Florida Governor Declares State of Emergency for 25 Counties

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Tuesday for 25 Florida counties as Tropical Depression Nine nears the Gulf Coast. The order activates the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the State Emergency Response Team, allowing resources to mobilize ahead of the storm. Forecasters anticipate the system will strengthen, potentially bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding and isolated tornadoes, particularly to North Florida.

While the immediate threat targets areas north of the Suncoast, residents across Florida, including Englewood and Manasota Key, should finalize disaster preparedness plans. Essential supplies like generators, fuel, flood barriers, bottled water, non-perishable food, tarps, Tiger Dams and sandbags are being staged in the Tallahassee and Santa Rosa regions.

Officials noted that recent heavy rainfall has saturated North Florida's ground, raising concerns about flooding even from a moderate storm. Governor DeSantis urged residents to prepare, stating, "Use this time to get your disaster plan in place and make sure your hurricane supply kit is fully stocked." With hurricane season active, residents in potentially affected counties should check on neighbors and confirm their readiness.