DeSantis declares state of emergency in 25 Florida counties

Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Tuesday for 25 Florida counties as the state prepares for possible impacts from a developing tropical system in the Gulf.

DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-202, activating additional state resources and allowing emergency officials to begin preparations before the system approaches the northern Gulf Coast. The declaration was issued specifically in preparation for Tropical Depression Nine, according to the Governor’s Office. FLGov

The 25 counties covered by the emergency declaration are Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla and Washington. FLGov

Most of the counties are located in the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend and North Florida, the areas currently being watched most closely for potential impacts.

The declaration does not mean that a hurricane is certain to strike Florida. It is a precautionary measure that gives state and local agencies more flexibility to prepare personnel, equipment and emergency resources before conditions deteriorate.

Earlier Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said the Gulf system was becoming better organized and that development was increasingly likely. Forecasters said the disturbance was expected to eventually turn north or northeast toward the northern Gulf Coast and specifically advised people from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana to closely monitor its progress. National Hurricane Center

Florida officials say the State Emergency Response Team is already taking precautions so resources can be deployed quickly if necessary. FLGov

The storm’s exact track and potential intensity near the Gulf Coast remain uncertain, meaning the areas at greatest risk could change as new forecasts become available.

For now, residents in the affected North Florida counties are being urged to monitor official forecasts and review their hurricane preparations as the system develops.