Gov. Scott discusses Irma recovery efforts in Jacksonville area

ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott met with leaders across the Northeast Florida region Tuesday afternoon to check in on Irma recovery efforts.

Leaders from Duval, Clay and Putnam counties attended the meeting at the Orange Park Town Hall. 

Scott talked about several important issues, including the priorities for recovery moving forward.

Insurance was another big topic, and Scott warned of third-party insurance fraud. Scammers want people to sign their insurance over to them, but Scott warned against that.

The governor also offered important advice as cleanup continues. Scott said anyone with damage should:

  • Document it and take pictures, 
  • Protect property, and 
  • Call an adjuster, even if there's minimal damage. 

As of Tuesday, 33,000 people had already filed claims with the state's Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and 70,000 claims are expected.

Scott also expressed concerns about the Zika virus. There are currently no active Zika sites in the state, but with so much standing water, it could become a problem.

"We have a lot of water in our state. We've got to drain and cover," Scott said. "Get rid of standing water to the extent you can."

Though people can't make the flooding go away, if homeowners or business owners have excess water on their properties, they need to get rid of it because that leads to mosquitoes. People are also advised to wear long sleeves and bug repellent to help protect pregnant women and developing babies. 

Scott mentioned he wants to get the state cleaned up quickly to bring back tourism dollars to Florida and all the people who rely those dollars for work.Â