Florida Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan
Florida Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan
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SCIP Evaluation Criteria Compliance Matrix
Criteria # Description Section/Page #
1. Background and Preliminary Steps
1.1 Provide an overview and background information on the state and its Section 2.1 – 2.1.6 regions. Include geographic and demographic information. Pages 2-38
1.2 List all agencies and organizations that participated in developing the Section 2-2 plan. (List them according to the categories recommended for a communications interoperability committee in the All-Inclusive Approach Table 2-1 section above.) Pages 3, 39-41
1.3 Identify the point of contact. DHS expects that each state will have a full Section 2.3 time interoperability coordinator. The coordinator should not represent or be affiliated with any one particular discipline and should not have to Page 42 balance the coordinator duties with other responsibilities.
1.4 Describe the communications and interoperability environment of the Section 3.1 current emergency response effort. Pages 43-45
1.5 Include a problem definition and possible solutions that addresses the Section 3.2 challenges identified in achieving interoperability within the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. Pages 46-47
1.6 Identify any Tactical Interoperability Communications Plans in the state. Section 2.1.6
Page 38
1.7 Set the scope and timeframe of the plan. Section 2.4
Page 42
2. Strategy
2.1 Describe the strategic vision, goals, and objectives for improving Section 5.1 – 5.3 emergency response interagency wireless communications statewide, including how they connect with existing plans within the state. Pages 62 - 64
2.2 Provide a strategic plan for coordination with neighboring states. If Section 5.5 applicable, include a plan for coordination with neighboring countries. Page 66
2.3 Provide a strategic plan for addressing data interoperability in addition to Section 5.6 voice interoperability. Page 67
2.4 Describe a strategy for addressing catastrophic loss of communication Section 5.7 assets by developing redundancies in the communications interoperability plan. Page 68
2.5 Describe how the plan is, or will become, compliant with the National Section 5.8 Incident Management System (NIMS) and the National Response Plan. Page 69
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2.6 Describe a strategy for addressing communications interoperability with Section 5.9 the safety and security elements of the major transit systems, intercity bus service providers, ports, and passenger rail operations within the state. Pages 69-71
2.7 Describe the process for periodic review and revision of the state plan. Section 5.10
Pages 72-73
3. Methodology
3.1 Describe the method by which multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary Section 2.2 input was provided from all regions of the state. For an example of a methodology that ensures input from all regions, see the Statewide Pages 39-41 Communication Interoperability Plan, or SCIP, methodology developed by SAFECOM.
3.2 Define the process for continuing to have local input and for building Section 2.2 local support of the plan. Pages 39-41
3.3 Define how the TICPs were incorporated into the statewide plan. Section 2.1.6
Page 38
3.4 Describe the strategy for implementing all components of the statewide Section 6.1 plan. Pages 74-75
4. Governance
4.1 Identify the executive or legislative authority for the governing body of Section 4.1 the interoperability effort. Pages 49-52
4.2 Provide an overview of the governance structure that will oversee Section 4.1 development and implementation of the plan. Illustrate how it is representative of all of the relevant emergency response disciplines and Pages 49-52 regions in the state.
4.3 Identify the executive or legislative authority for the governing body of Section 4.1 the interoperability effort. Pages 49-52
4.4 Provide an overview of the governance structure that will oversee Section 4.1 development and implementation of the plan. Illustrate how it is representative of all of the relevant emergency response disciplines and Pages 49-52 regions in the state.
4.5 Provide the charter for the governing body, and use the charter to state the Appendix N principles, roles, responsibilities, and processes. Page 87
4.6 Identify the members of the governing body and any of its committees. Section 4.1 (List them according to the categories recommended for a communications interoperability committee in the All-Inclusive Approach Pages 49-52 section above.)
5. Technology
5.1 Include a statewide capabilities assessment (or a plan for one) which Section 4 includes, critical communications equipment and related interoperability
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issues. At a minimum this should include types of radio systems, data Pages 48-49 and and incident management systems, the manufacturer, and frequency Appendices A-F assignments for each major emergency responder organization within the state. Ultimately more detailed information will be required to complete the documentation of a migration strategy. States may use the Communications Asset Survey and Mapping (CASM) tool to conduct this assessment.
5.2 Describe plans for continuing support of legacy systems, and developing Section 4.3.1 interfaces among disparate systems, while migrating to newer technologies. Page 55
5.2.1 Describe the migration plan for moving from existing technologies to Section 4.3.2 newly procured technologies. Page 55
5.2.2 Describe the process that will be used to ensure that new purchases Section 4.3.3 comply with the statewide plan, while generally allowing existing equipment to serve out its useful life. Page 56
6. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
6.1 Include an assessment of current local, regional, and state operating Section 4.4 procedures which support interoperability. Page 58
6.2 Define the process by which the state, regions, and localities will develop, Section 4.2 manage, maintain, upgrade, and communicate standard operating procedures (SOPs), as appropriate. Table 4-3
Page 53
6.3 Identify the agencies included in the development of the SOPs, and the Section 4.2 agencies expected to comply with the SOPs. Table 4-1
Page 53
6.4 Demonstrate how the SOPs are NIMS-compliant in terms of the Incident Section 4.4.1 Command System (ICS) and preparedness. Page 59
7. Training and Exercises
7.1 Define the process by which the state will develop, manage, maintain and Section 4.5 upgrade, or coordinate as appropriate, a statewide training and exercises program. Pages 59-60
7.2 Describe the process for offering and requiring training and exercises, as Section 4.5 well as any certification that will be needed. Pages 59-60
7.3 Explain how the process ensures that training is cross-disciplinary. Section 4.5
Pages 59-60
8. Usage
8.1 Describe the plan for ensuring regular usage of the relevant equipment Section 4.6 and the SOPs needed to improve interoperability. Page 61
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9. Funding
9.1 Identify committed sources of funding, or the process for identifying and Section 7.1 securing short- and long-term funding. Pages 82
9.2 Include a plan for the development of a comprehensive funding strategy. Section 7.2 The plan should include a process for identifying ongoing funding sources, anticipated costs, and resources needed for project management Pages 83-84 and leveraging active projects.
10. Implementation
10.1 Describe the prioritized action plan with short- and long-term goals for Section 6.1 achieving the objectives. Pages 74-75
10.2 Describe the performance measures that will allow policy makers to track Section 6.2 the progress and success of initiatives. Pages 76-77
10.3 Describe the plan for educating policy makers and practitioners on Section 6.3 interoperability goals and initiatives. Page 78
10.4 Describe the roles and opportunities for involvement of all local, state, Section 6.4 and tribal agencies in the implementation of the statewide plan. Pages 79
10.5 Establish a plan for identifying, developing, and overseeing operational Section 6.5 requirements, SOPs, training, technical solutions, and short- and long- term funding sources. Page 79
10.6 Identify a POC responsible for implementing the plan. Section 6.6
Page 80
10.7 Describe critical success factors for implementation of the plan. Section 6.7
Page 81
11. PSIC Requirements
11.1 Describe how public safety agencies will plan and coordinate, acquire, Section 4.4 deploy and train on interoperable communications equipment, software and systems that: Page 58
Utilize reallocated public safety - the public safety spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band; 1) enable interoperability with communication systems that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum for radio communications; or 2) otherwise improve or advance the interoperability of public safety communications system that utilize other public safety spectrum bands 11.2 Describe how a strategic technology reserve (STR) will be established Section 4.3.5 and implemented to pre-position or secure interoperable communications in advance for immediate deployment in an emergency or major disaster. Page 57
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11.3 Describe how local and tribal government entities' interoperable Section 2.2 communications needs have been included in the planning process and how their needs are being addressed. Pages 39-41
11.4 Describe how authorized non-governmental organizations' interoperable Section 2.2 communications needs have been included in the planning process and how their needs are being addressed (if applicable). Pages 39-41
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Record of Change
Change No. Date Description Effective Date Signature
Changes made due to SCIP 1 March 25, 2008 review
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Change No. Date Description Effective Date Signature
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Executive Overview
Florida’s Statewide Communications Interoperable Communications Plan (SCIP) documents the types of communications resources available throughout the state, the various interoperable technologies or “tools” that have been implemented and/or deployed around the state, the agency that owns and/or manages each of those resources and the policies and procedures for the activation, mobilization, deployment, deactivation, demobilization and return of these resources. This plan also brings together many of the existing communications plans that have been developed by the various disciplines, agencies and associations to ensure that these various plans do not conflict with one another for resources or that they do not create interference or any other issue that would cause failures in the execution of the SCIP or the state and local agencies ability to provide public safety responders with effective communications. The purpose of this document is to identify all of the communications resources, plans and information needed so that public safety can quickly and efficiently implement the interoperable communications solutions needed for the situations that they face each and every day. The state is divided into seven (7) Regional Domestic Security Task Forces (RDSTF). Each of these Task Forces is co-chaired by the regional Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Special Agent in Charge (SAC) and a local Sheriff or chief of police from the region. Each task force is made up of membership from various agencies throughout the region across all disciplines. Each Task Force has established various committees including a committee for Interoperable Communications. Each of the seven (7) regional Interoperable Communications Committees is represented by personnel from local public safety agencies in the region from all disciplines at all levels of government. Four (4) of these regions have designated Urban Areas located within them, one region (South Florida) has two designated urban areas. Each of the five (5) urban areas have completed a Tactical Interoperable Communications (TIC) Plan. Each TIC Plan gives detailed information as to how interoperable communications will be accomplished for that area. These plans have been incorporated into this document. The other three RDSTF regions are currently gathering the necessary information to complete TIC Plans for their regions. This will provide the state a TIC plan for every RDSTF region within the state. The state intends to use a portion of its Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant funds to help the regions complete the regional TIC plans and to review the existing TIC plans for changes and updates. Florida’s SCIP is a “living” document. It will continue to change and evolve as more information becomes available, communications resources change and technology improves. After finishing the initial draft of the SCIP, the document will be updated annually unless there is a major development in any aspect of the document that would necessitate the need for change prior to the annual review and update.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS SCIP Evaluation Criteria Compliance Matrix ...... iii Executive Overview ...... x 1 Introduction...... 1 2 Background and SCIP Development ...... 2 2.1 General Information ...... 4 2.1.1 Geography and Ecology ...... 7 2.1.2 Infrastructure ...... 22 2.1.3 Demographics ...... 25 2.1.4 NIMS/Multi-Agency Coordination System (MACS) ...... 33 2.1.5 Regions/Jurisdictions ...... 35 2.1.6 UASI Areas/TIC Plans ...... 41 2.2 Participating Agencies and Points of Contact...... 42 2.3 Statewide Plan Point of Contact ...... 44 2.4 Scope and Timeframe ...... 45 3 Methodology ...... 45 3.1 Interoperable Communications Environment and Emergency Response Effort ...... 45 3.2 Challenges to Achieving Interoperability within the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum ...... 48 3.2.1 Philosophical ...... 48 3.2.2 Technological ...... 49 3.2.3 Funding ...... 50 4 Current Statewide Assessment ...... 50 Region 1 – Pensacola ...... 50 Region 2 – Tallahassee ...... 51 Region 3 – Jacksonville ...... 51 Region 4 – Tampa ...... 51 Region 5 – Orlando ...... 51 Region 6 – Ft. Myers ...... 51 Region 7 – Miami ...... 51 4.1 Governance Structure ...... 51 4.2 Multi-Jurisdiction/Multi-Agency SOPs ...... 55 4.3 Technology ...... 57 4.3.1 Support of Legacy Systems ...... 57 4.3.2 Technology Migration Plan ...... 58 4.3.3 New Purchase Compliance ...... 58 4.3.4 Spectrum Utilization Planning ...... 59 4.3.5 Strategic Technology Reserve ...... 59 4.4 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ...... 61 4.4.1 NIMS Compliance ...... 61 4.5 Training and Exercise Plan ...... 61
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4.6 Usage ...... 64 5 Strategy ...... 64 5.1 Vision ...... 65 5.2 Mission...... 65 5.3 Goals and Objectives ...... 65 5.4 Strategic Initiatives ...... 68 5.5 Strategic Plan for Coordination with Neighboring States ...... 69 5.6 Strategic Plan for Addressing Data Interoperability ...... 69 5.7 Strategy for Addressing Catastrophic Loss of Communication Assets ...... 70 5.8 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance ...... 71 5.9 Strategy for Addressing Communications Interoperability with Major Transit Systems, Bus Systems, Ports, and Passenger Rail Operations ...... 71 5.10 Review and Update Process ...... 74 6 Implementation ...... 76 6.1 Action Plan – Short and Long Term Goals...... 76 6.2 Performance Measures ...... 78 6.3 Education Process for Policy Makers and Practitioners ...... 80 6.4 Involvement in Implementation of the State Plan ...... 80 6.5 Plan for Operational Requirements, SOPs, Training, Technical Solutions, and Funding Sources ...... 81 6.6 Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan Point of Contact ...... 82 6.7 Critical Success Factors for Implementing the Plan ...... 82 7 Funding ...... 84 7.1 Committed Funding Sources – Process for Securing Funding: ...... 84 7.2 Comprehensive Funding Strategy ...... 85 8 Closing Summary...... 87 Appendix A – Region 1 Technology and Frequency Information ...... 88 Appendix B – Region 2 Technology and Frequency Information ...... 88 Appendix C – Region 3 TIC Plan ...... 88 Appendix D – Region 4 TIC Plan ...... 88 Appendix E – Region 5 TIC Plan ...... 88 Appendix F – Region 7 TIC Plan ...... 88 Appendix G – EMS Communications Plan ...... 88 Appendix H – Region 9 Plan ...... 88 Appendix I – Law Enforcement Communications Plan ...... 88 Appendix J – EDICS Summary...... 88
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Appendix K – MARC Summary ...... 88 Appendix L – FIN Link see below ...... 89 Appendix M - Acronym List ...... 89 Appendix N - RDSTF SWG IOC Charter ...... 90
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LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1 Stakeholders ...... 2 Table 2-2 Regions/Jurisdictions/Agencies ...... 37 Table 2-3 UASI Areas/TIC Plans ...... 41 Table 2-4 Agencies and Points of Contact ...... 43 Table 4-1 Statewide or Regional SOPs ...... 55
LIST OF FIGURES Figure 4-1 Domestic Security State Working Group Functional Committees ...... 53 Figure 4-2 State Working Group Interoperable Communications Committee ...... 54
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1 Introduction
Public safety communications has changed drastically over the last 25 years. Starting with the widespread use of telephone and radio technologies during the 1950’s and 1960’s to the use of trunked radio systems, wireless data systems, computer aided dispatch systems and satellite technologies that make up our existing communications networks. Technology continues to advance at a breathtaking pace that promises to both astound and provide public safety with communications capabilities that were once thought of as impossible a few years ago. The State of Florida due to its unique geographical, historical, cultural, social and economical makeup has taken a leadership role in the development in public safety communications. Public safety communications officials at all levels and from all disciplines around the state have applied new technologies as they have become operationally sound and used them for the improvement of their communications networks, improve the safety for the public safety personnel and the citizens that they serve in their communities. Florida faces many weather related challenges which have a potential environmental impact such as agriculture disasters, droughts, flooding, hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorm conditions and wildfires. These events have strained resources and resulted in wide area mutual aid and federal responses many times during the past decade. Historical examples that have occurred in the last five years include citrus canker, wildfires, floods and hurricanes. There have been multiple major hurricanes in Florida (Charlie, Francis, Ivan, Jeanne, Katrina). During the 2005 hurricane season, approximately 1.3 billion dollars in public assistance funds covered more than 11,800 projects. The hurricanes and floods have impacted Florida’s infrastructure, agriculture, coastal properties and tourism industry. The solutions implemented to establish interoperable communications for the various emergency incidents and planned events vary for each situation. Technology alone without a governance structure, plans and procedures, training and exercises, will not provide an interoperable communications network or solution. Many different plans, training courses and exercises have been created, distributed and delivered over the years, including the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Tactical Interoperable Communications (TIC) Plans. Each of these courses and plans plays a vital role in the state’s overall interoperable communications solution. This plan seeks to bring all of these tools together in a single cohesive “toolbox” or plan that can be used by public safety today and in the future.
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2 Background and SCIP Development
Following the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001, the State of Florida established a Domestic Security Oversight Council, Domestic Security State Working Group and Regional Domestic Security Task Forces. The Regional Domestic Security Task Forces (RDSTF) is where local agencies are able to express needs and help develop plans and policies that shape the state’s domestic security strategies. This governance structure was used in the development of the State’s Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP). In addition to the state’s seven (7) RDSTF regions, there are also five (5) designated Urban Areas in the state. Each Urban Area has completed a Tactical Interoperable Communications (TIC) Plan. These urban areas reside within four (4) of the seven (7) RDSTF regions. The remaining three (3) RDSTF regions are surveying the public safety agencies in their respective regions to gather the necessary information to develop TIC Plans for their regions. Two separate SCIP Development Workshops were held with representation from multiple disciplines and from many different agencies at all levels of government. Subject matter experts came together to help design the layout of this plan and help draft its contents. Each of the RDSTF Interoperable Communications committee Chairs was given assignments that would provide information necessary to complete the document. The draft of this document has been approved by the Domestic Security Oversight Council and submitted to the Department of Homeland Security by the State Administrative Agency. A list of workshop attendees and Stakeholders is listed in table 2-1.
Table 2-1 Stakeholders
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Region Jurisdiction Agency Name Title Phone Communications Okaloosa County 850.689.5725 Pensacola Okaloosa County Vic Everett Manager Sheriffs Office
Okaloosa County 911 Silvia Pensacola Okaloosa County Dept. of Public Communications 850.689.5607 Womack Safety Chief 800 City of City of Leven Tallahassee Communications 850.891.5626 Tallahassee Tallahassee Magruder System Manager Florida Dept. of Telecommunications Tallahassee Statewide Law Milton Willis 850.410.7645 Specialist Enforcement City of City of Communications Tallahassee Ron Wostel 850.891.5373 Tallahassee Tallahassee Specialist Alachua County Jacksonville Alachua County Randy Kerr Bureau Chief 352.264.6685 Sheriffs Office Radio Alachua County Jacksonville Alachua County Phil Royce Technician/EDICS 352.264.6601 Sheriffs Office Team Leader Jacksonville Frances Jacksonville Duval County Assistant Chief 904.630.2316 Sheriffs Office Dunlap Putnam County Jacksonville Putnam County Larry Beaton Major 386.329.0811 Sheriffs Office Jacksonville Jacksonville Duval County Vickie Diaz Major 904.630.7982 Sheriffs Office City of City of Jacksonville Lee Mathis IT Analyst 904.381.4714 Jacksonville Jacksonville City of City of Mike Radio Services Jacksonville 904.381.4660 Jacksonville Jacksonville Gondeck Manager Assistant Jacksonville Fire Geraldine Jacksonville Duval County Communications 904.630.1911 and Rescue Bradford Manager Supervisor and Jacksonville Fire Jacksonville Duval County Meg Barr Training 904.630.0202 and Rescue Coordinator Jacksonville Fire Denise R. Communications Jacksonville Duval County 904.630.0587 and Rescue Coney Manager Emergency Jacksonville Fire Jacksonville Duval County Miller Norton Management 904.630.2139 and Rescue Communications Pinellas County Emergency Pam Radio Systems Tampa Pinellas County 727.582.2509 Communications Montanari Manager Department
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Pinellas County Tampa Pinellas County David Byrum Manager 727.582.6310 Sheriffs Office Tampa UASI Tampa City of Tampa City of Tampa David Bjelke 813.276.3541 Program Manager Aeromed Tampa Malle Tampa State of Florida Chief Flight Nurse 813.844.7772 General Hospital Thomas Volusia County Communications Orlando Volusia County Glenn Lopez 386.248.1774 Sheriffs Office Coordinator Communications Gregory Orlando Lake County Lake County Technician 352.343.9458 Holcomb Manager Brevard County Radio System Orlando Brevard County Emergency Eric Conklin 321.637.3810 Coordinator Management Collier County Bob Finney Ft. Myers Collier County Technical Manager 239.793.9498 Sheriffs Office III Broward Sheriffs Communications Miami Broward County Nancy Dzoba 954.321.4344 Office Manager Miami-Dade Miami-Dade Radio Systems Miami Cindy Bernal 305.596.8607 County County Manager
Seminole Police Administrative Tribal State of Florida John Bissett 813.664.1253 Seminole Tribe Sergeant Division of Telecommunications Ft. Myers State of Florida Andy Murray 941.727.6484 Forestry Specialist III Communications Information Tallahassee State of Florida Carlton Wells Bureau Chief 850.922.7426 Technologies Services Department of Health and Medical Tallahassee State of Florida Management Todd Mechler Communications 850.922.0229 Services Engineer Florida Deputy Emergency Tallahassee State of Florida Department of Mike Jacobs Coordinating 850.245.4040 Health Officer ESF-8 Florida Department of Victor Telecommunications Tallahassee State of Florida 850.410.8307 Law Cullars Consultant Enforcement
2.1 General Information
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León is credited as the first European to visit the area. Seeking the fabled Fountain of Youth, Ponce de León landed near the site of Saint Augustine in 1513.
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He claimed the area, which he thought was an island, for Spain and named it Florida, probably because it was then the Easter season (Pascua Florida). Other Spanish adventurers, notably Pánfilo de Narváez and Hernando De Soto, later explored the region and established the fact that Florida was not an island. The vast region that comprises most of the SE United States was claimed for Spain, the whole being known as Florida.i The first European settlement was established in St. Augustine in 1565 by Spain. Florida was acquired as a US territory in 1821 and Andrew Jackson was appointed as its military governor. Florida, with its present boundaries was organized as a territory in 1822 and William P. Duval became the first territorial governor. The territory was admitted as the 27th state to the union on March 3, 1845 as a slaveholding state. Florida seceded from the union in 1861 and joined the confederacy. Florida was readmitted into the union after the Civil War in 1868. The capital city of Florida is Tallahassee. Florida survived the great depression in the 1930’s, World War I and World War II. During World War II the state prospered from Army, Navy and Air Force installations. Because of its close proximity to Cuba, Haiti and the Caribbean the state has been a recipient to many refugees from those nations. This has had a profound impact on the states cultural, political, commercial and social structure. The state is the fourth most populous state in the nation and at its current population growth rates the state could become the third most populous state during the 2010 census. These factors impact how public safety plans, implements and delivers services to our citizens every day There are 299 police departments, 457 fire departmentsii, 67 sheriff departments, 272 emergency medical service providersiii and 276 hospitals with emergency departments. In addition, there are twelve (12) state law enforcement agencies, the Florida National Guard, several military bases and federal agencies that operate within the states borders. All of these agencies provide services for our citizens and are incorporated into our planning at all levels as much as possible. This plan is written according to the criteria and guidelines released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and SAFECOM.
2.2 State Overview
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Map 1 General Map of Florida
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Map 2 Topographical Map of Florida
2.1.1 Geography and Ecology
The State of Florida encompasses 58,560 sq. miles of which 1,197 miles is coastline. The state’s western peninsula and panhandle are bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and its eastern peninsula is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. The northern border of the state is shared by the states of Alabama and Georgia. Florida has many springs, lakes, rivers and streams. Most of these springs are located throughout the northern and central regions of the state. The largest or most notable rivers are the Apalachicola and Suwannee rivers in the north region, the St. Johns and
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Hillsborough rivers in the central region and the Peace River in the southern region of the state. World famous Lake Okeechobee and the Florida Everglades are located in the southern region of the state. The state also includes a very unique island chain known as the Florida Keys which constitutes the southern most point of the Continental United States. The state offers a very unique and diverse ecosystem ranging from white sand beaches, cypress swamps and marshes to pine and hardwood forests. These ecosystems provide homes to many different and exotic insects, animals and birds including the American Alligator, Key Deer and Flamingos.
Pensacola – RDSTF Region 1
Map 3 Region 1 Topographical The northern panhandle is probably the least well known part of Florida for the average tourist. Known as the panhandle because of its long and thin shape, its climate is more temperate than the rest of Florida. It is also known as the 'Emerald Coast' because of the bright emerald greens and blues of the sea and some of the most beautiful beaches in the USA with sparkling crystal white sands. Life is more traditional and old-fashioned here with much more of a feeling of the Deep South, perhaps because it is bordered by Alabama and Georgia. Here you will find typical southern antebellum houses and giant live oaks rather than palm trees.
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Region 1 - State Parks
Gulf Island National Seashore – Okaloosa Island
Blackwater River State Park – Holt
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park – Niceville
Henderson Beach State Park – Destin
Big Lagoon State Park – Pensacola
Camp Helen State Park – Panama City Beach
Constitution Convention Museum State Park – Port St. Joe
Deer Lake State Park – Santa Rose Beach
Eden Gardens State Park – Santa Rosa Beach
Falling Waters State Park – Chipley
Florida Caverns State Park – Marianna
Grayton Beach – Santa Rosa Beach
Perdido Key State Park – Pensacola
Ponce De Leon Springs State Park – Ponce De Leon
St. Andrews State Park – Panama City
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park – Port St. Joe
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park – Pensacola
Three Rivers State Park – Sneads
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park – Santa Rosa Beach
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Tallahassee – RDSTF Region 2
Map 4 Region 2 Topographical
Region Two consists of thirteen counties located in the North-Central section of the State of Florida. The geography of the area consists of the Florida Uplands and the northern most portion of the East Gulf Coastal Plain. Region Two is bounded to the north by the State of Georgia. Region Two has sixteen of thirty-three first order magnitude freshwater springs located in the State of Florida. The Apalachicola River borders the region on the West and the Suwannee River passes through the region on the East. Hills, hardwood and pine forests are all found throughout the area. Region 2 – State Parks
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park – Tallahassee
Bald Point State Park – Alligator Point
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Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park – St. George Island
Econfina River State Park – Lamont
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park – Wakulla Springs
John Gorrie Museum State Park – Apalachicola
Lake Jackson Mounds Archeological State Park – Tallahassee
Lake Talquin State Park – Tallahassee
Letchworth-Love Mounds – Monticello
Ochlockonee River State Park – Sopchoppy
Orman House – Apalachicola
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park – Ponce De Leon
Torreya State Park – Bristol
Big Shoals State Park – White Springs
Forest Capital Museum State Park – Perry
Ichetecknee Springs State Park – Fort White
Lafayette Blue Springs – Mayo
Madison Blue Springs State Park – Lee
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park – White Springs
Suwannee River State Park – Live Oak
Troy Springs State Park – Branford
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Jacksonville – RDSTF Region 3
Map 5 Region 3 Topographical The Jacksonville region of Florida has numerous beaches that stretch more than 20 miles along the Atlantic coast, many of which are still kept in their natural state. In addition this area is home to the famous St. Johns river which is one of the few waterways that flows North in this country. The region is bordered on the North by the state of Georgia and the Okeefenokee swamp. This region of Florida claims to have the oldest permanent settlement in America. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 more than 50 years before the first Pilgrims came to New England. Much of the historic district has been restored providing a fascinating insight to life from this era. Jacksonville, just north of St. Augustine, is home to several interesting areas including Jacksonville Landing and River walk along the picturesque St. Johns River.
Region 3 – State Parks
Amelia Island State Park – Jacksonville
Cedar Key Museum State Park – Cedar Key
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Big Talbot Island State Park – Jacksonville
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve – Cedar Key
Devils Millhopper Geological State Park – Gainesville
Dudley Farm Historic State Park – Newberry
Fanning Springs State Park – Fanning Springs
Fernandina Plaza – Fernandina Beach
Fort Clinch State Park – Fernandina Beach
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail – Gainesville
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park – Jacksonville
Little Talbot Island State Park – Jacksonville
Manatee Springs State Park – Chiefland
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park – Keystone Heights
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park – Keystone Heights
OLeno State Park – High Springs
Olustee Battlefields Historic State Park – Olustee
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park – Micanopy
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park – Jacksonville
Rainbow Springs State Park – Dunnellon
River Rise Preserve State Park – High Springs
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park – Lake Alachua
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park – Cedar Key
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park – Jacksonville
Anastasia State Park – St. Augustine
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park – Bunnell
Faver-Dykes State Park – St. Augustine
Fort Mose – St. Augustine
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Gamble Rogers memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach – Flagler Beach
Silver River State Park – Ocala
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park – Palm Coast
Wekiwa Springs State Park – Apopka
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Tampa – RDSTF Region 4
Map 6 Region 4 Topographical Region 4 consists of an eight County Region on the West Central coast of Florida. The areas most notable geographical features are Tampa Bay, Hillsborough River and the Crystal River. There are white sand beaches and pinewood forests throughout the region. There are many fresh water lakes distributed throughout the region as well.
Region 4 – State Parks
Crystal River Archaeological State Park – Crystal River
Crystal River Preserve State Park – Crystal River
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park – Homosassa
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park – Crystal River
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek – Haines City
Colt Creek State Park – Lakeland
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Lake Kissimmee State Park- Lake Wales
Alafia River State Park – Lithia
Anclote Key Preserve State Park – Dunedin
Caladesi Island State Park – Dunedin
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park – Bushnell
Egmont Key State Park – St Petersburg
Fort Foster State Historic Site – Thonotosassa
Hillsborough River State Park – Thonotosassa
Honeymoon River State Park – Dunedin
Little Manatee River State Park – Wilmauma
Paynes Creek Historic State Park – Bowling Green
Skyways Fishing Pier State Park – Osprey
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park – Port Richey
Ybor City Museum State Park – Tampa Orlando – RDSTF Region 5
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Map 7 Region 5 Topographical RDSTF Region 5 consists of nine (9) counties in the central Florida area. Some of the area’s more prominent features are its Atlantic coast beaches, many lakes, springs and pinewood forests in the northern sections of the region.
Region 5 – State Parks
Blue Spring State Park – Orange City
Bulow Creek State Park – Ormond Beach
De Leon Springs State Park – De Leon Springs
Hontoon Island State Park – Deland
Lake Griffin State Park – Fruitland Park
Lake Louisa State Park – Clermont
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park – Apopka
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Rock Springs Run State Reserve – Apopka
Sebastian Inlet State Park – Melbourne Beach
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park – Fellsmere
Tomoka State Park – Ormond Beach
Atlantic Ridge – Hobe Sound
Avalon State Park – Ft. Pierce
Savannas Preserve State Park – Jensen Beach
Jonathan Dickinson State Park – Hobe Sound
Seabranch Preserve State Park – Stuart
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park – Stuart
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Ft. Myers – RDSTF Region 6
Map 8 Region 6 Topographical Region 6 is located within southwest Florida. Hendry, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier are bordered on the west by the Gulf of Mexico. DeSoto, Glades, Okeechobee, and Highland are the inland counties. Region 6 covers more than 8,000 square miles. The Gulf of Mexico, Caloosahatchee, Myakka, and Peace Rivers traverse the region. In addition, Lake Okeechobee touches Okeechobee, Highlands, and Glades counties.
Region 6 – State Parks
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park – Okeechobee
Cayo Costa State Park – Boca Grande
Charlotte Harbor – Punta Gorda
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples
Don Pedro island State Park – Boca Grande
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Estero Bay Preserve State Park - Estero
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park – Copeland
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park – Ellenton
Gasparilla Island State Park – Boca Grande
Highlands Hammock State Park – Sebring
Koreshan State Historic Site – Estero
Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park - Sebring
Lake Manatee State Park – Bradenton
Lovers Key State Park – Ft. Myers Beach
Madira Bickel Mound State Archeological Site – Ellenton
Mound Key Archeological State Park – Estero
Myakka River State Park – Sarasota
Oscar Scherer State Park – Sarasota
Stump Pass Beach State Park – Boca Grande Miami – RDSTF Region 7
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Map 9 Region 7 Topographical Some of the more notable geographical features within Region 7 are that it is bordered on the East by the Atlantic Ocean and Intercoastal Waterway. The Florida Keys extend to the south and west from the mainland marking the southern most point of the continental United States. The Western portion of the region consists of the Florida Everglades. These features make this region one of the most unique geographical regions in the world.
Region 7 – State Parks
Bahia State Park – Big Pine Key
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Key Biscayne
Curry Hammock State Park – Marathon
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park – Key Largo
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park – Fort Pierce
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Key West
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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – Fort Lauderdale
Indian Key Historic State Park – Fort Lauderdale
Indian Key Historic State Park – Islamorada
John MacArthur Beach State Park – North Palm Beach
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Key Largo
John Lloyd Beach State Park – Dania
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park – Islamorada
Long Key State Park – Long Key
Oleta River State Park – North Miami
San Pedro Underwater Archeological Preserve State Park – Islamorada
The Barnacle Historic State Park – Coconut Grove
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park - Islamorada
2.1.2 Infrastructure
Interstates and Highways Several interstates traverse the state. These include Interstate 10 from Pensacola to Jacksonville, Interstate 4 from Tampa to Daytona Beach, Interstate 75 from the Georgia border to Miami along the west coast of Florida and Interstate 95 from the Georgia border to Miami along the east coast of Florida. There are many toll roads, highways and roadways which cross the state’s landscape making attractions available to everyone. The interstate highways are patrolled by the Florida Highway Patrol, Department of Transportation; Division of Motor Carrier Compliance; Department of Agriculture, Division of Law Enforcement and the local agency or jurisdiction that it traverses. All state law enforcement agencies including the Florida Highway Patrol, Department of Transportation; Division of Motor Carrier Compliance; Department of Agriculture, Division of Law Enforcement utilize the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) for their communications. Local agencies use their local communications systems for their operations. Interoperable communications between these entities is achieved through the use of the Florida Interoperability Network, console patches, mobile gateway systems such as Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS), mutual aid channels, common channels and swapping radios. Fire and emergency medical services along the interstates and highways are provided by local agencies and privately owned services. These agencies and services utilize the same
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technologies listed above to achieve the interoperable communications needed to respond to incidents.
Railroads Florida has over a dozen railroads with operations throughout the state. AMTRAK (the National Railroad Passenger Corporation) uses CSX Transportation tracks for operations in the state. The second largest passenger carrier is Tri-County Commuter Rail (TRI-RAIL) serving Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The largest freight railroads are CSX Transportation, Florida East Coast, and Norfolk Southern, each carrying hundreds of carloads of commodities throughout the state each day. The radio systems of the railroads operating in Florida vary in complexity depending on the size of the operation, with CSX Transportation having a major train dispatching facility in Jacksonville. All of the railroads primarily operate legacy VHF high band simplex systems with some using tone signaling for contact with their dispatchers. Interoperability with railroad operations and their security/property protection/police departments are limited and in most cases require a railroad representative to be present at the command post or Emergency Operations Center. Some of the railroad police departments have developed Memorandums Of Understanding (MOU’s) with local and state law enforcement agencies to facilitate interoperability. Radios installed in railroad police vehicles such as CSX Transportation’s special agents have access to SLERS and several county and municipal systems. A comprehensive plan for interoperability with all the railroads needs to be developed. A pilot project between CSX Transportation and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has given these agencies the capability to communicate directly between CSX Transportation operations and police personnel, and Sheriff’s Office officers on VHF radio channels licensed to each agency. This project has been very successful and could be used as a model in other areas.
RAILROAD CONTACT ADDRESS PHONE #
Alabama & Gulf Coast Mr. Mike Brigham, P.O. Box 339 (334) 575-5008 Railway, L.L.C. General Manager Monroeville, AL 35461
1 AN Railway Mr. Jerry Hood, P.O. Box 35098 (850) 785-4609 Bay Line Railroad1 General Manager, Panama City, FL 32412
Mr. Michael Ward, 500 Water St., SC J120 (904) 359-3100 CSX Transportation Chairman, President and x7699 Jacksonville, FL 32202 CEO
Mr Teddy Maybrier, 404 Gum St. First Coast Railroad1 (904) 261-0888 Operations Manager Fernandina, FL 32035
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Mr. Bennett J. Biscan, Florida Midland, P.O. Box 967 Central and Northern (407) 880-8500 Vice President/Gen. Railroads2 Plymouth, FL 32768 Manager
7411 Fullerton St. Florida East Coast Mr. Robert W. Anestis, Suite 300 (904) 538-6100 Railway Company Chairman and CEO Jacksonville, FL 32256
Florida West Coast Mr. Clyde S. Forbes, P.O. Box 1267 (352) 463-1103 Railroad Company President Trenton, FL 32693
Mr. Terry Hart, 1019 Coastline Ave. Georgia & Florida (229) 435-6629 Railway General Manager Albany, GA 31705
Mr. David R. Goode, Three Commercial Place Norfolk Southern (757) 629-2600 Railway Corporation Chairman/President and Norfolk, VA 23510-2191 CEO
Mr. Ed Oppel, P.O. Box 9935 Port of Palm Beach (561) 842-4201 District Railroad Executive Director Riviera Beach, FL 33419
4110 Centerpoint Dr. Mr. Gordon Fay, Seminole Gulf Railway Ste. 207 (941) 275-6060 (LP) President Fort Myers, FL 33916
Ms. Sally Conley, 900 South W.C. Owen South Central Florida (863) 983-3163 Express Superintendent of Clewiston, FL 33440 Transportation
Talleyrand Terminal Pat Thomas, 2700 Talleyrand Ave. 1 (904) 634-1621 Railroad (Jaxport) Director of Operations Jacksonville, FL 32206
Mr. Joseph Giulietti, 800 N.W. 33rd St., Ste. 100 Tri-County Commuter (954) 942-7245 Rail Executive Director Pompano Beach, FL 33064
National Railroad Mr. Alexander Kummant, 60 Massachusetts Ave., Passenger Corp. (202) 906-4355 (AMTRAK) President/CEO N.E. Washington, D.C. 2002
The railways that run throughout the state provide transportation of people, agricultural products, chemicals, durable goods, etc. These railways provide the transportation artery for many of the goods transported from the state’s seaports.
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Seaports There are fourteen (14) seaports located throughout the state. These ports serve as a transportation hub for much of the agricultural products, chemicals and durable goods that are imported and exported into the country. Due to their location and the abundance of attractions in the state, some of the worlds most famous cruise lines operate from these ports. Florida’s seaports are some of the busiest seaports in the country. Seaport security is provided by many different agencies and private entities. Typically it is provided by a mixture of local law enforcement and private security personnel. Federal agencies perform inspections of cargo and goods and work with port security personnel. Local agencies use their local communications systems for their operations. Interoperable communications between these entities is achieved through the use of the Florida Interoperability Network, console patches, mobile gateway systems such as Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS), mutual aid channels, common channels and swapping radios.
Airports Airport security is provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the local law enforcement jurisdiction that the airport resides in. The TSA utilizes federal VHF frequencies for local communications within the airport facilities. Local law enforcement agencies utilize their existing communications networks. Interoperable communications between these entities is achieved through the use of the Florida Interoperability Network, console patches, mobile gateway systems such as Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS), mutual aid channels, common channels and swapping radios.
2.1.3 Demographics
According to the US Census Bureau in 2006, 18,089,888 people resided in Florida. Most residents live within the major metropolitan areas of Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami. Florida’s residents come from many different cultures and backgrounds with a strong Hispanic influence in south and central Florida. Because of Florida’s unique geography, demographics, weather and travel destinations, Florida hosted 84.6 million visitors within its border last year making it one of the worlds largest travel destinations. Region 1 – Consists of ten (10) counties in the Florida panhandle including the counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun and Gulf. This ten (10) county region covers 5,364 sq. miles and has a population estimated at 954,799 people. Region 2 – Consists of thirteen (13) counties in Northern Florida including the counties of Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie and Columbia counties. All thirteen counties in this region cover 8,747 square miles with an estimated population of 537,325 people.
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Region 3 – Consists of thirteen (13) counties in Northeast Florida including the counties of Nassau, Baker, Duval, Union, Bradford, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam, Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy and Marion. The population of these thirteen counties is estimated at 2,077,634 and the region covers 8,881 square miles. Region 4 - Consists of eight (8) counties and is located centrally on Florida’s west coast. The region; includes the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Hardee, Citrus and Sumter. The region consists of over 7,024 square miles and has an estimated population of 3,494,869 people. The region includes the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA, referred to as the Tampa Bay Region, has approximately 2,697,731 residents. The area is the 2nd largest populated MSA in Florida and the 20th largest MSA in the United States. Region 5 -. Consists of nine (9) counties including Volusia, Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin. The region encompasses 8,427 square miles and has an estimated population of 3,538,006 people. The region includes the Orlando Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) with a population estimated at 1,984,855 people and covering 3,491 square miles of the region. Region 6 - Consists of ten (10) counties including Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry and Collier. The region encompasses 9,201 square miles and has an estimated population of 1,948,661 people. Region 7 - Consists of four counties; Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe. This region covers 6,122 sq miles and has a population of 5,538,594 people. The Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are the sixth largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the country.
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2.1.5 Attractions and Events
Region 1 Critical Facilities and Attractions Eglin USAF Hurlburt USAF Duke Field USAF US Army Ranger Camp CSX Railroad Natural Gas Pipeline Events Billy Bowlegs Festival - 1st weekend in June. Friday & Saturday events at Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Landing, parade on Monday evening in downtown FWB. Estimated 25,000 attendance in 2007. Destin Seafood Festival -1st weekend in October. Friday thru Sunday events at Morgan’s Sports Complex in Destin. Estimated 25,000 attended in 2006. Mullet Festival - Middle of October each year. Friday thru Sunday events at Mullet Festival Grounds in Niceville. Estimated attendance 100,000 in 2006. Eglin AFB Open House – Bi-annually in the spring. Saturday and Sunday events on Eglin AFB. Estimated attendance 100,000+. Spring Break – College students from around the country flock to the areas beaches during their spring break to enjoy the amenities. – March of every year
Region 2 Critical Facilities and Attractions Florida State Capitol Governors Mansion Florida State University Florida A&M University
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Doak Campbell Stadium Fuel Storage Facilities CSX Railroad Natural Gas Pipeline
Events Florida Legislature – Committee meetings and regular session occur January through March of every year. Special sessions may occur at any time after March. Tallahassee experiences many different political events including marches, demonstrations and visitations from foreign and domestic dignitaries. Two state universities and a community college are located within Leon County and there are many cultural and athletic events held throughout the year.
Region 3 Critical Facilities and Attractions
Jacksonville International Airport United States Coast Guard Facility/Jacksonville Mayport Naval Air Station/Jacksonville Naval Air Station Mainside/Jacksonville Blount Island Port Seaport Jacksonville Camp Blanding National Guard Facility/Clay County University of North Florida/Jacksonville Jacksonville University/Jacksonville Jacksonville Municipal Stadium/Approx. capacity 76,000 University of Florida/Gainesville University of Florida Stadium/Gainesville/Approx. capacity 92,000 Florida Community College/Jacksonville
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Santa Fe Community College/Gainesville Central Florida Community College/Ocala St. Johns River Community College/Palatka Flagler College/St. Augustine Florida School for Deaf and Blind/St. Augustine FPL Electric Generating Site/Palatka Seminole Electric Generating Site/Palatka Deerhaven Electric Generating Site/Gainesville CSX Rail Switching Facility/Jacksonville Silver Springs Park/Marion County Ocala National Forest Atlantic Ocean Coastline Gulf of Mexico Coastline
Events Jacksonville Jaguar NFL Football Games University of Florida vs. University of Georgia Football Game/Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular/Jacksonville Greater Jacksonville Fair University of Florida Home Football Games University of Florida Gator Growl Homecoming Celebration Gatornationals NHRA Racing Blue Crab Festival/Palatka
Region 4 Critical Facilities and Attractions Port of Tampa CSX Railroad
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Raymond James Stadium (Home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Tropicana Field (Home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays) St. Pete Times Forum (Home of the Tampa Bay Lightning) Tampa Convention Center Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Ruth Eckerd Hall MacDill Air Force Base (Home of US Central Command/US Special Operations Command/ NOAA Aircraft Operations Center) Busch Gardens – Tampa
Events Florida State Fair Gasparilla Parade Due to the several professional sports teams that call this region home, there are numerous professional sporting events held throughout the year. The area’s beaches, Busch gardens, cultural events, sporting events and close proximity to the Orlando area make it a popular tourism destination for many travelers throughout the year. Many people prefer to spend the winter months in the area enjoying the area’s warmer climate and many attractions.
Region 5 Critical Facilities and Attractions St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with attached Trident submarine basin Patrick Air Force Base Orlando International Airport Port Canaveral Walt Disney World
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Sea World Universal Studios Daytona Beach Speedway University of Central Florida Florida Institute of Technology Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Orlando Convention Center Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
Events Dodgers Spring Training – Indian River County NASCAR Daytona 500- February of every year at Daytona Beach College Spring Break – March of every year at the area beaches and theme parks Bike Week – March of every year at Daytona Beach COKE 400 – July of every year There are many different events that occur throughout the year in conjunction with the area’s theme parks. In addition, the area hosts several cruise lines that sail out of Port Canaveral throughout the year. Kennedy Space center is open year round and space launches are scheduled throughout the year. The area’s theme parks and attractions make the area one of the premier travel destinations. The university, colleges and community colleges host cultural and sporting events all year long and they attract students from all over the world.
Region 6 Critical Facilities and Attractions Port Manatee DeSoto Speedway University of South Florida Everglades National Park Lake Okeechobee
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Events Gator Nationals National Swamp Buggy Championships DeSoto Parade
Region 7 Critical Facilities and Attractions Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood International Airport Miami International Airport Palm Beach International Airport American Airlines Arena (Home of Miami Heat) Dolphins Stadium (Home of NFL Miami Dolphins) Homestead Motor Speedway Miami Beach Convention Center Broward Convention Center Palm Beach Convention Center Herbert Hoover Dike Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant Lake Okeechobee Florida Keys University of Miami
Events Marine Week NFL games occur August through December of each year. NBA games occur November through April each year The university and community colleges hosts many cultural and sporting events throughout the year.
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Due to the area’s unique international attraction, the area hosts many different international events such as the Free Trade of the Americas, Organization of American States, presidential debates and Latin Grammy Awards. The Florida Keys offer a year round attraction for visitors.
2.1.4 NIMS/Multi-Agency Coordination System (MACS)
The State of Florida has adopted the use of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) into all facets of its operations. This includes training, exercising, mobilizing, deploying and recovery of all communications resources. Public safety personnel are required to complete ICS and NIMS training as part of their training regimen. All personnel will operate according to the NIMS utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS) protocols and guidelines. Exercises All exercises will operate according to the NIMS utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS) protocols and guidelines. Exercises will be carried out as set forth in the state’s Domestic Security Interoperable Communications Training Strategy.
Mobilizing, Deploying and Recovery Local Communications Asset Request:
A request is made by a responding agency for a local communications asset (e.g.: Mobile Command Post), the Incident Commander or their designee, communications center and/or the on scene supervisor validate the need for the request. If it is an asset that the requesting agency controls, then it is deployed and the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and/or Multi-agency Coordination Group (MAC) are notified of the deployment. If it is an asset that is under the control of another agency within the county, then the EOC/MAC will provide the requesting agency with the necessary contact information to make the request or the local EOC/MAC may make the request for the requesting agency. The local EOC/MAC will make a record of the deployment so that it is known that the asset is in use and/or no longer available. The EOC/MAC will also notify the regional Interoperable Communications Chairperson(s) of the deployment. A tracking number may be assigned to the request.
Regional Communications Asset Request:
A request is made by a responding agency for a regional communications asset. (e.g.: EDICS Unit, MARC Unit) The Incident Commander or their designee, communications center and/or the on scene supervisor validate the need for the request. The request will be submitted to the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the county where the incident or event is occurring and/or the designated Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MAC). If the
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request involves RDSTF resources, the appropriate RDSTF discipline chair will be notified of the deployment. The local EOC/MAC will make contact with the Interoperable Communications Chairperson(s) in the Region to review the request and help determine if it is the most appropriate solution to meet the need. The local EOC/MAC will submit the request to the State EOC. The State EOC will process the request and utilize existing plans and policies to fulfill the request. The local EOC/MAC will make a record of the deployment so that it is known that the asset is in use and/or no longer available.
The host agency for a regional communications asset is responsible for ensuring that a mission tracking number is assigned to the deployment, however, deployment is not delayed or dependent upon the assignment of this number. The absence of a mission tracking number may have a fiscal impact on the requesting and/or host agency.
State Communications Asset Request:
A request is made by a responding agency for a communications asset maintained and/or hosted by the State of Florida. (e.g.: State Mobile Command Posts, Mobile Mutual Aid Repeater Site, SLERS portable cache) The Incident Commander or their designee, communications center and/or the on scene supervisor validate the need for the request. The request will be submitted to the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the county where the incident or event is occurring and/or the designated Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MAC). The local EOC/MAC will make contact with the Interoperable Communications Chairperson(s) in the Region to review the request and help determine if it is the most appropriate solution to meet the need. The local EOC/MAC will submit the request to the State EOC. The State EOC will process the request and utilize existing plans and policies to fulfill the request.
The host agency for a State communications asset is responsible for ensuring that a mission tracking number is assigned to the deployment, however, deployment is not delayed or dependent upon the assignment of this number. The absence of a mission tracking number may have a fiscal impact on the requesting and/or host agency.
Federal Communications Asset Request:
A request is made by a responding agency for a communications asset maintained and/or hosted by a federal agency. (e.g.: NIFC portable radio cache, repeaters, portable telephone systems, microwave links) The Incident Commander or their designee, communications center and/or the on scene supervisor validate the need for the request. The request will be submitted to the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the county where the incident or event is occurring and/or the designated Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MAC). The local EOC/MAC will make contact with the Interoperable Communications Chairperson(s) in the Region to review the request and help determine if it is the most appropriate solution to meet the need. The local EOC/MAC will submit the request to the State EOC. The State EOC will process the request and utilize existing plans and policies to fulfill the request.
If applicable, the host agency for a federal communications asset is responsible for ensuring that a mission tracking number is assigned to the deployment, however, deployment is not
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delayed or dependent upon the assignment of this number. The absence of a mission tracking number may have a fiscal impact on the requesting and/or host agency.
2.1.5 Regions/Jurisdictions
The state is run by an elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor. There are forty (40) Senators and one hundred-twenty (120) representatives that make up the states legislature. The state is politically divided into sixty-seven (67) counties. Each county is run by a county commission made up of elected officials. There are numerous cities and political subdivisions within each county, each with its own elected officials and commissions. There are 299 police departments, 457 fire departmentsiv, 67 sheriff departments, 272 emergency medical service providersv and 276 hospitals with emergency departments. In addition, there are twelve (12) state law enforcement agencies, the Florida National Guard, several military bases and federal agencies that operate within the states borders. After the tragic events in 2001, the State of Florida created seven (7) Regional Domestic Security Task Forces made up of public safety personnel within each region. A map of the regions is shown below:
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FFlloorriiddaa DDoommeessttiicc SSeeccuurriittyy RReeggiioonnss
Tallahassee Region RDSTF Region 2 S Holmes an O E W sc ta ka Jackson alt Je Nassau a R lo Wash- Gadsden Jacksonville o ff m os os Hamilton n er C Region RDSTF bi a a Cal- Leon Madison ington so ol a Bay Duval Region 3 n u Baker houn Suwanee Liberty Wakulla Taylor m biUnion St La- a Brad- Gulf Franklin Clay . Jo fayette Gil- Alachuaford h Putnam Dixie ns christ Flagler Pensacola Region Levy Marion Orlando Region RDSTF Region 1 V ol RDSTF Region 5 us ia S Lake Citrus u Seminole m Hernando te Tampa Region r Orange RDSTF Region 4 Pasco Br Osceola ev Hills- ar d Pinellas borough Polk Indian Manatee Hardee Okee- River St. High chobee Sarasota Desoto Lucie lands Martin Charlotte Glades
Hendry Palm Beach Ft. Myers Region Lee RDSTF Region 6 Broward
Collier Dade
Monroe Miami Region RDSTF Region 7
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The following table provides a list of the regions within the state, jurisdictions and/or counties that comprise the entire state, and emergency response agencies included in each region, county or jurisdiction.
Table 2-2 Regions/Jurisdictions/Agencies
Pensacola
Region Jurisdiction Agency Name Title Phone Escambia County Pensacola Escambia County Sheriffs Office Santa Rosa County Pensacola Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office Okaloosa County Pensacola Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office Walton County Pensacola Walton County Sheriffs Office Holmes County Pensacola Holmes County Sheriffs Office Washington County Pensacola Washington County Sheriffs Office Bay County Sheriffs Pensacola Bay County Office Jackson County Pensacola Jackson County Sheriffs Office Calhoun County Pensacola Calhoun County Sheriffs Office Gulf County Pensacola Gulf County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee
Region Jurisdiction Agency Name Title Phone Gadsden County Tallahassee Gadsden Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Liberty Liberty County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Franklin Franklin County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Leon Leon County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Wakulla Wakulla County Sheriffs Office
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Tallahassee Jefferson Jefferson County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Madison Madison County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Taylor Taylor County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Hamilton Hamilton County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Suwannee Suwannee County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Lafayette Lafayette County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Dixie Dixie County Sheriffs Office
Tallahassee Columbia Columbia County Sheriffs Office Jacksonville
Region Jurisdiction Agency Name Title Phone Nassau County Jacksonville Nassau Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Baker Baker County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Duval Duval County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Union Union County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Bradford Bradford County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Clay Clay County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville St. Johns St. Johns County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Flagler Flagler County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Putnam Putnam County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Alachua Alachua County
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Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Gilchrist Gilchrist County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Levy Levy County Sheriffs Office
Jacksonville Marion Marion County Sheriffs Office
Tampa
Region Jurisdiction Agency Name Title Phone Citrus County Tampa Citrus County Sheriffs Office
Tampa Sumter County Sumter County Sheriffs Office
Tampa Hernando County Hernando County Sheriffs Office
Tampa Pasco County Pasco County Sheriffs Office
Tampa Pinellas County Pinellas County Sheriffs Office
Tampa Hillsborough County Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office
Tampa Polk County Polk County Sheriffs Office
Tampa Hardee County Hardee County Sheriffs Office Orlando
Region Jurisdiction Agency Name Title Phone Volusia County Orlando Volusia County Sheriffs Office
Orlando Lake County Lake County Sheriffs Office
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Orlando Seminole County Seminole County Sheriffs Office
Orlando Orange County Orange County Sheriffs Office
Orlando Osceola County Osceola County Sheriffs Office
Orlando Brevard County Brevard County Sheriffs Office
Orlando Indian River County Indian River County Sheriffs Office
Orlando St. Lucie County St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office
Orlando Martin County Martin County Sheriffs Office
Ft. Myers
Region Jurisdiction Agency Name Title Phone Ft. Manatee County Manatee County Myers Sheriffs Office
Ft. Sarasota County Sarasota County Myers Sheriffs Office
Ft. DeSoto County DeSoto County Myers Sheriffs Office
Ft. Highlands County Highlands County Myers Sheriffs Office
Ft. Okeechobee County Okeechobee County Myers Sheriffs Office
Ft. Charlotte County Charlotte County Myers Sheriffs Office
Ft. Glades County Glades County Myers Sheriffs Office
Ft. Hendry County Hendry County Myers Sheriffs Office
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Ft. Lee County Lee County Sheriffs Myers Office
Ft. Collier County Collier County Myers Sheriffs Office
Miami
Region Jurisdiction Agency Name Title Phone Palm Beach County Miami Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office
Miami Broward County Broward County Sheriffs Office
Miami Miami-Dade County Miami-Dade County Sheriffs Office
Miami Monroe County Monroe County Sheriffs Office
2.1.6 UASI Areas/TIC Plans
Florida has five designated UASI jurisdictions. These include Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Ft. Lauderdale. Each of these sites has completed Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans (TICP). Because Miami and Ft. Lauderdale are in the same Domestic Security Task Force Region, a single TICP was created which includes both cities and all counties in the region. Each TICP that was created in the state of Florida includes the UASI jurisdiction as well as all counties in their corresponding Domestic Security Task Force Region. The TICP's for the five UASI cities in Florida cover Domestic Security Task Force Regions 3, 4, 5 and 7 which is the majority of Florida’s population. The goal is to develop TICPs for Regions 1, 2 and 6, and they are in the process of creating regional plans. Florida requested IC-TAP support for creating TICP’s for these three regions, however due to other immediate priorities and responsibilities, this request has been deferred. Work will continue on the development of Interoperable Communications Plans for these three regions until they are completed, approved, and published.
Table 2-3 UASI Areas/TIC Plans
Regions / TICP Title/ UASI Area POC Name POC Email Jurisdictions Completion Date
Jacksonville City of Jacksonville UASI Clay Pacheco [email protected]
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Jacksonville/Duval Tactical County Interoperable RDSTF Region III Communications Plan/May 2006 Orlando Regional Domestic Security Task Force Region 5 Orlando RDSTF Region V Tactical Norm Poe [email protected] Interoperable Communications Plan Region 4, Tampa, Tampa Bay Hillsborough, Pinellas, UASI/Florida Pam Tampa St. Petersburg, RDSTF Region 4, [email protected] Montanari Clearwater, All other TIC Plan regional Agencies May 1, 2006 Southeast Regional Covers agencies in Nancy Dzoba [email protected] Domestic Security Miami & Palm Beach, Broward, Task Force Annex F Miami-Dade and [email protected] Ft. Lauderdale – TIC Plan Monroe Counties Cindy Bernal June 6, 2006
2.2 Participating Agencies and Points of Contact
The state is divided into seven (7) Regional Domestic Security Task Forces (RDSTF). Each of these Task Forces is co-chaired by the regional Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Special Agent in Charge (SAC) and a local Sheriff from the region. Each task force is made up of membership from various agencies throughout the region across all disciplines. Each Task Force has established committees including a committee for Interoperable Communications. Each Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF) contains an Interoperable Communications Committee led by Chairs and Co-Chairs from the local public safety response community. The seven RDSTF interoperable communications committees fall under the Interoperable Communications Committee of the State Working Group on Domestic Security (SWG). The seven RDSTFs collectively consist of municipal, county, tribal, state, federal, NGOs and military stakeholders from all disciplines in Florida’s emergency response and preparedness community. Generally, the co-chairs of the interoperable communications committee are appointed by the SAC and the sheriff. Membership on this committee is open to all disciplines in Florida’s emergency response and preparedness community. Minimally, meetings are held quarterly, roll call is held and attendance is recorded. Meeting agendas are widely distributed electronically throughout the regions with an open invitation to all disciplines and jurisdictions. As the SCIP is implemented and updated, the Interoperable Communications Committee of the RDSTF will remain involved.
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In every region where tribal nations are present, members from the tribal nation do participate in the interoperable communications committee meetings. NGO representatives are invited and generally participate in these regional meetings. During this planning process the needs of both tribal nations and NGOs were discussed. The RDSTF Interoperable Communications committees also work in conjunction with the Florida Executive Interoperable Technologies Committee (FEITC) which is Florida’s version of a SEIC. This committee’s membership includes representation from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Management Services/Communications and Information Technology Services, Florida Department of Health, Florida Region 9 Committee Chair and the DSTF State Working Group Interoperable Communications Committee Chair. The Domestic Security Oversight Council (DSOC) consists of the highest level representation in the state’s homeland security framework which oversees and provides direction on funding, planning, and other related issues from the RDSTF and the SWG. This council has the statutory responsibility for the states domestic security strategy and efforts. Florida’s approach to statewide communications interoperability planning begins with the RDSTF Interoperable Communications Committees. As mentioned previously, the regional committees encompass all 67 counties in Florida and include membership from municipal, county, tribal, state, federal, and military stakeholders from all public safety first responder disciplines. Regional interoperable communications committees also include public service and support entities such as utilities, public works, Red Cross, public health, amateur radio, etc. The primary development of the initial Statewide Interoperable Communications Plan, and subsequent revisions and maintenance will be completed by task groups within the RDSTF Interoperable Communications Committees with input, assistance, and review from the other elements of Florida’s RDSTF structure. Support from the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program was requested and received for development of the initial draft of the plan. The Statewide Interoperable Communications Plan will be completed, reviewed and approved by representatives from the Regional Interoperable Communications Committees, then submitted to the State Working Group for review and approval. Following SWG approval, the Plan will be submitted to the Domestic Security Oversight Council for final approval. A detailed list of individual agencies and organizations that were involved in the development of the plan is too comprehensive to include in this document, and could possibly omit one or more partners who contributed or played a role in the process at some point along the way. Florida recognizes the importance of including representation, input, review and participation by public safety and public service stakeholders from all disciplines at the local, state, tribal, federal, and military levels in order to produce a meaningful plan that will guide interoperable communications efforts today and into the future.
Table 2-4 Agencies and Points of Contact
Agency Name Agency POC POC Email POC Telephone
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(s)
Collier SO Bob Finney [email protected] DOH Michael Jacobs [email protected] State of Florida - Carlton Wells [email protected] DMS State of Florida - Todd Mechler [email protected] DMS Pinellas County Pam Montanari [email protected]@pcsonet.com Seminole PD John Bissett [email protected] Putnam SO Larry Beaton [email protected] NEFRC Charles McCool [email protected] City of Leven McGruder [email protected] Tallahassee Division of Andrew Murray [email protected] Forestry Division of Timothy Grubbs [email protected] Forestry Volusia SO Glenn Lopez [email protected] Orange County Richard Steiner [email protected] Public Safety Orange County David Hazen [email protected] Public Safety Gregory A. Lake County [email protected] Holcomb Orange County Patti Broderick [email protected] SO Orlando PD Norm Poe [email protected] Okaloosa DPS Sylvia Womack [email protected] Bay Co SO Carl R. Fortner [email protected] Okaloosa SO Victor G. Everett [email protected] Miami-Dade Cindy M. Bernal [email protected] Brevard SO Nancy L. Dzoba [email protected] FDLE Victor Cullars [email protected] Alachua SO Randy Kerr [email protected]
2.3 Statewide Plan Point of Contact
Name: Nancy Dzoba Title: Communications Site Manger Agency: Broward County Sheriffs Office Phone: (954) 321-4344 E-mail: [email protected]
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POC is not operating as a full time interoperability coordinator. Nancy Dzoba is the co-chair of the state working group on interoperable communications. She is a Communications Manager with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. She is not a state of Florida employee, does not devote her full time to interoperable communications, and as such is not able to assume the position full time. The state has included as part of its Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant request the necessary funding for a full time employee to fulfill the position as a interoperability coordinator in the third quarter of 2008.
2.4 Scope and Timeframe
Florida’s Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning process encompasses interoperability issues involving municipal, county, tribal, state, military and federal entities. Planning addresses public safety, public service, non-governmental organizations, and commercial resources. When finalized, the initial plan document will represent a “snapshot” of Florida’s interoperability planning environment at the time of its release. Florida’s plan will focus on the current year, and an additional four years out. Significant technology changes, legislative issues, and funding constraints make it difficult to extend accurately beyond that point. Planning efforts, public safety response tactics, new or changing technology, changes in legislation, etc., are just a few examples of elements which are constantly evolving. Consequently, Florida’s plan will be reviewed on a continual basis, with significant changes being implemented as they occur, and coupled with an annual review and release of an edition update. All issues relating to public safety communications are within the scope of this plan. The scope of this plan can and will be changed when deemed necessary and when it is in the best interest of the agencies involved and to protect the lives and property of the first responders and the citizens in which they serve.
3 Methodology
3.1 Interoperable Communications Environment and Emergency Response Effort
Florida’s regional and statewide approach to interoperable communications planning and response is comprehensive, well organized, and has proven effective during many emergency incidents and planned events. Florida has deployed a wide array of interoperable communications solutions which represent many of the elements on the SAFECOM continuum. With limited or inconsistent availability of sufficient funding at the individual agency level, Florida’s strategy involves solutions which are multi-agency, regional, or statewide in scope, with statewide solutions being the highest priority and emphasis.
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It is also recognized that each incident or event is unique, and potentially requires an equally unique solution to achieve an effective level of interoperable communications which meets the needs of public safety first responders. Therefore, interoperability solutions are compared to “tools in a toolbox” which are used individually or in combination to craft the most effective solution to match the requirements of each incident or event. Beginning at the lowest point on the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum, Florida has established a fairly comprehensive inventory of cache radios which may be deployed and issued as necessary. Following multiple wildfires in the late 90’s, the concept of a Mutual Aid Radio Communications (MARC) Unit was developed. There are now 10 MARC Units strategically placed in regions throughout Florida. Each MARC Unit contains caches of VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz radio equipment. MARC Units also contain a small equipment shelter with generator power, base station/repeaters, and a 100’ portable tower. MARC Units are housed on trailers which are transported to a scene using a tow vehicle. To date, funding to maintain and sustain MARC Units has primarily come from Homeland Security Grant funding, however this cannot be relied upon as a long term solution, and is therefore identified as a gap in Florida’s strategic planning to identify a more permanent and consistent funding source for this purpose. Additional portable radio caches have been identified at the local agency level and are listed as resources in regional TIC plans where applicable. The State of Florida also maintains caches of radios which are available as resources down to the local level. Cache radios are typically used to provide to personnel who may not normally utilize radios, or for responders operating in other jurisdictions where their own issued equipment is not compatible with systems in the geographical area where they are operating. Moving to the next point on the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum, Florida has implemented various forms of gateway solutions. Many agencies throughout the state have acquired transportable gateway devices which are made available to other jurisdictions upon request. These are listed as resources in regional TIC plans where applicable. Grant funding opportunities for select cities resulted in some fixed gateway solutions in the Tampa and Jacksonville areas. Florida utilized Homeland Security Grant funding to create and deploy nine Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS). Seven of these units are strategically deployed throughout the seven RDSTF regions hosted by local public safety agencies. Two EDICS units are housed in Tallahassee, one with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the other with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. EDICS units are housed in trailers which utilize a tow vehicle for transportation to a scene. EDICS units are self contained with generator powered, air conditioning, and a diesel fuel tank. EDICS units contain collapsible towers and ACU-1000 technology with radio equipment housed in protective cabinets. EDICS units are utilized to bridge systems together at locations where responders are using incompatible radio equipment. EDICS units were recently upgraded with a data package referred to as the Emergency Deployable Wide Area Remote Data System (EDWARDS). EDWARDS provides satellite based internet access and voice over internet protocol telephone capability. These services can be provided to response personnel and
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command post locations at the scene of an incident or event using multiple transportable suitcase units. To date, funding to maintain and sustain EDICS/EDWARDS Units has also primarily come from Homeland Security Grant funding, which as mentioned before, cannot be relied upon as a long term solution, and is therefore identified as a gap in Florida’s strategic planning to identify a more permanent and consistent funding source for this purpose. The Florida Interoperability Network (FIN) was created using Homeland Security Grant funding. FIN is a multi-phase project which was developed over a multi-year period. FIN is considered a statewide gateway solution, and places over 200 public safety communications centers on a common network. FIN offers four main functions: - Full duplex intercom type connection between two communications centers. - Full duplex conferencing connection between up to eight communications centers. - Remote access to radio resources throughout the state. - Ability to bridge radio resources together throughout the state. Radio resources consist of base station/repeater sites, radio console connections, and RF control stations. To date, funding to maintain and sustain the FIN has come from Homeland Security Grant funding. Again, this cannot be relied upon as a long term solution, and is therefore identified as a gap in Florida’s strategic planning to identify a more permanent and consistent funding source for this purpose. This particular area is a critical gap which, if not funded, will result in reduced effectiveness and interoperable communications capabilities. If a statewide funding solution is not identified, the responsibility could shift to the local host agencies, many of which cannot take on the additional liability, and would likely discontinue their participation. The State of Georgia has recently implemented the same technology, and discussions are underway to plan connectivity between the Florida and Georgia interoperability network systems. As part of the State Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS), Florida built out the 800 MHz Mutual Aid Call (8CAL90) and TAC-1 (8TAC91) channels. These two channels are available on a statewide basis with mobile coverage. Local, state and federal entities utilize different types of radios systems across VHF, UHF, and 800 MHz. In order to address the need for additional mutual aid channels, and to address the various frequency bands in use, the FIN project included a Mutual Aid Build-Out Plan. When completed, this project will include a statewide build-out of mutual aid channels on each of the above listed bands. These mutual aid channels will be connected to the FIN, allowing public safety responders to access a mutual aid channel anywhere in the state using their agency issued radios, regardless of which frequency band they operate on. Through the FIN, they can then be bridged to other systems and users, depending on the requirements of the incident or event. As with the other components of FIN, funding for maintenance and sustainment has primarily come from Homeland Security Grant funding. This cannot be relied upon as a long term solution, and is therefore identified as a gap in Florida’s strategic planning to identify a more permanent and consistent funding source for this purpose.
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Several of Florida’s five UASI jurisdictions are in the acquisition process for transportable trunked communications systems. These are standalone systems that can be deployed as needed to replace damaged communications systems, or to provide additional infrastructure in areas where communications systems do not exist, or that have poor coverage. These systems are currently in place or planned in counties from the Orlando area south. A gap in placement of these systems exists in the north and west Florida areas. Florida has well over 100 agency owned and operated mobile command and communications vehicles. Regional and statewide response plans frequently result in these vehicles operating in geographical areas outside of their normal jurisdiction. Florida also makes extensive use of mutual aid dispatcher response to other impacted communications centers, or to incidents in the field. In order to reduce a training curve, ease operability, and to ensure appropriate programming and nomenclature for mutual aid channel resources, Florida obtained Homeland Security Grant funding to place a common package of radio equipment in mobile command and communications vehicles throughout each region. These radios are programmed with the identified mutual aid channels, and cover VHF, UHF and 700/800 MHz. Florida’s interoperability resources are made available anywhere in the state, and to other states in accordance with the Emergency Mutual Aid Compact (EMAC), Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), and the RDSTF structure. All resources are mobilized and deployed according to the NIMS and ICS protocols.
3.2 Challenges to Achieving Interoperability within the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum
Florida public safety faces many challenges as it works towards achieving interoperability within the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. The problem can be broken down into three categories; philosophical, technological and funding. We will address each of these three areas separately.
3.2.1 Philosophical
The public safety community must change the way it thinks about its communications systems, operations, planning and design in order to meet the challenges of achieving interoperability. Public safety agencies need to start asking themselves the hard questions such as; do we need to own our infrastructure? Can we ensure the integrity of our operations through Service Level Agreements (SLA’s), Memorandum of Understandings (MOU’s) and other legal contractual agreements? The old philosophy of; if we do not own it, we can not have it must change as it will not be able to survive in this age of limited frequency, financial and human resources. Through the use of shared systems, public private networks built to a national public safety standard and use of commercial networks will the realization of true interoperability are realized. Changes in how spectrum is allocated to public safety must change to ensure that adequate spectrum is available to meet the demands of public safety. The current practice of allocating small sections of interleaved spectrum across the frequency bands has proven to be one of the
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largest problems facing public safety communications. Planning for the next generation of a national public safety communications system must include the necessary contiguous frequency allocation to allow for common system standards, architecture and to make it possible for vendors to realize the most economic benefit. Public safety needs to have systems that are built to a national standard. Leadership of many of Florida’s public safety agencies does not understand the need to migrate to or upgrade their communications systems to Project 25 standards. The lack of understanding represents a major impediment to many agencies achieving the final phase of interoperability. Florida’s public safety community must continue to work together to change the attitudes and educate its leadership at all levels of government regarding the challenges facing public safety communications. We must set high expectations of ourselves to ensure that we are not becoming part of the problem by focusing on old ways of thinking.
3.2.2 Technological
There are many different technologies utilized by the public safety entities in Florida for their communications networks. These communications networks operate across almost every known public safety frequency band. They range from privately owned single channel conventional systems, countywide or shared trunked radio systems to the State Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) which is a statewide communications network that provides services for state law enforcement agencies, Florida National Guard and other local public safety entities. This statewide network is a public-private partnership between the State of Florida and its vendor. The vendor owns the infrastructure and the State of Florida has use of the system through contractual agreements. Operational security is provided through agency controlled encryption key management. Many local agencies make use of countywide or shared systems in their respective areas. Due to the complexity and diversity of the states public safety communications landscape the State Working Group Interoperable Communications Committee developed a multi-faceted approach utilizing various technologies to help resolve interoperable communications issues at various levels along the SAFECOM continuum. These technologies include swapping radios, gateways, shared channels and proprietary shared systems. Listed below are some of the systems currently deployed around the state: Florida Interoperability Network (FIN) Mutual Aid Channel Build out (Statewide) Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications System (EDICS) Emergency Deployable Wide Area Remote Data System (EDWARDS) Mobile Trunked Radio Systems Mutual Aid Radio Cache (MARC) Mobile Command Post Standardization TRP1000 Mobile Command Posts Radio Caches
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Most of these systems fall into the radio swap or gateway category and require programming, maintenance and deployment. Adequately trained personnel are necessary for the operation of these systems. Finding qualified personnel to train in the programming, maintenance, deployment and operation of these systems has proven to be a challenge. Currently, the state has a very limited pool of qualified individuals which it can call upon to respond during extended deployments of some of this equipment. Retention of communications personnel due to wages and work environment continue to be a problem. Due to these issues, ongoing training of personnel in the operation of interoperable communications technologies continues to be problematic. The state will continue to seek innovative solutions to deploy training to communications personnel. These include train the trainer programs, on line training courses, and regionalized training approaches.
3.2.3 Funding
Florida has spent approximately twenty percent of its domestic security response funding on interoperable communications. This funding has been used to fund most of the projects listed in the Technology section above. All of the technologies have a recurring funding cost for the maintenance, upgrading, technology refreshment and programming required to keep the systems in a state of operational readiness and/or operational. Many host agencies are unable to financially bear the burden of the costs associated with these technologies. Domestic security grant funding and other grant funding has provided an unprecedented opportunity for public safety communications. Never before has so much attention and funding been given to this cause. Unfortunately, we are trying to solve a problem that will require much more money than what the grant funds allocated will provide. State and local governments will have to start funding the cost of sustaining these projects once grant funding ceases. Many local governments believe it is the states responsibility to fund these projects. The state feels that it is the local agency’s responsibility to fund their section of a system or the state will wait until there is no longer any federal grant funding before it attempts any action towards resolution of the problem. This position may result in many of the systems becoming inoperable or obsolete once federal grant funding ceases. Public safety entities within Florida need to take a proactive step in educating its leadership at all levels as to the importance of these systems and their continued operation. Entities need to seek permanent funding sources to sustain current and future interoperable communications projects that continue to fill gaps in Florida’s interoperable communications strategy.
4 Current Statewide Assessment
Region 1 – Pensacola
This region is one of the regions that are yet to have a TIC plan developed. PSIC funding will be used to help develop the plan. Listed in the appendices is some of the preliminary data that has
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been collected to be used in the development of the TIC plan. Please refer to Appendix for the regional frequency list.
Region 2 – Tallahassee
This region is one of the regions that are yet to have a TIC plan developed. PSIC funding will be used to help develop the plan. Data is still being collected for the development of the TIC plan.
Region 3 – Jacksonville
Please refer to the appendices for the regional TIC plan
Region 4 – Tampa
Please refer to the appendices for the regional TIC plan
Region 5 – Orlando
Please refer to the appendices for the regional TIC plan
Region 6 – Ft. Myers
This region is one of the regions that are yet to have a TIC plan developed. PSIC funding will be used to help develop the plan. Data is still being collected for the development of the TIC plan.
Region 7 – Miami
Please refer to the appendices for the regional TIC plan
4.1 Governance Structure
Florida has developed a unique domestic security governance structure that starts at the local agency level and progresses upwards through all levels of government. Interoperable communications has been a key component of that structure from its inception. The SCIP planning process has utilized this structure to ensure participation by all disciplines of public safety at all levels of government. The state is divided into seven (7) domestic security regions. Each one of these regions has a Regional Interoperable Communications Committee which is chaired by a representative from a
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local public safety agency. The membership of these committees is comprised of local public safety entities from the region that have a vested interest in communications issues. It is the committee’s responsibility to: Identify existing communications resources within the region Develop a Tactical Interoperable Communications (TIC) plan for the region and ensure it is kept current Identify interoperable communications needs for the region and inform the Interoperable Communications State Working Group of those needs Educate local authorities, leadership and key stakeholders regarding interoperable communications issues Provide a forum that helps to foster the relationships necessary in implementing a successful interoperable communications strategy Regional Interoperable Communications Committees report to the Interoperable Communications State Working Group. These regional committees form the foundation from which all facets of the states interoperable communications strategy are built. Each of the Regional Interoperable Communications Committee Chairs is a member of the Interoperable Communications State Working Group. This group meets quarterly and has the following responsibilities: Review all statewide and regional interoperable communications project funding requests to ensure that they meet the state’s domestic security strategy and address identified gaps in that strategy Prioritize statewide and regional interoperable communications project funding requests to ensure that Florida’s interoperable communications strategy and the states domestic security strategy are met Review regional TIC plans to ensure that plans do not conflict with one another and that they are properly incorporated into the SCIP Develop a SCIP and ensure it is kept current This committee is co-chaired by a local agency representative and a state level representative. The committee co-chairs are members of the State Domestic Security Working Group (see Figure 4-1) which is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency committee whose membership is comprised of representatives from state and local agencies. State Domestic Security Working Group Interoperable Communications Committee (Figure 4-2) members are: Co-Chair Nancy Dzoba Broward County Sheriff’s Office Co-Chair Victor Cullars Florida Department of Law Enforcement Region 1 Vic Everett Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Sylvia Womack Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety Region 2 Leven Magruder City of Tallahassee Milton Willis Florida Department of Law Enforcement Region 3 Larry Beaton Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Keith Gaston Florida Highway Patrol Vickie Diaz Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Region 4 Pam Montanari Pinellas County Region 5 Greg Holcomb Lake County Department of Public Safety
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Glenn Lopez Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Rich Steiner Orange County Department of Public Safety Region 6 Bob Finney Collier County Sheriff’s Office Debbie Gailbreath Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Andy Murray Florida Division of Forestry Region 7 Nancy Dzoba Broward County Sheriff’s Office Cindy Bernal Miami-Dade County Mark Filla Palm Beach County State Carlton Wells Florida Department of Management Services Steve Williams Florida Highway Patrol Todd Mechler Florida Department of Management Services Todd Preston Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chuck Radcliff Florida Division of Forestry
At present, a training subcommittee has been formed within the Interoperable Communications committee. Additional subcommittees will be formed in 2008 for governance, usage, technology and SOPs.
Domestic Security State Working Group
Critical Infrastructure Equipment and Logistics
Interoperable Communications Operations and Planning Campus Security Statewide Exercise
Training
Figure 4-1 Domestic Security State Working Group Functional Committees
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State Working Group Interoperable FEITC Communications
Region 1 Florida Department of Management Services Region 2
Region 3 Florida Highway Patrol
Region 4 Florida Fish and
Region 5 Wildlife Conservation Commission
Region 6 Florida Division of Region 7 Forestry
Figure 4-2 State Working Group Interoperable Communications Committee
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4.2 Multi-Jurisdiction/Multi-Agency SOPs
There are many mutual aid agreements between counties, municipalities, tribal nations and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) throughout the State that set out policies and procedures for utilizing, requesting and deploying communications assets. In addition to these individual agreements, the following table lists SOPs that are statewide or regional in scope.
Table 4-1 Statewide or Regional SOPs
Adopting Review SOP Description Agencies Frequency
National Emergency Emergency Mutual Aid Management State of Florida Compact (EMAC) agreement between states.
Florida Comprehensive Emergency All State and State’s emergency Bi-Annually Management Plan County agencies response plan (CEMP)
Describes mutual aid Florida Fire Chiefs’ State, County, City response for fire Statewide Emergency and volunteer fire Annually agencies including Response Plan (SERP) departments communications assets
Describes mutual aid Florida Sheriff’s response for sheriffs Association Mutual 67 County Sheriffs Annually including Aid Compact communications assets
ALS, BLS, private and air ambulance Florida Emergency providers, Technical standards, Medical Services hospitals and operating procedures Bi-Annually Communications Plan adjoining states and frequency plan (Alabama and Georgia)
State of Florida Sets out procedures for ALS, BLS, private Department of Health requesting and and air ambulance Annually Ambulance deploying emergency providers Deployment Plan medical services
Florida Law Local law Sets technical Bi-Annually
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Adopting Review SOP Description Agencies Frequency Enforcement enforcement standards for law Communications Plan agencies enforcement communications equipment and systems. Also includes a frequency plan.
Sets technical and operational standards All NPSPAC for public safety FCC Region 9 Annually Eligibles agencies operating in the NPSPAC 800 MHz spectrum
All participating Memorandum of agencies and/or Understanding that Florida Interoperable entities in the FIN sets forth standard As required for Network (FIN) Sub- including federal, operating procedures transitions grant agreement military, state, and usage of the local and tribal network agencies
Memorandum of Emergency Deployable Understanding that Interoperable Participating state sets forth standard As required for Communications and local host operating procedures transitions System (EDICS) Sub- agencies and usage of the grant agreement equipment
Memorandum of Mutual Aid Radio Understanding that Participating state Communications sets forth standard As required for and local host (MARC) System Sub- operating procedures transitions agencies grant agreement and usage of the equipment Region 3 - Sets out procedures for Jacksonville governance, SOPs, Region 5 - Orlando usage, technology and Regional TIC Plans Region 4 - Tampa Annually training and exercises Region 7 - Ft. for all agencies in the Lauderdale associated urban area Region 7 - Miami
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Adopting Review SOP Description Agencies Frequency
Florida Field All emergency Statewide operations Operations Guide response personnel guide for incident Bi-Annually (FOG) statewide response in the field
Florida APCO Tactical All state and local For statewide mutual Emergency Response public safety aid for public safety Annually Team (TERT) communications communications Communications Plan personnel personnel
4.3 Technology
Region 1 See Appendices Region 2 Region 3 See Appendices Region 4 See Appendices Region 5 See Appendices
Region 6 Region 7 See Appendices
4.3.1 Support of Legacy Systems
The State currently provides connectivity to legacy and other disparate systems through FIN (see section 3.1) to establish interoperability. There is coordination as agencies migrate to new technologies. As agencies migrate or upgrade systems, Department of Management Services (DMS) coordinates with them to ensure that FIN connectivity is maintained. Some agencies have chosen to migrate to the State system. The financial support of legacy systems is the responsibility of individual owners/user agencies.
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In addition to FIN, the State is also providing technical support to legacy and disparate systems. The State, to the extent possible, provides technical assistance to local, county and tribal agencies for migration of legacy systems and system upgrades.
4.3.2 Technology Migration Plan
The State of Florida has a migration process to assist local, state and tribal agencies and NGOs who decide to migrate to the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS) (see section 4.2.2.1). As Florida moves forward with new technology, the intent is to phase in new technology and establish authorities. The host agency that was delineated in each investment justification will be responsible for establishing its individual migration plan. For regional systems, the project manager for the regional system will be responsible for their migration plans. To the extent that the SWG ICC has input to the spending of federal grant funds, it recommends that migration to new technology be P25 and narrow-band capable. Locally financed systems are encouraged to be P25 and narrow-band capable. However, the State Working Group Interoperable Communications Committee (SWG ICC) cannot mandate local technology purchases.
4.3.2.1 SLERS Migration Process
A process exists for state, local and tribal entities and NGOs who are considering migrating to SLERS and usually occurs on a quarterly basis. The SLERS migration process includes consideration for system loading, channel usage, additional frequencies, area coverage, system security and technology requirements. The following are high level steps for the SLERS migration process: 1. Fill out application requesting SLERS access 2. Application is reviewed by DMS 3. Application is reviewed by the SLERS Joint Task Force (JTF) board and its committees 4. Once approved, requesting agency works with DMS and local approved vendors to implement migration
4.3.3 New Purchase Compliance
Home Rule prevails in Florida. As such, the State has no authority to enforce standards on local units of government for their purchase of radio equipment. At this time, there is no single agency authorized to ensure that local purchases comply with the statewide plan. Currently the only manner of control the State has is grant guidance such as that provided in the PSIC grant process. A first task of the technology subcommittee will be to create a best practices guide including minimal specifications for new assets by the end of calendar year 2009. This guide will provide
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minimal technical standards for public safety communications systems and equipment, nomenclature and programming templates for mutual aid channels.
4.3.4 Spectrum Utilization Planning
The 700 MHz “general use” frequency utilization planning falls under the purview of Florida’s Region 9 committee. The committee has re-submitted the Region 9 plan for 700 MHz to the FCC for adoption. This committee is comprised of 8 sub-regions representing state and local public safety agencies. By 2009, the plan for the local public safety agencies is scheduled to be in place. Currently there are local agencies that have plans to deploy and utilize technology for these frequencies due to the lack of 800 MHz frequencies. The 700 MHz “State use” frequency utilization plan falls under the purview of the State of Florida. DMS is the lead Florida agency. The initial phase will be implemented for aircraft radio communications on SLERS by 2010. Additional planning and implementation will occur as additional funding becomes available. The 700 MHz “interoperability use” frequencies are nationwide resources allocated by the FCC. In Florida, planning for the implementation of the 700 MHz mutual aid channels falls under the purview of the Florida Executive Interoperable Technology Committee. In anticipation of the availability of the interoperable channels, many local agencies have purchased 800/700 MHz equipment to operate on these channels. The 700 MHz “broadband” channels are under national review for a nationwide broadband data network, “public safety spectrum trust”. Florida is awaiting decisions at the national level before any planning commences. As the new dual-band equipment is deployed, agencies are providing training on its use. Once 700 MHz equipment is deployed, follow-up training will be provided, particularly for the interoperability mutual aid channels. The training subcommittee has in place a mutual aid resources course that is taught statewide that will be modified to reflect the new technology and new channels and talk groups. Florida uses frequencies below 700 MHz for mutual aid. Florida does use the national fire mutual frequencies (154.265 MHz, 154.280 MHz and 154.295 MHz). However, Florida also uses 154.950 MHz, 155.370 MHz, 460.275/465.275 MHz and 463.175/468.175 MHz for mutual aid. This practice is not common across the country. There is a need for state and local agencies using systems operating in those frequency ranges to migrate to the nationwide mutual aid frequencies below 700 MHz. DMS must undertake planning to update the Law Enforcement Communications Plan to facilitate this migration. The cost of this migration is a major concern and may delay implementation. Currently narrow-band migration is mandated by 2013 which may lend itself to migration to nationwide mutual aid frequencies.
4.3.5 Strategic Technology Reserve
The agencies across the State of Florida currently have multiple technologies deployed across the State to support interoperable communications during emergencies or major disasters and in
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the event of catastrophic failure of existing communications infrastructure. These technologies include:
EDICS – Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications System which is a transportable gateway system. There are 9 of these strategically deployed throughout the State.
MARC – Mutual Aid Radio Communications unit which is a trailer equipped with a 100 foot tower, repeater base stations, generator, and portable radio caches and equipment shelter. There are 8 units strategically deployed across the State and 2 in reserve.
EDWARDS – Emergency Deployable Wide-Area Remote Data System housed with EDICS. These systems can be deployed independent of EDICS. These are MESH type mobile data systems deployed for on-scene wireless data and VoIP communications that utilizes satellite communications for backhaul.
FIN – Florida Interoperability Network is a fixed and deployable IP-based network that connects 230+ communication centers throughout all 67 counties. This system includes the build out of mutual aid channels on VHF high-band, UHF and 800 MHz across the State.
Transportable Radios Systems are mobile, conventional and trunked communications equipment which includes towers, generators, data connection, microwave and radio base stations. There are currently 9 deployed across the state and additional units are being assembled at this time.
Portable Radio Caches are numerous across the state. These caches are held by local, state and federal agencies and operate in 700 MHz, 800 MHz and UHF and VHF high-band. As CASM databases are being populated, a more complete inventory of these will be developed.
Mobile Command Posts have been standardized. Approximately 145 have been identified of which 70 have been outfitted with a standard package of VHF high- band, UHF, 700/800 MHz P25 capable radios and programmed uniformly with a common programming package. Due to the geographical size and configuration of the State and location of existing transportable radio systems, a need for additional transportable radio systems has been identified. These systems will be P25 compliant and 700 MHz capable. Existing systems will be upgraded as funding becomes available. These systems are deployed individually or collectively based upon the requirements of the event. See appendices K, L, M and N for further details on the systems.
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4.4 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Section 4.1.1, table 4-1 lists regional and statewide SOPs. There are processes in place to maintain, update and communicate SOPs. The process for development and review varies from document to document but generally allows input from multi-jurisdictions or multi-disciplines. For example, the Florida Fire Chief’s Statewide Emergency Response Plan review is as follows 1. Each September, Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) Emergency Response Committee (ERC) members are requested by the committee chair to solicit their respective areas for recommended revisions to the FFCA SERP. These individuals will provide written comments to the chair by the fall quarterly meeting of the FFCA. 2. In October of each year at the FFCA board of director’s meeting, the committee chair, through the FFCA board liaison, summarizes the recommended revisions to the FFCA SERP. The board of directors provides preliminary direction as to the scope of the proposed changes and sends it back to the ERC for final draft. 3. Each January, the FFCA ERC provides a final draft of the revised FFCA SERP to the FFCA executive director for reproduction and distribution to the board of directors. The board of directors will review the revisions and adopt the FFCA SERP. 4. Each April, the revised FFCA SERP will be distributed to all FFCA ERC members and revisions will be included in the annually FFCA SERP training. The updated FFCA SERP is then posted on the FFCA website.
4.4.1 NIMS Compliance
The Governor’s Executive Order dated October 23, 2006 mandates NIMS compliance for all emergency response personnel down to the level of 67 counties. Monitoring compliance with this order has been assigned to the Division of Emergency Management NIMS coordinator. The NIMS coordinator is responsible for not only monitoring compliance with the training mandate, but also for reviewing state level plans and procedures to ensure they are NIMS compliant. The CEMP is NIMS compliant and has been reviewed by the NIMS coordinator. Furthermore, the CEMP by design mandates NIMS compliance when responding to incidents and participating in exercises. The coordinator is also available for review of other SOPs as requested.
4.5 Training and Exercise Plan
The state utilizes its domestic security governance structure for coordinating its interoperable communications training and exercises. Exercising of interoperable communications systems are normally incorporated into regularly scheduled domestic security and mutual aid exercises. This ensures that the equipment and personnel assigned are tested in near real life scenarios and end users are involved in the process. After action reports of the exercises are used to identify needs, develop changes and/or enhancements to training curriculum and future exercises.
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All federal, state, tribal and local entities, private sector and non-governmental personnel with a direct role in emergency management and response must be NIMS and ICS trained. This includes all emergency services related disciplines such as EMS, hospitals, public health, fire service, law enforcement, public works/utilities, skill support personnel, and other emergency management response, support and volunteer personnel. Whenever possible, interoperable communications will be included in assessments and after action reports of exercises. Training of public safety personnel will ensure that agencies are prepared to adequately respond to incidents when they occur. The State Working Group Interoperable Communications Working Group Training Committee is recommending that the following training requirements be implemented as the standard for each of the communications positions listed below. This recommendation has yet to be reviewed and approved by the domestic security governance structure. Communications Unit Leader (COML) ICS-100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400 (optional), IS-700, IS-800, Florida Mutual Aid Resource Training, All Hazards COML Training, EDICS Training (optional but recommended), MARC Training(optional but recommended) , EDWARDS Training (optional but recommended) , FIN Training (optional but recommended). In addition, the person should have successfully managed similar events in size and scope as indicated in his/her task book. The All Hazard COML training course was completed by several communications personnel throughout the state who will serve as trainers for additional personnel. The state is currently working on finalizing its standards for this position. Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM) ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400 (optional), IS-700, IS-800, Florida Mutual Aid Resource Training, FIN Training and Tactical Emergency Response Team (TERT) Training. In addition, the person should have successfully managed similar events in size and scope as indicated in his/her task book. The state has yet to develop curriculum and standards for this position. Incident Communications Technician (COMT) ICS 100, ICS 200, IS-700, IS-800, Florida Mutual Aid Resource Training, EDICS Training (optional but recommended), MARC Training (optional but recommended), EDWARDS Training (optional but recommended), FIN Training (optional but recommended). In addition, the technician should have completed any technical training required for the duties for which they will be assigned (e.g. programming, hardware maintenance, etc.). The person should have successfully participated similar events in size and scope as indicated in his/her task book. Radio Operator (RADO) Tactical Dispatcher (Law Enforcement)/Incident Dispatcher (Fire Department) ICS 100, ICS 200, IS-700, IS-800, Florida Mutual Aid Resource Training, FIN Training and Tactical Emergency Response Team (TERT) Training. In addition, the person should have successfully participated similar events in size and scope as indicated in his/her task book.
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Technical Specialists (THSP) These public and private personnel should be trained for the specific duties and equipment for which they will be assigned. The following training courses have been developed and/or made available for public safety communications personnel and have been provided in various locations and formats across the state: Mutual Aid Resource Training This is a four hour course provided to public safety personnel from all disciplines. The course covers Florida’s mutual aid channels, Florida’s RDSTF structure, mutual aid channel usage, key POCs throughout each region, APCO mutual aid plan for telecommunicators, interoperable communications equipment assets and an overview of how the radio systems work. EDICS Training This is a 12 hour course provided to public safety personnel who serve as operators and/or technicians for the deployment, setup, maintenance and operation of EDICS units. MARC Training This is an 8 hour course provided to public safety personnel who serve as operators and/or technicians for the deployment, setup, maintenance and operation of MARC units. FIN Training This is a 4 hour course provided to public safety communications personnel which covers the operation of the Florida Interoperability Network. The course includes an overview of the mutual aid build-out resources, troubleshooting and problem reporting, the 4 basic functions of the system and operational procedures and testing mechanism for FIN. The course allows for classroom instruction and hands-on utilization. ICS 100 (Online course) ICS 200 (Online Course) ICS 300 ICS 400 IS-700 (Online Course) IS-800 (Online Course) All training curriculum will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis or as needed. All training will be materials will conform to NIMS standards. Training records of personnel will be maintained and may be utilized for credentialing.
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Training announcements will be made utilizing Florida’s domestic security governance structure and the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). This will ensure that training opportunities are made available to all public safety communications personnel from all disciplines.
4.6 Usage
Communications interoperability is promoted daily at the local, regional, tribal and state levels through shared communications resources and through multi-agency incident responses and exercises. Interoperability at the local or single agency level generally occurs through shared talk groups or common channels on local communications systems. At the regional level, interoperability occurs through “bridge” systems, gateways, shared systems and cache radios. Throughout the state the use of this interoperability occurs on a daily basis. Opportunities for utilization of local/regional interoperable communications vary by community and scale of event. Larger, more metropolitan communities tend to rely on shared communications systems more than smaller more rural communities, increasing the chances for interoperability. Large regional incidents or emergencies increase the likelihood that interoperability will be relied upon. Events such as hurricanes draw together agencies that normally don’t work together, even those within the same governmental jurisdiction. In Florida, FIN is available to agencies in all 67 counties. A FIN sub-grant agreement is in place through the Department of Management Services for all participating agencies. This agreement provides for the use of the FIN across governmental jurisdictions and disciplines. Interoperable communications is frequently accomplished through the establishment of “bridges” or patches. FIN training procedures contain a mechanism to conduct daily and monthly tests of the system. Florida’s emergency response community has experienced a wide range of interoperable communications opportunities. Some communities are involved in daily cross-jurisdictional communications events, ranging from multiple agencies within a single jurisdiction working together, to two or more counties working together on regional incidents, such as traffic accidents, wildland fires, hurricanes, severe weather or floods.
5 Strategy
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.0] Florida’s strategic initiatives for enhancing interoperable communications capabilities center on a regional and statewide solution based approach. Each response to emergency incidents and planned events requires a unique set of solutions to solve the problems and challenges presented. Toward that end, Florida has compiled a set of “tools in the toolbox” which are used
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individually or combined to craft the most appropriate solution to meet the needs of the incident management team and other first responder personnel assigned to an incident. The SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum serves as a template toward accomplishing the vision, mission, goals and objectives by setting the bar toward which Florida strives to achieve. The ideal situation is to move as far along the continuum toward the end in all categories as possible. The gap analysis and the Target Capabilities Assessment processes are examples of means by which progress can be measured.
5.1 Vision
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.1] The ultimate desire is to establish a seamless and secure standards-based voice, data and video communications network of systems for all agencies supporting public safety response. This network could become part of a larger nationwide standards-based network, yet still allow local autonomy of the management, operations and information security. The system architecture would be configured with sufficient redundancy to eliminate single points of failure, competitively priced, secure and easy to use and access. This vision should be able to be accomplished within the next ten years based upon current legislative, policy and rulemaking proceedings provided the necessary funding mechanisms are available. This ensures quality response capabilities to mitigate loss of life and property due to the ability of responders to effectively communicate together on a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional incident.
5.2 Mission
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.1] Provide the leadership, governance structure and environment necessary to foster the relationships that will be required to support the highest level of interoperability between all agencies supporting public safety in the State of Florida. This will be achieved through the creation and maintenance of comprehensive standard operating procedures, implementing the statewide strategic planning process, acquisition of current technology, providing training, and promoting usage of communications resources within the state.
5.3 Goals and Objectives
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.1]
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Goal 1. Florida’s primary goal is to solve the challenges of interoperable communications between agencies supporting public safety without the wholesale replacement of existing communications networks until the state’s vision can be realized or until these systems reach the end of their expected life spans. Objectives
A. Ensure that the investments made on behalf of the citizens, whom the pubic safety entity serves, will not have been wasted. B. Provide the time necessary for public safety entities to plan for the migration or upgrade to a national standards-based communications network. C. Educate leadership and key stakeholders about the vision, possible migration paths, financial and operational impacts of interoperable communications strategy. Goal 2. Establish a permanent funding mechanism for Florida’s interoperable communications strategy. Objectives A. Educate leadership and key stakeholders about the vision, possible migration paths, financial and operational impacts of interoperable communications strategy. B. Work with leadership to identify possible funding sources for interoperable communications strategies. C. Assist financially-challenged agencies in identifying potential funding sources to aid in the acquisition of communications technologies.
Creating a realistic and permanent funding mechanism for Florida’s interoperable communications strategy will ensure that financial barriers do not become an impediment to a successful migration to a nationwide standards-based network. This funding mechanism should provide a migration path for sustaining and maintaining those systems and technologies utilized today until a new nationwide standards-based network can be realized. Goal 3. Strengthen Florida’s interoperable communications governance structure to ensure that there is broad-based representation from all areas of public safety at all levels and that information flows efficiently between all areas and disciplines. Objectives A. Establish a Statewide Interoperable Communications Coordinator office. B. Statutorily establish the role of the state’s Florida Executive Interoperable Communications Committee (FEITC) or State Executive Interoperability Committee (SEIC).
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C. Continue to promote the expansion of representation on regional interoperable communications committee to include representation from private emergency health services providers, critical infrastructure providers and other public safety entities. D. Explore responsibilities and relationships of interoperability with other state and county agencies. Completion of these objectives will provide the necessary political and management structure for the state’s public safety entities to complete this goal and to prepare them for the implementation of a nationwide network interoperable communications network based on national standards. Goal 4. Establish training standards, procedures and systems for all facets of interoperable communications awareness, equipment and personnel to ensure that the states interoperable communications vision, goals and objectives are effectively completed. Objectives A. Establish training standards for all communications positions within public safety in accordance with NIMS guidelines utilizing ICS structure and protocols. B. Develop innovative methods for the delivery of interoperable communications training to all facets of the public safety community. C. Create a system for the retention of training records of public safety communications personnel that would be used in conjunction with a credentialing system to authenticate an individual’s identity, knowledge, skills and ability. D. Establish minimum training and certification standards for public safety communications personnel. E. Institute awareness training for governmental leadership at all levels to educate them about interoperable communications issues and challenges. F. Establish interoperable communications awareness training for the first responder community and establish training procedures that are incorporated as part of the normal training regimen. G. Work with volunteer organizations such as the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) to establish training standards, policies and procedures that will allow for the effective use of volunteer communications services by public safety when needed. Implementation and completion of these objectives will provide the necessary standards and training for all of the states public safety personnel. This will result in a quicker more efficient response resulting from good communications during any response. Proper training and NIMS compliance will improve agencies response and improve interoperable communications. Goal 5. Develop a system for the testing and exercising of the state’s interoperable communications plans, systems and personnel. Objectives
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A. Implement the Florida Interoperability Network (FIN) testing procedures that have already been established. B. Implement mutual aid testing procedures.
5.4 Strategic Initiatives
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.0] Develop a campaign plan to educate all levels of leadership including representation from local, state, tribal, military, federal entities within a one to three year period. This process involves identifying the target audience and establishing meeting schedules sufficient to reach the desired stakeholders. Create a finance committee by the second quarter 2008. Identify possible long term, permanent funding sources. Focus will be on why a permanent funding source is needed and will include recommendations for alternative options, the process for acquisition, and the potential consequences if permanent sources are not implemented. Create a position description for the statewide Interoperable Communications Coordinator by the second quarter 2008. Include a comprehensive proposal with recommendations on where in the state government this position will reside. Establish training standards for the COML, COMC, COMT, INCM, etc. (communications positions in the ICS structure) that the state will recognize for credentialing. Initiate the training and certification process to establish the desired depth of qualified personnel for each of the Communications Unit positions. Enhance the existing statewide training subcommittee. Continue to deliver FIN training coupled with testing procedures and begin testing in regions by the second quarter 2008 Complete data collection and input data into CASM for TIC Plans and regions where no TIC Plan currently exists by July 2008. Complete TIC Plans for Regions 1, 2 and 6 by September 2008. Review and update TIC Plans for Regions 3, 4, 5 and 7 by September 2008. Incorporate the TIC Plans as annexes into the SCIP by the fourth quarter 2008. Develop an information campaign to ensure agencies are aware of the 2013 FCC requirement to implement narrow banding by the fourth quarter 2008 so the necessary elements can be incorporated into the five year strategic planning process commonly performed at the local level. Identify mobile command post standard through conformance with a standardized typing classification system. Standardizing radio communications capabilities of command posts and mobile communications vehicles by the first quarter of 2009.
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Develop comprehensive strategic planning efforts with specialty groups and functions including air operations, USAR teams, transportable communications systems, health/medical/trauma facilities, and the various specialty teams created on a regional and statewide basis.
5.5 Strategic Plan for Coordination with Neighboring States
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.2] Florida borders the states of Georgia and Alabama. At the local level, there are varied degrees of plans in place for establishing interoperable communications across county borders during responses involving entities from Florida and the adjacent state. The Florida Interoperability Network project began in 2003. There is now presence on this network in all of Florida’s 67 counties. The State of Georgia has established a statewide interoperability network using the same technology as Florida. Discussion and planning efforts are in progress to establish connectivity between the two systems, allowing for enhanced coordination and interoperability between Florida and Georgia. A summit between the southeastern states to discuss interoperable communications orchestrated by the State of Arkansas is planned for the fourth quarter 2007. Florida has been invited to participate in these discussions and is very interested in becoming involved in these planning efforts. Florida’s STR assets such as radio caches, transportable communications systems, Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS), Emergency Deployable Wide Area Remote Data Systems (EDWARDS), and Mutual Aid Radio Communications (MARC) Units are all examples of resources which can be used to facilitate interoperable communications capabilities with neighboring states. Experience with responses to hurricane recovery efforts and major world-wide government summits in the southeastern United States have demonstrated the effectiveness of these resources for multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction, multi-state communications.
5.6 Strategic Plan for Addressing Data Interoperability
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.3] Florida currently utilizes resource tracking, situational awareness information, traffic information and geographical maps, during local, regional and/or state incidents. This application, EM Constellation, is a collaborative emergency management application supporting incident management and information gathering and sharing among state and county emergency operation center team members during disaster response. It is the online incident management system being utilized statewide for requesting, ordering, assigning and tracking resources and providing situational awareness information. Every Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the 67 counties has access to EM Constellation. On-scene access is available to command staff.
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The State of Florida has a series of strategic initiatives all of which support the eventual build- out of more advanced technical data interoperable solutions. Currently, the priority in the State of Florida has been on voice interoperability. Preliminary planning steps are underway to further data interoperability. With the implementation of the Emergency Deployable Wide Area Remote Data System (EDWARDS), a first step in on-scene data interoperability has been taken. Additionally, FIN opens possibilities for other data interoperability solutions. Each region has a data fusion center where law enforcement data exists and is tied together with a system called Florida Law Enforcement eXchange (FLEX) which is then tied into the National Information Exchange Model. The purpose of FLEX is to coordinate with the RDSTF and promote the exchange of current law enforcement data collected via computer-aided-dispatch (CAD) and records management systems (RMS) around the State. Nevertheless, data interoperability requirements of the emergency responders in Florida need continual assessment. A recommendation is being drafted requesting a committee be established to begin the development of a statewide strategy for data interoperability. The recommendation will ask that this committee be formed by the end of the year and submit a strategy by the end of 2010.
5.7 Strategy for Addressing Catastrophic Loss of Communication Assets
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.4] As part of the Continuity of Operations planning process, agencies throughout the state conducted assessments and established plans or identified gaps in their redundant communications capabilities. These assessments also included the ability to recover from a catastrophic loss of communications systems or assets. These capabilities and gaps vary greatly at the local level. Florida has acquired several tools, assets, resources and systems at the regional and statewide level which can aid in the recovery following a catastrophic loss of communication functionality. A brief summary of each of Florida’s resources follows. The Florida Interoperability Network (FIN) is a statewide fixed resource which connects over 230 communications center locations and has presence in all of Florida’s 67 counties. There are several caches of portable radio equipment in various locations throughout the state. These caches consist of radios on 700-800 MHz, UHF and VHF. Each MARC unit contains a cache of portable radios. Mutual Aid Radio Communications (MARC) Units are located in each of Florida’s seven domestic security regions. There are eight active units with two spares. MARC units are housed on trailers and contain a 100’ collapsible tower, air conditioned equipment shelter, generator, caches of portable and mobile radios, and repeaters. Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS) and Emergency Deployable Wide Area Remote Data Systems (EDWARDS) are transportable units located in each of Florida’s seven domestic security regions. Two additional units are hosted by State of
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Florida agencies (Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Florida Division of Emergency Management). EDICS units are transportable gateway systems consisting of collapsible towers, air conditioned equipment shelter, generator, ACU-1000 hardware, multiple mobile radios in shock proof cabinets, and radio programming equipment. Each EDCIS also contains a Florida Interoperability Network work station. EDCIS Units also contain the EDWARDS systems which are transportable data systems capable of providing satellite based internet services to multiple sites, wireless network hardware, voice over IP phone capabilities, and video teleconferencing equipment. EDWARDS Units have six portable cases which can be deployed and set up at different key points or incident command locations at the site of an incident or event. Transportable communications systems are hosted at various sites throughout the state. The majority of these are located from the area of Orlando and south. Additional systems for the northern and western panhandle part of the state are part of the PSIC grant submission. There are additional transportable systems hosted by local public safety agencies in the same central and southern regions of the state. These are stand alone transportable radio systems, typically trunked 800 MHz technology consisting of collapsible towers, air conditioned equipment shelters, generator, and caches of radios. These units were deployed throughout Florida and out of state and utilized extensively during hurricane responses of 2004 and 2005.
5.8 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.5] Compliance with the National Incident Management System is mandated at the local, regional, tribal, state and federal levels. A significant component of this requirement involves the training of personnel in the various ICS courses commensurate with the responsibilities of their public safety assignments. Refresher training and training for newly hired employees will be an on- going continual process. SOPs, strategic plans, training and exercises, etc., are all required to be NIMS compliant. In addition to the entry level ICS courses such as IS700, IS800, I100, and I200, Florida intends to provide training specific to the positions in the Communications Unit, with the initial focus on the Communications Unit Leader (COML) position.
5.9 Strategy for Addressing Communications Interoperability with Major Transit Systems, Bus Systems, Ports, and Passenger Rail Operations
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.6] Bus Systems
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There are bus systems run by local transit authorities. Each of these systems operate utilizing their own communications network. The state currently has no plan for intercommunicating with these entities.
Railroads Florida has over a dozen railroads with operations throughout the state. AMTRAK (the National Railroad Passenger Corporation) uses CSX Transportation tracks for operations in the state. The second largest passenger carrier is Tri-County Commuter Rail (TRI-RAIL) serving Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The largest freight railroads are CSX Transportation, Florida East Coast, and Norfolk Southern, each carrying hundreds of carloads of commodities throughout the state each day. The radio systems of the railroads operating in Florida vary in complexity depending on the size of the operation, with CSX Transportation having a major train dispatching facility in Jacksonville. All of the railroads primarily operate legacy VHF high band simplex systems with some using tone signaling for contact with their dispatchers. Interoperability with railroad operations and their security/property protection/police departments are limited and in most cases require a railroad representative to be present at the command post or Emergency Operations Center. Some of the railroad police departments have developed Memorandums Of Understanding (MOU’s) with local and state law enforcement agencies to facilitate interoperability. Radios installed in railroad police vehicles such as CSX Transportation’s special agents have access to SLERS and several county and municipal systems. A comprehensive plan for interoperability with all the railroads needs to be developed. A pilot project between CSX Transportation and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has given these agencies the capability to communicate directly between CSX Transportation operations and police personnel, and Sheriff’s Office officers on VHF radio channels licensed to each agency. This project has been very successful and could be used as a model in other areas.
RAILROAD CONTACT ADDRESS PHONE #
Alabama & Gulf Coast Mr. Mike Brigham, P.O. Box 339 (334) 575-5008 Railway, L.L.C. General Manager Monroeville, AL 35461
1 AN Railway Mr. Jerry Hood, P.O. Box 35098 (850) 785-4609 Bay Line Railroad1 General Manager, Panama City, FL 32412
Mr. Michael Ward, 500 Water St., SC J120 (904) 359-3100 CSX Transportation Chairman, President and x7699 Jacksonville, FL 32202 CEO Mr Teddy Maybrier, First Coast Railroad1 404 Gum St. (904) 261-0888 Operations Manager
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Fernandina, FL 32035
Mr. Bennett J. Biscan, Florida Midland, P.O. Box 967 Central and Northern Vice President/Gen. (407) 880-8500 Railroads2 Plymouth, FL 32768 Manager
7411 Fullerton St. Mr. Robert W. Anestis, Florida East Coast Suite 300 (904) 538-6100 Railway Company Chairman and CEO Jacksonville, FL 32256
Florida West Coast Mr. Clyde S. Forbes, P.O. Box 1267 (352) 463-1103 Railroad Company President Trenton, FL 32693
Mr. Terry Hart, 1019 Coastline Ave. Georgia & Florida (229) 435-6629 Railway General Manager Albany, GA 31705
Mr. David R. Goode, Three Commercial Place Norfolk Southern (757) 629-2600 Railway Corporation Chairman/President and Norfolk, VA 23510-2191 CEO
Port of Palm Beach Mr. Ed Oppel, P.O. Box 9935 (561) 842-4201 District Railroad Executive Director Riviera Beach, FL 33419
4110 Centerpoint Dr. Mr. Gordon Fay, Seminole Gulf Railway Ste. 207 (941) 275-6060 (LP) President Fort Myers, FL 33916
Ms. Sally Conley, 900 South W.C. Owen South Central Florida (863) 983-3163 Express Superintendent of Clewiston, FL 33440 Transportation
Talleyrand Terminal Pat Thomas, 2700 Talleyrand Ave. 1 (904) 634-1621 Railroad (Jaxport) Director of Operations Jacksonville, FL 32206
Mr. Joseph Giulietti, 800 N.W. 33rd St., Ste. 100 Tri-County Commuter (954) 942-7245 Rail Executive Director Pompano Beach, FL 33064
National Railroad Mr. Alexander Kummant, 60 Massachusetts Ave., Passenger Corp. (202) 906-4355 (AMTRAK) President/CEO N.E. Washington, D.C. 2002
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The railways that run throughout the state provide transportation of people, agricultural products, chemicals, durable goods, etc. These railways provide the transportation artery for many of the goods transported from the state’s seaports.
Seaports There are fourteen (14) seaports located throughout the state. These ports serve as a transportation hub for much of the agricultural products, chemicals and durable goods that are imported and exported into the country. Due to their location and the abundance of attractions in the state, some of the worlds most famous cruise lines operate from these ports. Florida’s seaports are some of the busiest seaports in the country. Seaport security is provided by many different agencies and private entities. Typically it is provided by a mixture of local law enforcement and private security personnel. Federal agencies perform inspections of cargo and goods and work with port security personnel. Local agencies use their local communications systems for their operations. Interoperable communications between these entities is achieved through the use of the Florida Interoperability Network, console patches, mobile gateway systems such as Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS), mutual aid channels, common channels and swapping radios.
Airports Airport security is provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the local law enforcement jurisdiction that the airport resides in. The TSA utilizes federal VHF frequencies for local communications within the airport facilities. Local law enforcement agencies utilize their existing communications networks. Interoperable communications between these entities is achieved through the use of the Florida Interoperability Network, console patches, mobile gateway systems such as Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS), mutual aid channels, common channels and swapping radios.
5.10 Review and Update Process
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 2.7] Florida’s strategic planning process reflects the current year period, and an additional four year outlook for a total of a five year period. The RDSTF Interoperable Communications Committees that participated in the development of the initial plan will continue to be the core group for future reviews and revisions. Changes in technology, legislative mandates, funding sources, communications technology/system acquisitions are a few of the issues that will surface over the course of time that will necessitate revisions and updates to the Statewide Plan.
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Regardless of updates that occur during the year, Florida’s RDSTF Interoperable Communications Committees will hold an annual session specifically for the purpose of completing revisions and updates to the Statewide Plan. A change summary document will be created with each revision and placed in a designated section of the plan. The initial draft of the plan will be submitted through the RDSTF Regional Committees, to the State Working Group, and ultimately the Domestic Security Oversight Council for approval. Subsequent revisions and updates to the plan will follow this same process. A new edition of the Statewide Plan will be published and distributed annually following the appropriate approval process. Florida will research the most effective methods to provide training and orientation once the Statewide Plan is released. A scaled down version describing changes will also be developed as new editions are released. Florida does not currently have a full-time Statewide Interoperability Office. This has been identified as a significant gap. If funding is made available and approved to establish this office, the Interoperability Coordinator will assume responsibility for oversight and maintenance of the Statewide Plan.
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6 Implementation
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 10.0] Florida does not have job classifications/categories or any full/part-time personnel dedicated to the coordination and oversight of Interoperable Communications at the statewide level. Interoperable Communications planning, oversight, and coordination are accomplished through various committee members of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force and the Florida Executive Interoperable Communication Technologies Committee. A critical and essential priority remains the creation of an office responsible for the full-time coordination of Interoperable Communications at the statewide level. The State has lacked the funding and support for this position, and consequently it remains more of a long term goal as opposed to something that can realistically be achieved in the short term. Establishing a position responsible for full-time dedication to the oversight and coordination of Interoperable Communications on a statewide basis is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of statewide strategic planning initiatives. Until such time as this program is implemented, the burden to ensure effective implementation which includes governance, standard operating procedures, technology, training/exercises, and usage falls back on the RDSTF Interoperable Communications committee members who have full-time public safety responsibilities outside of this function.
6.1 Action Plan – Short and Long Term Goals
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 10.1] Short Term Planning Goals: a. Promote the usage and involvement of interoperable communications on a daily basis for multi-discipline, multi-jurisdiction emergency incidents and planned events. b. Completion of the initial Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning process. This process includes completing the initial release of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan, approval by the State Working Group, approval by the Domestic Security Oversight Council, and submission to the Department of Homeland Security by the December 3, 2007 due date. c. Finalize the process for identification and submission of regional and statewide projects as part of the Public Safety Interoperable Communications grant program. d. Conduct and finalize the process for the identification and submission of regional and statewide projects as part of the annual State Homeland Security grant funding program. e. Initiate annual reviews/updates of the Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans (TICP) that were submitted by the UASI jurisdictions. The Orlando area TICP was just
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completed during 2007 and is on a later schedule than the other four UASI jurisdictions in Florida. f. Work with the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program (IC-TAP) or another contract source to complete TICPs for the three RDSTF regions that do not currently have UASI jurisdictions or regional interoperable communications plans (Regions 1, 2, and 6). These plans will be incorporated into the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan as appendices. g. Continue to roll out comprehensive training on Florida’s interoperable communications plans, resources and assets. Training targets communications personnel, communications technical staff, personnel filling various ICS positions, and first responder personnel from all disciplines. h. Increased involvement in the planning process for training and exercises to ensure that interoperable communications components are effectively embedded into this process. i. Initiate the process to formalize the Communications Unit Leader (COML) certification requirements, and launch the program to train personnel targeted to serve in this capacity. j. Continue planning efforts with specialty resources/response teams such as USAR teams, air assets, transportable communications systems, etc., to ensure adequate allocation and effective coordination of frequency assignment and usage. k. Conduct continual reviews to assess Interoperable Communications Target Capabilities, and identify gaps to provide additional direction in the statewide planning process. Long Term Planning Goals: a. Establish an office at the state level for an Interoperability Coordinator. This office includes any associated resources and staff necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities required to effectively implement and maintain Florida’s Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning process. b. Continue the process to review and update the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan, TIC Plans, other regional plans, and any other plans which involve communications components. c. Provide NIMS, COML, and other Communications Unit positional training throughout the state. d. Maintain, sustain, expand, and build upon the existing interoperable communications assets and STR resources which are in place throughout the state. e. Improve upon the ability to prepare for and recover from catastrophic communications system failure. f. Work with stakeholders from all disciplines and levels of government to establish wide area, standards based, shared communications solutions.
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g. Implementation of the NPSTC common nomenclature for radio programming and for verbal reference when referring to mutual aid channel resources.
6.2 Performance Measures
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 10.2] The effectiveness of communications interoperability can be determined through a number of methods including after action reports, user surveys and testing. Florida utilizes all of these methods to evaluate its interoperable communications solutions. Florida’s strategy consists of wide area, multi-discipline, all-hazard solutions. Performance measures are categorized using the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. Governance: a. Florida’s governance structure is comprehensive as it relates to communications interoperability strategic planning. Review, oversight, and evaluation of effectiveness are accomplished through various levels as listed: 1. Regional Interoperable Communications Committees 2. Florida Executive Interoperable Communications Technologies Committee 3. State Working Group 4. Domestic Security Oversight Council Standard Operating Procedures: a. Standard Operating Procedures are a component of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan, Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans, Regional Interoperable Communications Plans, as well as other plans which contain Interoperable Communications elements. These plans are reviewed on a regular basis, and they are used as a guideline following the response to an emergency incident or planned event to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and the effectiveness of communications interoperability. b. Plans and Standard Operating Procedures that require regular testing to ensure operational readiness of systems and equipment is a critical means for assessing effectiveness. c. Continuity of Operations planning contains comprehensive elements pertaining to Interoperable Communications resources. d. All SOP documents and associated strategic planning initiatives must be compliant with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Technology:
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a. Recognizing that each incident or event presents a unique set of circumstances and challenges, Florida has designed a “tools in the toolbox” approach, also referred to as a “system of systems.” When presented with a problem or a need, a solution is crafted which most appropriately identifies and deploys the resources required to effectively accomplish the desired outcome or objective. The majority of technology capabilities and solutions in Florida fall under the swap/cache radios, gateway, and shared channel categories on the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. The goal as stated previously, is to deploy technology which moves further down the continuum to the Standards Based, Shared System category. Effectiveness of technology solutions is evaluated by assessing: 1. The ability for multiple jurisdictions and multiple disciplines to establish communications interoperability during every-day, normal operations, response to emergency incidents and planned events. 2. Individual agencies have equipment in place which provides the ability to meet the requirements for normal, every-day operations. 3. The ability to establish interoperable communications for all hazards: a. Within a single discipline b. Between disciplines c. Within a single jurisdiction d. Across multiple jurisdictions e. Between municipal, county, state, tribal, military and federal entities f. Sufficient redundancy, STR equipment, or alternate resources are in place to supplement existing resources or for use during system failures. Training and Exercises: a. Florida has a comprehensive training and exercise schedule which requires table-top and full-scale exercises throughout each region on a regular basis. Comprehensive interoperable communications elements must continue to be embedded as part of these exercises to ensure an effective assessment. Successes or gaps are identified and documented during after-action reviews of training and exercise events. b. In the absence of an Interoperability Coordinator function at the state level, the burden to conduct training specific to interoperable communications falls on the RDSTF Interoperable Communications Committees. The effectiveness of training is evaluated during every day activities, and during responses to emergency incidents or planned events. Familiarity with SOPs, system usage, technology, and resources are part of the process to ensure that personnel are trained to utilize the communications systems and resources associated with their role in the public safety response network. Usage:
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a. As mentioned in the previous section, the effectiveness and success of initiatives can be measured based on the abilities of personnel to become familiar with, and utilize the appropriate resources as they carry out normal daily operations and apply them to emergency incidents or planned events. Tracking the progress and success of initiatives is a continual process that is conducted at all levels of Florida’s governance structure. The process begins at the local, individual agency level and works up through the Domestic Security Oversight Council, and even to the state legislative process if applicable.
6.3 Education Process for Policy Makers and Practitioners
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 10.3] Florida’s governance structure is inclusive of all levels of government stakeholders. Municipal, county, state, tribal, military, and federal entities from all jurisdictions and disciplines are included in the process. Review and approval for the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan flows through each of the governance levels, up through the highest level, the Domestic Security Oversight Council. The Regional Interoperable Communications Committees, Statewide Interoperable Communications Committee, the State Working Group, and the Domestic Security Oversight Council meet on a regular basis. Interoperable communications is an integral part of this process. Regular updates and informational items pertaining to interoperable communications are provided in an effort to provide education on interoperability goals and initiatives. Committee members representing interoperable communications also present to associations such as the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, Inc. (APCO), Fire Chiefs Association, Sheriff’s Association, Police Chiefs Association, Governor’s Hurricane Conference, National Emergency Number Association (NENA), legislative committees, and many other ad-hoc panels or events. Annual strategic planning/grant funding workshops are attended by representatives from all disciplines and all levels of government. Each discipline, Interoperable Communications included, presents an educational overview of their current projects, goals and initiatives. Regional and statewide training and exercise events are typically very high-profile activities which involve media as well as attendance by elected officials and other policy makers. These events also serve as opportunities to present educational overviews of interoperable communications capabilities, initiatives, and strategic planning efforts.
6.4 Involvement in Implementation of the State Plan
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 10.4]
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Florida requested and received assistance and support from the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program (IC-TAP). IC-TAP representatives facilitated various sessions and workshops to kick off the planning process, and continue it to completion of the initial draft of the plan. Invitations to participate in this process were distributed through the Regional Interoperable Communications Committees. Regional committees cover all of Florida’s 67 counties. Membership on regional committees includes municipal, county, state, tribal, military and federal representation. Although representation varies throughout the state, participation in the planning process was representative of all disciplines and levels of government. There are five UASI jurisdictions in Florida. The TICP for each of these sites also contains a listing of the participants in the planning process. Participation in planning efforts varied drastically along the way. Florida has experienced budget reductions on a statewide level, and many agencies are mandating restrictions in travel which has made the process more challenging. Invitations to participate were distributed through each level in the governance structure, from the local, regional and statewide committees. Whether or not members were physically able to travel to planning workshops or meetings varies, but electronic mailing and review of documents was an important element of the process that allowed increased participation and involvement. Florida will continue the practice of submitting event notifications, plans and documents on the most comprehensive distribution lists possible in order to ensure access and participation by stakeholders from all disciplines, jurisdictions, and at all levels of government.
6.5 Plan for Operational Requirements, SOPs, Training, Technical Solutions, and Funding Sources
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 10.5] Strategic planning for interoperable communications is an ever-changing process which requires constant involvement and oversight to keep current. The five elements of the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum are integral components of strategic planning efforts. Changes in one category frequently necessitate modifications, adaptation, or updates in another. Florida will receive input from stakeholders on a continual basis and make the necessary adjustments in operational requirements, associated SOPs, training programs, technical solutions, and funding requirements. The need for modification or updates of these components will be identified through activities such as: 1. The regular review of strategic planning documents and efforts. 2. After-Action Reviews/evaluations following emergency incidents, planned events, training and exercises. 3. Participation in the annual strategic planning/grant funding workshops.
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4. Information flowing through the RDSTF Committees, Regional Interoperable Communications Committees, State Working Group, Florida Executive Interoperable Communications Technologies Committee, and Domestic Security Oversight Council. 5. Changes in legislation or other mandates which impact public safety communications. 6. Development and/or release of new technology capabilities. As described previously, short term funding strategies in Florida primarily rely on various grant funding opportunities. Longer term strategy involves formal legislative changes for permanent statewide funding solutions. Funding needs are evaluated annually during the grant funding strategic planning process.
6.6 Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan Point of Contact
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 10.6] Florida does not have full or part time personnel responsible for Interoperable Communications oversight or coordination. This responsibility is currently managed by committee using the Chairs of the State Working Group Interoperable Communications Committee. The full-time dedicated position for the Florida Interoperability Coordinator will be filled by the end of December 2008. Primary Point of Contact: Name: Nancy Dzoba Agency: Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Phone: 954-321-4344 E-Mail: [email protected] Secondary/Alternate Point of Contact: Name: Victor Cullars Agency: Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Tallahassee, Florida Phone: 850-410-8307 E-Mail: [email protected]
6.7 Critical Success Factors for Implementing the Plan
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 10.7] A number of criteria can be utilized to determine the success of implementing the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan. In Florida, the responsibility for this assessment lies with the different components of the governance structure. Factors include the following categories: a. Public safety agencies from all disciplines and jurisdictions are able to effectively establish and utilize interoperable communications systems during normal every day
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operations, during responses to emergency incidents, and when involved in planned events. 2008 b. Interoperable communications capabilities apply to all hazard responses. 2008 c. Interoperable communications solutions involve municipal, county, state, tribal, military, and federal entities. 2010 in concert with PSIC Investment Justifications d. An effective governance structure is in place which is inclusive of all stakeholders. 2002 e. Comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures which address all facets of interoperable communications have been developed, approved, distributed, and are regularly maintained. 2010 f. Regular training and exercises are conducted which involve a thorough assessment of interoperable communications capabilities, familiarity/adherence to SOPs, and system usage. These events must be followed by after action reviews designed to identify gaps, additional training requirements, changes in SOPs, needs for additional technology, etc. Continual with annual review In summary, the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum and the SAFECOM Planning Guidelines will be utilized as the tools and mechanism to accomplish this objective and to determine the success of the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan. Interoperable Communications Committee members may be assigned to coordinate the different elements of this process.
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7 Funding [SAFECOM CRITIERIA 9.0] The Interoperable Communications Committees of the RDSTF regions and the State Working Group focus on projects, tools, and solutions that are at a minimum, regional or statewide in scope. While individual agency or locally owned resources and equipment are unquestionably an important component of Florida’s emergency response system, funding strategies remain focused on regional and statewide assets.
7.1 Committed Funding Sources – Process for Securing Funding:
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 9.1] Grant funding from the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Area Securities Initiative jurisdictions have been the primary source for funding the interoperable communications assets that have been acquired as part of regional and statewide projects. The issue of interoperable communications was historically identified as a significant gap in Florida, and consequently, projects submitted for grant funding have received high priority, and have been funded for the past 3-5 year period. The primary projects that have received at least some portion of funding include: - Florida Interoperability Network - Mutual Aid Build-out Project - Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Systems (EDICS) - Emergency Deployable Wide Area Remote Data Systems (EDWARDS) - Mutual Aid Radio Communications (MARC) Unit Enhancements - Mobile Communications/Command Post Radio Packages - Transportable Trunked Radio Systems Florida conducts an annual grant funding process which includes a three day planning workshop involving all public safety disciplines to identify, finalize and prioritize grant funding requests for each year. The Interoperable Communications Committee is a vital element of this process and submits projects each year. From a technology standpoint, Florida has acquired a wide array of tools needed to establish interoperable communications under a variety of circumstances. With limited amounts of grant funding, interoperable communications projects have transitioned from an acquisition mode, to a maintenance and sustainment mode. Grant funding from various sources has been the primary means for acquiring many of the current assets, and remains the short-term solution for maintenance and sustainment. The
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majority of interoperable communications resources are hosted by local public safety agencies that also contribute a certain percentage of local funds to ensure operational readiness and to maintain the assets.
Florida continues to pursue more permanent, long-term funding solutions as alternatives to the current reliance on grant funding as the means for maintenance and sustainment of interoperable communications resources. The amount of grant funding identified during the funding workshops scheduled in late 2007 totals between $5-6 million to sustain the regional and statewide interoperable communications resources. The Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant funding program awarded $42.8 million to Florida for enhancing interoperable communications capabilities. Each of the state’s seven RDSTF regions as well as the State of Florida agencies intend to submit investment justifications to receive funding for specifically identified projects. Unfortunately with the high cost of acquisition for public safety communications equipment and infrastructure, the PSIC funds will not go a long way toward establishing the highest levels of interoperability in Florida, but it will allow for the initial phases of significant projects to begin throughout the state.
7.2 Comprehensive Funding Strategy
[SAFECOM CRITERIA 9.2] In Florida, the ultimate goal is to move as far down the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum in all areas as possible by establishing wide area, multi-discipline, all hazard response solutions that involve the use of spectrum efficient, standards based shared systems. As mentioned previously, Florida has relied upon grant funding as the short term solution for acquisition, maintenance, and sustainment of interoperable communications resources and assets. This has been coupled with a smaller percentage of funding contributed by local agencies that host the various resources. The level of effectiveness of these systems depends on comprehensive participation, maintenance, and sustainment on a statewide basis. It is essential that funding remain available at the statewide level without shifting responsibility to the local agency budgeting process. Relying on consistent and long term local agency funding is a tremendous risk, and would almost certainly result in decreasing participation and reduced overall effectiveness of the system. Florida has worked to identify potential statewide funding alternatives which could be utilized in the absence of grant funding. Relying on local agency funding is one option if there were no other alternatives, but it remains at the bottom of the priority list for consideration. Long term, comprehensive funding strategies include the following possibilities:
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1. Submit as part of State of Florida General Fund operating budget. 2. Submit for funding through a fee or surcharge based program such as through the vehicle registration process which currently funds the operating expenses of the State Law Enforcement Radio System. Other possibilities include a surcharge from the issuance of traffic citations, etc. 3. Research other grant funding possibilities not previously explored or available. 4. Design some type of funding subsidy arrangement or matching system using a combination of local, state, fee/surcharge, or grant funding. 5. County and city local budget funding. Since Florida has not established any full or part time positions associated with coordination of Interoperable Communications at the statewide level, the responsibility for strategic planning rests with the RDSTF committees and the Florida Executive Interoperable Technologies Committee (FEITC). Member of these committees will continue to work together, and with other stake holders to continue current strategic planning efforts, research of funding alternatives, and project oversight. The Interoperable Communications committee members will continue active involvement as participants in the annual funding strategy sessions that are coordinated through the Regional Domestic Security Task Force efforts. During these sessions, each discipline breaks into separate groups to conduct their planning process, and also provides input to other public safety disciplines as applicable. The annual funding strategy process includes a review of existing projects for maintenance/sustainment needs, the need for new project requests, a plan for project management/oversight, and establishes the budget required for each component. The process involves a peer review and evaluation of all projects as well as a ranking system, followed with approval by submission to the State Working Group and Domestic Security Oversight Council.
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8 Closing Summary
Florida, like other states, has its own set of unique characteristics that present a constant challenge to public safety first responders. Florida’s Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan is considered an evolutionary tool that will undergo revisions on a regular basis. When necessary, it will accommodate critical adjustments. The Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan is considered an essential tool in the overall compilation of resources that aid public safety stake holders in establishing an effective response. Florida is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. Some of the most popular destinations include the Orlando area, the Florida Keys, and the scenic beaches and coastline that surround the majority of the state. The state has several professional sports teams, as well as many University related events that involve large scale, multi-agency, multi-discipline public safety support. Florida also faces many weather related challenges such as droughts, flooding, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorm conditions. Large scale wildfires have strained resources and resulted in wide area mutual aid and federal responses many times during the past decade. The solutions implemented to establish interoperable communications for the various emergency incidents and planned events vary for each situation. Florida’s public safety stake holders from all disciplines are constantly searching for enhancements, technology, and new techniques that improve their ability to meet the challenges of changing conditions, funding constraints, and constantly evolving conditions. As new technology innovations are introduced, particularly those relating to communications, planning efforts must frequently change to coincide and remain current. The Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan is inclusive of many elements including introductory information, background and overview, methodology, a current statewide assessment, strategic initiatives for interoperability, an approach for implementation, funding information, and a closing summary. The initial version of the plan will be completed and submitted in late 2007. In the absence of a statewide interoperability coordinator, the RDSTF Interoperable Communications Committee will continue to serve as the oversight entity responsible for the maintenance, reviews, and updates to the plan.
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Appendix A – Region 1 Technology and Frequency Information (redacted)
Appendix B – Region 2 Technology and Frequency Information (redacted)
Appendix C – Region 3 TIC Plan (redacted)
Appendix D – Region 4 TIC Plan (redacted)
Appendix E – Region 5 TIC Plan (redacted)
Appendix F – Region 7 TIC Plan (redacted)
Appendix G – EMS Communications Plan
Appendix H – Region 9 Plan
Appendix I – Law Enforcement Communications Plan
Appendix J – EDICS Summary
Appendix K – MARC Summary
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Appendix L – FIN Link see below
(http://dms.myflorida.com/cits/public_safety/radio_communications/florida interoperability_network_fin)
Appendix M - Acronym List
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Appendix N - RDSTF SWG IOC Charter
REGIONAL DOMESTIC SECURITY TASK FORCE (RDSTF) STATE WORKING GROUP INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHARTER
1. GOAL/PURPOSE:
a. To improve interoperability among all public safety and public service disciplines throughout Florida. b. Provide guidance and input to all other disciplines regarding technology and solutions to achieve interoperable communications. c. Work with the local and state Emergency Operations Centers as well as the Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) groups to coordinate the deployment and utilization of specialized communications resources/assets which includes the EDICS, MARC, FIN, and radio caches. In the absence of EOC activation or the establishment of a MAC, this coordination takes place with the appropriate positions in the ICS structure such as the IC, Logistics, Operations, etc. d. Provide training for Communications personnel, technicians, and operations personnel regarding regional and statewide mutual aid communications plans and resources. e. Participate in regional and statewide communications planning efforts. f. Facilitate regional meetings on a regular basis with key personnel from all disciplines to disseminate significant information pertaining to public safety communications interoperability and related topics.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL/COMMITTEE FRAMEWORK:
a. Each of Florida’s seven RDSTF regions contains an interoperable communications sub-committee with a chair and co-chairs, and general membership consisting of local, state and federal representatives throughout the region. b. The seven regional Interoperable Communications sub-committees are responsible for carrying out the mission, goals and purpose statements contained in section #1 above.
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3. RELATIONSHIPS:
a. The regional RDSTF committees report up through the State Working Group (SWG), which reports to the Domestic Security Oversight Council (DSOC). b. The RDSTF committees also work in conjunction with the Florida Executive Interoperable Technologies Committee (FEITC).
4. MEETING STRUCTURE:
a. The seven regional committees meet on a regular basis as determined by the regional chairs/co-chairs. b. The SWG meetings are held on a quarterly basis. c. The voting process during meetings is coordinated by the Chair who calls for a vote on an issue when appropriate. Successful passing of the issue is determined by majority vote.
5. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION:
a. Information is disseminated using a variety of methods:
1. E-mail 2. Meeting minutes 3. Threatcom 4. HSIN 5. Reference to web sites 6. Forwarding of electronic documents 7. Conference and telephone calls 8. Meetings
i The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. ii Some fire departments act as EMS transport service providers. iii Public and privately owned and operated are included in total. iv Some fire departments act as EMS transport service providers. v Public and privately owned and operated are included in total.
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