§ 2-78. Executive policy group.

The executive policy group provides executive-level policy decisions relating to priorities in an emergency or other event that may strain local resources. Further, the executive policy group provides executive-level nonemergency direction in the comprehensive emergency management program ensuring comprehensive disaster planning is done by all groups represented in the emergency management working group. The executive policy group shall conduct business related to emergency management and shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson. The chairperson or vice chairperson, in his/her absence, shall be responsible for providing leadership, direction, and rules for conduct within the group.

(1)

During periods of normal operations, the executive policy group shall meet on a regular basis as determined by the duly elected chair, but at a minimum of four (4) times annually, to confer and provide direction within the emergency management program. The presence, conduct and direction of the executive policy group do not affect the reporting relationship of the office of emergency management within the county structure.

(2)

During periods of emergency or impending threat, the board may declare a state of local emergency and delegate authority to the executive policy group to make emergency policy decisions that are consistent with the comprehensive emergency management plan, which may be done by executive order or emergency rules. In accordance with the comprehensive emergency management plan, the executive policy group shall have the power and authority to direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from the stricken or threatened area within the county if it deems this action necessary for the preservation of life or other emergency mitigation, response, or recovery.

a.

Pursuant to F.S. § 252.46(2), all executive orders and emergency rules imposed and enacted pursuant to this section shall be reduced to writing as soon as possible, filed with the clerk to the board of county commissioners, and concurrently posted prominently upon the premises then serving as the headquarters of county governmental operations. Further, copies of all such executive orders and emergency rules shall be delivered, as soon as possible to representatives of the print and electronic news media and all appropriate law enforcement officers and other appropriate government administration officials.

b.

All executive orders and emergency rules issued under this Section shall indicate the nature of the emergency, the threatened area or areas of the county, and the conditions creating the disaster or threat. The content of such orders shall be promptly disseminated to the general public and to the governing bodies of the applicable municipalities within the county and contiguous jurisdictions.

c.

During the existence of a state of local emergency, the executive policy group shall have the power and authority, to impose by executive order, any restrictions outlined in F.S. § 252.38, that are consistent with the comprehensive emergency management plan.

d.

To the extent consistent with the comprehensive emergency management plan, an executive order of the executive policy group may exempt, from all or any part of such restrictions, physicians, nurses and ambulance operators performing medical services; on-duty employees of hospitals and other medical facilities; on-duty military personnel; bona fide members of the news media; personnel of public utilities and public works maintaining essential public services; firefighters, law enforcement officers and personnel; and such other classes of persons as may be essential to the preservation of public order and immediately necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

(Ord. No. 11-16, § 3, 7-11-11)