Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 25 Florida counties Tuesday as Tropical Depression Nine approached the northern Gulf Coast and threatened parts of North Florida with heavy rain, flooding, high winds and storm surge.
The order covers 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 counties.
“Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9. This order will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to stage critical preparedness resources and ensure Florida is ready to respond,” said Governor DeSantis. “Floridians should take this time to get disaster plans in place and ensure their hurricane supply kit is stocked.”
The National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Nine on Oct. 6 and forecast it to strengthen into a hurricane while approaching the northern Gulf Coast. It also cites five to nine inches of rainfall already reported in parts of North Florida, contributing to saturated soils, elevated water levels and increased flood risks.
Under the declaration, the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management is designated as the state coordinating officer and is authorized to direct emergency response and recovery efforts, seek federal assistance and coordinate resources from other states.
The order also authorizes the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard to activate as needed.
State transportation officials may waive tolls if necessary for evacuations, close or manage roadways and ease certain restrictions on commercial vehicles transporting emergency supplies. Pharmacists may also provide up to 30-day emergency refills of maintenance medications in affected counties.
