TITLE
title
Memorandum of Agreement for Use of WeatherSTEM Stations Between Florida Division of Emergency Management and Hernando County Board of County Commissioners
body
BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Florida Legislature has appropriated funds to the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for the Florida Severe Weather Mesonet (FSWN) - more commonly referred to as WeatherSTEM. A portion of this appropriation is intended to provide FDEM and local partners with hyper-local, real-time weather data in strategic locations to provide critical information to assist in response activities, operational decision support, and the deployment of resources to impacted areas during time of severe weather.
FDEM has contracted with WeatherSTEM for the purchase and installation of weather monitoring systems in designated locations throughout the state, including maintenance for three (3) years (approximately $25,000.00). The ownership of two (2) weather stations will be transferred to Hernando County upon installation at the following locations:
• HCFR Station 6 - 3451 Shoal Line Blvd. Hernando Beach, FL 34607
• Hernando County Emergency Operations Center - 18900 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34601
To ensure that the FSWN continues to benefit the state, Hernando County will agree to maintain each weather station it receives for at least an additional seven (7) years following the end of the WeatherSTEM maintenance agreement with FDEM (approximately $2,500.00 per year, per station).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
Strategic Theme: B - Commitment to Public Safety
Goal B.2 Excellent, Responsive Emergency Management
Objective B.2.2 Support the adoption of technologies that enhance real-time communication and disaster recovery monitoring, with phased implementation beginning in 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the County for the first three (3) years under the agreement. The cost associated with the remaining seven (7) years of the ten (10) year total agreement (approximately $2,500.00 per year, per station) is eligible for reimbursement under the Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) grant and may also be eligible under the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to act on this matter pursuant to Chapters 125 and 252, Florida Statutes.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the Memorandum of Agreement between FDEM and Hernando County for the installation and use of two (2) WeatherSTEM systems for hyper-local, real-time weather data to provide critical information to assist in response activities, operational decision support, and the deployment of resources to impacted areas during times of severe weather.