STORM WARNING
Calhoun and Liberty included
in warning for 33 counties
Governor declares state of emergency in preparation for possible tropical storm
TALLAHASSEE — Today, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-171, declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties in preparation for Invest 93L, which is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days. The Governor and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are taking timely precautions to ensure Florida’s communities, infrastructure and resources are prepared, including those communities that are still recovering following Hurricane Ian. To read the Executive Order, click here.
“I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency out of an abundance of caution to ensure that the Florida Division of Emergency Management can begin staging resources and Floridians have plenty of time to prepare their families for a storm next week,” the governor said. “I encourage Floridians to have a plan in place and ensure that their hurricane supply kit is stocked.”
To find resources to help you and your family prepare for this storm, you can visit floridadisaster.org/planprepare.
The forecast currently places a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast early – mid next week, with the potential for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and for isolated tornadic activity. Gov. DeSantis issued the State of Emergency for the following 33 counties:
- Alachua
- Bay
- Calhoun
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- Columbia
- DeSoto
- Dixie
- Franklin
- Gadsden
- Gilchrist
- Gulf
- Hamilton
- Hardee
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Lee
- Leon
- Levy
- Liberty
- Madison
- Manatee
- Marion
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Polk
- Sarasota
- Sumter
- Suwannee
- Taylor
- Wakulla
As of 2 p.m. ET, Invest 93L is located near the Yucatan Channel, and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days. Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and listen to all orders from local officials, as well as review their disaster preparedness plans and stock their disaster supply kits with food, water and other necessities for their households.
FDEM is hosting daily calls with all 67 counties to identify resource needs and to ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently. Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations and private sector partners for potential resource requests.
State Preparedness Efforts
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center Team to support ongoing operations. FDLE has prepared:
One mobile command vehicle;
One operations berg; and
Two berthing bergs.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and are flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
FWC Officers will respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, including:
Shallow draft boats;
Larger platform vessels;
ATVs;
Airboats; and
Four-wheel drive vehicles.
These assets are in addition to local FWC officers deployed to potentially affected areas.
FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and report back on damage after the storm has made landfall.
FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for EOC aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
The Florida Highway Patrol is prepared to implement 12-hour Alpha, Bravo shifts in preparation for Invest 93L.
Health and Human Services
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is prepared to request early release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits depending on the severity of the storm.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics stands ready to coordinate with wholesale distributors of prescription drugs and medical gas to ensure an uninterrupted supply for potential impacted residents.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has distributed a statewide reminder regarding special needs shelter registration on social media platforms.
DOH is working with local emergency management to prepare special needs shelter staffing and clientele.
DOH has published resources for storm preparedness and safety on FloridaHealth.gov/Emergency. Information is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
The Office of Insurance Regulation has sent a reminder that all health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other health entities must comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes, which allows for early prescription refills in the event the Governor issues an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency. This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s Executive Order is rescinded or expires.
Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) team members are readying equipment and vehicles in case of the need for pre-staging and immediate deployment.
The Howard Frankland Bridge project in Tampa is securing barges in the area. All other active construction projects are on alert and standing ready to implement any necessary actions related to storm preparations.
FDOT is in close communications with transportation partners across the state, including airports, seaports, rail lines and transit agencies, as they are on watch and making any necessary preparations.
Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is available for drivers to stay informed about roadway conditions during emergencies. This service is monitored and updated 24/7 by FDOT and includes traffic conditions, road and bridge closures, and other specialized alerts. To use Florida’s 511, visit the website at FL511.com or download the app—on both Apple and Android devices.
FDOT reminds motorists to always drive safely. Remember to avoid distractions and slow down during inclement weather.
Currently, no Florida State Parks are closed. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of potential closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates.
Resources for Employees and Businesses
Florida Commerce will activate the Florida Private Sector Hotline (850-815-4925) beginning Sunday, August 27 at 12:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
The DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants is coordinating and preparing emergency response teams in all seven district offices statewide for a post-storm rapid response to assist lodging establishments and restaurants in reopening as necessary.
Follow @FLSERT and @GovRonDeSantis on Twitter for live updates. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org to find information on emergency preparedness.
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