{"id":9742,"date":"2017-11-13T20:03:22","date_gmt":"2017-11-14T01:03:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/?p=9742"},"modified":"2022-01-12T12:11:03","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T17:11:03","slug":"mayor-teresa-jacobs-joins-gov-rick-scott-roundtable-puerto-rico-relief-efforts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2017\/11\/mayor-teresa-jacobs-joins-gov-rick-scott-roundtable-puerto-rico-relief-efforts\/","title":{"rendered":"Mayor Teresa Jacobs Joins Gov. Rick Scott for Roundtable on Puerto Rico Relief Efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined a roundtable discussion of ongoing relief efforts for Puerto Rico held by Florida Gov. Rick Scott at the Osceola County Emergency Management Office on Nov. 13. In the wake of both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria<\/a>, and in keeping with Orange County\u2019s culture of care and compassion, Orange County Government continues to support those who have been impacted by Hurricane Maria.<\/p>\n

Orange County and local residents continue to work collaboratively on relief and recovery efforts in partnership with FEMA<\/a>, the State of Florida<\/a>, community and faith-based organizations, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration<\/a>, the Office of First Lady of Puerto Rico, Mrs. Beatriz Rossell\u00f3<\/a>, the Hispanic Federation<\/a>, CASA<\/a>, the Heart of Florida United Way<\/a> and the American Red Cross<\/a>. <\/u><\/p>\n

Immediately following Hurricane Maria, Orange County launched a new webpage, “Puerto Rico Disaster Relief: United We Can Do More.<\/a>” The webpage initially served to assist those searching for loved ones, when communication with the Island was extremely limited. The site now provides information about disaster resources, how local residents can participate in relief efforts, and special events that benefit the people of Puerto Rico. It continues to be updated.<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout these recent disasters, the support and mutual cooperation that our community displayed has been truly remarkable,\u201d Mayor Jacobs said. \u201cFor all those who volunteered and offered a helping hand during Hurricanes Irma and Maria \u2013 both to our Central Florida neighbors in need, as well our beloved Puerto Rican brothers and sisters \u2013 our entire community joins in saying thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>On Sept. 20, Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, struck the island of Puerto Rico, home to nearly 3.5 million individuals. The impact, which devastated much of the island\u2019s infrastructure, prompted the evacuation of thousands of individuals as the island recovers.<\/p>\n

At the direction of Gov. Scott, three Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) have opened across the state to include the Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, and the Port of Miami for Puerto Rican families displaced by Hurricane Maria. These centers have also been referred to as \u201cWelcome Centers or Relief Centers.\u201d They are managed by the state of Florida.<\/p>\n

In Orange County, the Orlando International Airport site opened on Oct. 3 with support services to include federal, state, local and non-profit and volunteer organizations, as listed below:<\/p>\n