Response and Communications during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Beth Frady Communications Director July 28, 2020
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Response and Communications during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Beth Frady Communications Director July 28, 2020
Call to Action Florida is the 3rd largest state in the U.S. Its population sits at 21.4 million as of 2019. Much of this population are Floridians who inhabit major cities such as Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. With such populated cities, Florida is known for its heavy traffic and its different modes of transportation. From the Miami International Airport to I-4 in Orlando, transportation is an evolving demand in the state of Florida. When COVID-19 began its run in the state, the Florida Department of Transportation took immediate action to ensure the safety and mobility of all Floridians. Through these actions, the Department has remained engaged in ensuring that when travelers do return to the roadways and airports, they can be guaranteed a smooth transition back to traveling.
Calls to public use airports and seaports Since the beginning of March, the FDOT Communications Office has helped facilitate regularly scheduled calls between FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. and public use airports and seaports throughout Florida to maintain open lines of communication. On each call, Florida Department of Health experts provide vital updates and answer any questions leadership may have.
Electronic Toll-By-Plate
One of the first initiatives FDOT
took to help reduce the spread
of COVID-19 and to help keep
toll collectors safe, was to
temporarily not accept cash as a
form of payment for tolls.
Tolls were required, but they
were collected through an
electronic process. These
changes took place March 19.
March 19, 2020
Discontinued Food Services at Turnpike Plazas In accordance with Executive Order 20-71 issued by Governor Ron DeSantis, FDOT discontinued food services at all service plazas, requiring restaurants within the state to close on-premise services. Service Plazas remained open to offer the following amenities: o Public restrooms and dog walks o Convenience stores o Fuel stations March 21, 2020
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Temporarily
Closed SunPass Customer Service
Center Walk-In Services
Along with discontinuing food
services at all of its service plazas,
FDOT temporary closed all Walk-In
Services for SunPass Customer
Service.
March 21, 2020
FDOT Provided Guidance for
Implementation of Executive
Order 20-80
Governor Ron DeSantis issued travelers who seek to come to Florida from the
New York Tri-State area were to isolate for a period of 14 days from the time
of entry or for the duration of their visit (Executive Order 20-80). FDOT
worked in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to
Daily Traveler Forms were reported
provide guidance to travelers who sought to come to Florida from the New
on all social media platforms York Tri-State area.
(Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)
March 24, 2020
FDOT Provided
Guidance for
Implementation of
Executive Order 20-86
I-10
checkpoint
Upon entry in Florida, each arriving traveler or responsible
family member (if traveling as a family) from areas within
substantial community spread including Louisiana, New
York, New Jersey and Connecticut, will be required to Daily Traveler Forms were reported
complete a traveler form (Executive Order 20-86). Motorists on all social media platforms
who were traveling were required to isolate for a period of (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)
14 days upon entry to Florida or for the duration of their
visit. March 24, 2020
Implementation of Executive Order 20-86 at
Florida/Georgia Line on I-95
I-95
checkpoint
An additional checkpoint for motorists entering
Florida from Georgia on I-95 was implemented.
These checkpoints within the state did not
impede commerce or the timely delivery of
products across Florida.
March 28, 2020
FDOT Accelerates
Critical Infrastructure
Projects Valued at
$2.1 Billion
At the direction of Governor Ron
DeSantis and due to lower traffic
volumes on the roadway, FDOT
expedited crucial improvements to
the state’s transportation system
and provided much needed jobs.
These infrastructure projects were
valued in total at $2.1 Billion.
April 1, 2020FDOT Accelerates
Significant Portions of
I-4 Ultimate Project
Furthering Governor Ron DeSantis’
direction to accelerate transportation
projects across Florida, FDOT
expedited significant portions of the
I-4 Ultimate Project. This acceleration
was possible through an increase in
lane closures and extend work hours
due to the reduction in traffic from
COVID-19.
April 11, 2020Thank You Truck Drivers
To recognize the commitment and work of
professional truck drivers during the COVID-19
pandemic, FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault,
P.E., FDOT District Five Interim Secretary Jared
Perdue, and the Florida Trucking Association
came together to provide free lunches to
drivers. This initiative was sponsored by the
Florida Trucking Association, Chick-fil-A, Publix
Super Markets, and Walmart Transportation.
May 7, 2020Second Phase of
Critical Infrastructure
Project Accelerations
Under the direction of Governor
Ron DeSantis, FDOT announced a
second phase of critical
infrastructure projects that were
to be accelerated throughout the
state due to faster completion on
prior projects.
Due to continued lower traffic
volumes as a result of COVID-19,
FDOT expedited more than 40
critical transportation projects by
at least 650 total contract days,
while also providing essential
jobs to Floridians.
May 8, 2020Opening of the I4/S.R. 408 Interchange Ramps Three Months
Ahead of Schedule
Due to decreased volume in traffic as a result This is the biggest milestone of the
of COVID-19, Governor Ron DeSantis and project to date, which will undoubtedly
FDOT announced the opening of five new transform the heart of our state’s
Interstate 4 (I-4)/State Road (S.R.) 408 flyover transportation system. I am grateful for
ramps. This project was completed more than the Governor’s common-sense
three months ahead of schedule and approach to moving Florida forward
enhanced safety and mobility, while reducing during this unprecedented time.
travel times in the heart of Florida. - FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E
May 21, 2020Lighting of FDOT Landmarks FDOT facilities statewide honored & recognized those individuals on the front lines who had been working during COVID-19 by lighting up many facilities red, white and blue.
Social Media Messaging Throughout FDOT’s response to COVID-19, the FDOT Communications Office posted Thank You Series posts thanking Road Rangers, Construction Workers, and family members of FDOT employees who are working on the Frontline during COVID-19
Safety, Innovation, Mobility, Attract, Retain & Train
Beth Frady
Beth.Frady@dot.state.fl.us
850-491-7698You can also read
