Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties as Hurricane Milton approaches the state’s west coast. The declaration, issued Saturday intends to mobilize resources and ensure safety of Floridians.
Hurricane Milton, currently intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to make landfall mid-week as a major Category 3 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center has warned of life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Areas recovering from previous hurricanes, such as Helene and Ian, are particularly at risk.
Section 1. Section 1 of Executive Order 24-214 is amended to read as follows:
Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie Sumter, Suwanee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia counties.
Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of preparedness and urged residents to follow local advisories and evacuation orders. “We are taking all necessary precautions to protect our communities. Please stay informed and heed the warnings from local officials,” he stated.
Emergency services are on high alert, and sandbag distribution sites have been set up across the affected areas to help residents protect their properties. The state government is coordinating with federal agencies to ensure a swift response to any potential impacts from Hurricane Milton.
To get updates from the State Emergency Response Team, text FLPREPARES to 888-777.
