheduled with the following dates and times (ET): - Friday, October 27 at 2:00 PM - Tuesday, November 7 at 3:00 PM - Thursday, November 9 at 2:00 PM - Tuesday, November 14 at 3:00 PM - Tuesday, November 28 at 2:00 PM - Friday, December 8 at 3:00 PM - Tuesday, December 19 at 2:00 PM - Wednesday, December 20 at 3:00 PM Webinar registrations include calendar invitations with joining links sent via email. Contact Information: Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)

Preparedness Grants

Preparedness Grants Responsible for auditing and processing FDEM's sub recipient payment requests and submits requests to the Department of Financial Services via the Florida Accounting Information Resource (FLAIR). This Section is also responsible for the financial oversight and reconciliation of grant activities for open disaster and non-disaster grants and prepares and submits financial federal reports to the grantor. Below are the preparedness grants managed by this team: State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) The purpose of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is to secure funding to improve cyber resilience, help protect local government critical infrastructure and law enforcement operational and information technology resources, secure critical data, and safeguard the privacy of Florida's citizens and those that do business with the state, municipalities, and other local government entities. The two categories for this grant are: - Critical Infrastructure (CI): Cyber hardening projects for systems such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), industrial control systems, operational technology, and associated IT infrastructure. - Law Enforcement: Cybersecurity risk mitigation initiatives for local law enforcement agencies. Additional grant programs managed: - Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) - Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) Grant - State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHGP) - Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) - Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) - State Nonprofit Security Grant Program - Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) - Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Compliance

Disbursement

Disbursement Responsible for the auditing and processing of all payments that do not relate to grants and aid or donations including: Contractual Services, Travel Reimbursement, Payroll, MFMP invoices, Misc. invoices, and P-Card approvals. This Section is also responsible for: - Payment Redistribution - Payroll Processing - Reconciliation of encumbrances (MFMP and Contractual Services) - Processing of Interest Penalty Payments - RDS Access Control - Fiscal Year End Closing Activities - Statewide Financial Statements - Maintenance of official payment vouchers - Purchasing card (P-card) reconciliation - File Room Bureau Chief: Jeremy W. Smith, [email protected] Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)

Fiscal Operations

Fiscal Operations Assists Program Offices in applying for various grant awards and enters grant award information into e-grants (Non-Disaster Mitigation Grants), Non-Disaster grants, and grants.gov (all other grants) for open federal non-declared disaster grant award applications and fiscally monitors and closes out these awards. The Bureau Financial Specialists under this section are responsible for entering requisitions into MyFloridaMarketPlace and processing invoices for purchase orders. The Fiscal Section is also responsible for preparing payment requests for Emergency Management Assistance with other states, Mutual Aid and Agency Emergency Response costs resulting from federal declarations. This section houses P-Card Administration and Property Management. Bureau Chief: Jeremy W. Smith, [email protected] Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)

Budget

Budget, EMPG and Cash Management Develops the Division's Annual Legislative Budget Request and Long Range Program Plan. The Budget Office is also responsible for managing the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and all Division Cash Management activities. Bureau Chief: Jeremy W. Smith, [email protected] Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)

Financial Management

Financial Management is responsible for all financial management, travel and procurement activities of the Division. This unit is comprised of the following sections: Budget, Procurement, Fiscal Program Management, Financial Grants Management and the Disbursement Section. The unit manages: Budget, EMPG and Cash Management; Disbursements; Preparedness Grants; and Fiscal Program Management.

Internship FAQs

How do I apply? To complete your internship application please submit a complete State of Florida application form, resume and cover letter via email to the Internship Coordinator. When to apply? Internship opportunities are available to the Division website year round. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. How long is the internship period? Typically, internship terms are for 12 to 16 weeks coinciding with the semester cycle. Interns must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours per week less can be arranged on a case by case basis. Do I have to be studying emergency management? Internship opportunities are available for individuals studying emergency management, urban and regional planning, public relations, technological information, public administration, education, public health, business administration, meteorology, law, finance, social sciences and any other relevant degrees. Positions are available for undergrad, graduate and PhD level students. What are the eligibility requirements? Applicants must be currently enrolled as students at an accredited institution of higher education. Are interns compensated? Benefits to the internship experience include university credit, practical work experience, state training and networking opportunities. Internships are unpaid. Are interns required to live in the same area that placements are offered? Internship opportunities are offered in our headquarters in Tallahassee, Florida. For students who are not in Tallahassee but are interested in an internship in this field please contact our Internship Coordinator for guidance to other agencies in your area. What type of work will I do? Emergency Management is an interdisciplinary field and there is no limit to the variety of duties that could be assigned to an intern. Interns can perform research, review planning documents, contribute to the development of exercise programs, monitor grant programs, reach out to local citizens, attend meetings, conduct presentations, plan events and more. Motivation, initiative, and drive are the ultimate factors that will determine the opportunities are available. Will applicants undergo security and background checks? At the final phase, yes. Are interns required to be U.S. citizens or Florida residents? There are no citizenship requirements for students that are currently enrolled in school. Of note, there is a preference for students attending higher educational institutions within the state of Florida. However, all applicants will be considered. Can international students apply to intern? Yes, however, international students must be affiliated with an American university to provide you a student study visa in order to intern with our agency.

Student Investment Program

Florida's Training for Emergency Management is excited to launch the Student Investment Program (SIP)! This unique program offers valuable tools for early career development, designed to help students transition from the academic world to the professional with real-world applications in emergency management. The program is open to undergraduate students, starting at Sophomore year, and graduate students. The Student Investment Program will focus on the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are essential for success in any professional field. These skills will be integrated with key emergency management topics, enabling students to understand how these soft skills are applied in real-world scenarios. Our goal is to better prepare the next generation of emergency management professionals, making their transition into the workforce smoother and ensuring they feel more confident and capable. Target Audience: College Sophomores to Graduate Students The application period for the Student Investment Program will run from June 9th to July 31st, 2025. Applications will be accepted from June 9, 2025, until July 31st, 2025, at 5pm. Interested applicants should complete the form and the following supporting documentation must be uploaded as a PDF. The PDF documentation must be in the following order: - Professional Headshot - Resume - 200-300 Word Essay explaining "Why I want to learn more about Emergency Management?" - Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (1 personal and 1 professional) If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Internships

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Internship Program provides students with a unique opportunity to apply classroom skills and theory to real life work situations. This hands-on program is designed to strengthen fundamental emergency management concepts and develop the confidence and skills of the next generation to prepare them for future employment opportunities. As an intern, participants are expected to employ their skills and abilities to contribute to the objectives of their assigned host organization. Our internships provide exposure to industry professionals and promote career development. To support that endeavor, interns will be placed based on interests and specific project availability. All internships are currently based out of our headquarter offices in Tallahassee, Florida. For assistance finding other emergency management internships near you, please contact your local emergency management office www.floridadisaster.org/counties/. The internship program acceptance is on a rolling basis and will close when all internship positions are filled. Phase I: Application Submittal A complete application package must include: - State of Florida Employment application (PDF) - Cover letter - Resume Submit the above materials via e-mail to [email protected] by the deadline date. By submitting your application package, you agree that all information provided is correct and that you created all written content. You also agree that if placed, FDEM has permission to post your name and/or use your name/image in future promotional and marketing materials. Phase II: Interview Selection The Internship Coordinator will review the application and refer potential applicants to bureau offices throughout the Division. All applicants must be interviewed in person. Skype interviews may be arranged for out-of-town applicants. Phase III: Placement Following a successful interview, qualified candidates will be selected to enter the finalist phase where the Internship Coordinator and Human Resources will initiate a background test and drug screening (these will not be of any cost to applicants). Pending results, Internship Coordinator will communicate with applicant regarding the status of their application. If accepted, applicant will receive an offer letter with additional information regarding their internship placement at FDEM. We work carefully to match the interests and expertise of each selected intern with a corresponding project. Opportunities are regularly updated so please contact the Internship Coordinator for the most current list of vacancies. Benefits: Participants can obtain valuable in-depth experience in emergency management and other related fields. In addition, interns will: - Work with a national leader in the field of emergency management - Contribute to innovative projects - Get relevant experience for resume building - Develop confidence walking into an interview with numerous examples to use - Obtain a greater understanding of career possibilities and areas of interest - Gain marketability for employment opportunities after graduation Internship Periods: The FDEM Internship Program runs throughout the year parallel to the semester cycle. Offerings are available during spring, summer and fall semesters. Internships may be extended on a case-by-case basis. - Spring (January to May) - Summer (June to August) - Fall (September to December) Internship Expectations: Please note that the FDEM Internship Program is unpaid. Selected interns are expected to intern for a minimum of 15 hours a week for the entire term of the program. Internship schedule will be determined between intern and direct intern supervisor on orientation. Pre-requisites: To apply, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university during the time of their internship at FDEM. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a basic understanding of emergency management. The following training is recommended: FEMA Independent Study (IS) Courses: 100, 200, 700 and 800. These free online trainings can be found at: Training.fema.gov/is/crslist.asp?page=all

Open Government

Open Government The Open Government Contact for the Florida Division of Emergency Management is: Open Government Liaison Officer 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd. Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100 (850) 815-7671 HOW TO SUBMIT A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST All Public Records requests should be submitted via US Mail or E-Mail to: Public Records Liaison Officer 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd. Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100 (850) 815-7671 E-Mail: [email protected]

Legislative Affairs

Legislative Affairs The Florida Division of Emergency Management's Legislative Affairs Office serves as the Division's primary liaison to elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels. Acting as FDEM's front line at the Florida Capitol, the office develops and advances the agency's legislative priorities each session, supports leadership and subject matter experts during committee weeks and legislative session, and tracks state and federal legislation and the budget process affecting emergency management. Legislative Affairs also coordinates all external communications with elected officials, assists legislators with questions related to legislation, disaster response, and recovery in their districts, and connects residents and officials with the appropriate experts and resources. During disaster activations, the office maintains constant communication with elected officials to provide timely updates, address community concerns, and help identify solutions that support response, recovery, and resilience statewide. Resources The Florida Senate - FLSenate.gov Florida House of Representatives - FLHouse.gov Senior Officials Course (section 252.38(1)(b), F.S.) The Legislature passed section 252.38 (1)(b), Florida Statutes on May 2, 2025, and Governor DeSantis signed it into law on June 26. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) requires a training requirements training for that county or municipal administrators, county or city managers, county or municipal emergency management directors, and county or municipal public works directors or other officials responsible for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure must complete biennially in addition to the training required pursuant to section 252.38(1)(b), F.S. FDEM will provide training to meet these requirements or approve training to be given by a not-for-profit corporation. The Florida Senior Officials Course facilitates a discussion focused on the education of Florida's senior officials led by their local emergency management director and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, centered on the National Incident Management System component of command and coordination. Once you have completed the course, fill out the form to obtain your Certificate of Completion. Be sure to check the "Virtual (Self-Paced)" option. Once you have submitted the form, a member of the team will email you your certificate within 72 hours.

External Affairs & Media

The Florida Division of Emergency Management's Office of External Affairs exists to facilitate the use of division-wide resources to support existing partnerships, as well as to educate and engage new partners in contributing to the overall mission of the Division and the State Emergency Response Team. The Office of External Affairs works to build effective relationships and partnerships with internal and external partners to advance the mutual needs of the emergency management community and to enhance our ability to serve the residents of Florida. Social Media: Follow us to stay informed on all things emergency management—from timely weather updates to preparedness, response, and recovery tips! Available on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Legislative Affairs: The Florida Division of Emergency Management's Legislative Affairs Office serves as the Division's primary liaison to elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels. Contact Information: Stephanie Hartman, Communications Director For media inquiries: (850) 815-4940 For outreach and general inquiries: FloridaDisaster.org/Contact For Public Records Requests: FDEM [email protected] (850) 815-7671 Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)

Executive Director's Office

Office of the Executive Director The office houses the Executive Director and executive staff. The office provides for the management and oversight to all agency functions and include the Office of External Affairs, Internships, the Office of the Inspector General, the Office of the General Counsel, and the State Military Liaison Officer. Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director Lela Whitfield, Human Resources Director/Interim Chief of Staff Ian Guidicelli, Deputy Executive Director/SERT Chief Ben Fairbrother, Deputy Executive Director VACANT, General Counsel Stephanie Hartman, Communications Director Meigs Lamb, Legislative Affairs Director Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)

About FDEM

The Florida Division of Emergency Management As a division under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. These range from floods and hurricanes to incidents involving hazardous materials or nuclear power. FDEM prepares and implements a statewide Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and routinely conducts extensive exercises to test state and county emergency response capabilities. Leading the profession in prepared and resilient communities, FDEM is the state's liaison to federal and local agencies on emergencies of all kinds. FDEM staff members provide technical assistance to local governments as they prepare emergency plans and procedures, as well as conduct emergency operations training for state and local governmental agencies with the mission of coordinating, collaborating and communicating with all community stakeholders for a more resilient Florida. FDEM maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee which serves as the communications and command center for reporting emergencies and coordinating state response activities alongside county emergency officials. Additionally, the Division operates the State Warning Point, a state emergency communications center staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Florida Division of Emergency Management 2489 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311 Phone: 850-815-4000 For Florida Relay Service: Dial 711 (TDD/TTY)