RPPTL Members,

This is a follow up to my initial communication regarding Hurricane Sally relief efforts. Brian Sparks, on behalf of the Disaster and Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee, has been in touch with Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. (“LSNF”), which has offices in Pensacola and other north Florida cities. Executive Director Leslie Powell-Boudreaux has just told us that the State is still setting up disaster recovery centers and assessing damage and that FEMA has not yet declared the area for assistance. Nonetheless, LSNF continues to anticipate title and other issues arising as the assessment proceeds and assistance becomes available. The assessment efforts have been impaired because several bridges are out throughout the affected counties.

IN THE MEANTIME, LSNF has an immediate need for volunteer lawyer assistance this Friday through Sunday. A +/-200 unit apartment complex in Pensacola flooded significantly. It imminently will become uninhabitable due to mold. Escambia County has asked LSNF to staff a resource center for the residents this weekend, Friday (10-5), Saturday (8-5), and Sunday (12-5), which LSNF intends to do at 900 South Old Corry Field Road, Pensacola just down the road from the affected complex, Forest Creek Apartments. The anticipated issues are largely landlord-tenant and HUD related. If you are able to assist, please contact Leslie directly at her Office: 850-385-9007 ext. 1007; Direct: 850-701-3307; and Email: Leslie@LSNF.org and she will get you scheduled and set up. She needs boots on the ground in Pensacola. If you are in the Escambia County area and able to help, it would be greatly appreciated. Note that you would be working on behalf of LSNF, so pursuant to Rule 4-6.6 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, you will not have to address conflict issues or open an engagement for the residents you help. All services would be rendered through LSNF.

Thank you.

Bill  Hennessey