Governor DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is actively monitoring and preparing for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four.
On August 1, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-156, declaring a state of emergency for 54 counties. This declaration enables state officials to allocate critical resources to communities ahead of the storm’s potential impact.
On August 2, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is positioned over Cuba and is expected to intensify into a tropical storm in the coming days.
Floridians are urged to stay informed about weather conditions, adhere to local officials’ directives, formulate disaster preparedness plans, and stock up on essential supplies, including food and water.
Read: Hillsborough County Declares Local Emergency, Offers Sandbags Ahead Of Tropical Cyclone Four
FDEM is conducting daily calls with all 67 counties to assess needs and ensure rapid and effective response capabilities. Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to address any resource requests.
Floridians should be aware of the flood risks in their areas and take steps to mitigate potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. More information can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/Guide.
Read: City Of Temple Terrace Declares Local State Of Emergency
State Preparedness Efforts
- FDEM: The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to Level 1, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
- Florida National Guard: Approximately 3,000 service members are on standby for response efforts.
- Florida State Guard (FSG): Activated 70 members, nine shallow water vessels, 10 UTVs, two amphibious rescue vehicles, and seven search and rescue crews.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): High-water vehicles and other storm response resources are ready for rapid deployment. FWC officers and specialized equipment are prepared for post-storm damage assessments and recovery operations.
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): The Emergency Preparedness Unit is activated and deployed to the State Emergency Operations Center, with a mobile command bus ready for use.
- Florida Department of Corrections (FDC): Evacuation plans are in place for inmates, with precautions taken for probation officers’ safety.
Read: Florida Red Tide Update: No Red Tide Detected Statewide, August 2, 2024
- Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT): Coordination with state EOC officials, securing maintenance yards, inspecting drainage systems, and staging assets for deployment. The public is encouraged to use the FL511 app for road/bridge closures and detours.
- Florida Department of Health (DOH): Staging 90 ambulances for emergency evacuations.
- Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA): Activated the Emergency Patient Look-up System (E-PLUS) and initiated communication with healthcare associations.
- Florida Highway Patrol (FHP): Ready to implement 12-hour shifts and assist with potential impacts.
- Department of Children and Families (DCF): Inventorying needs and supplies, with the Hope Florida ‘Hope Bus’ ready for post-storm deployment.
- Florida Department of Education (DOE): Communicating with school districts and state colleges for potential closures. Visit fldoe.org/storminfo for updates.
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS): Ensuring adequate fuel supplies and coordinating with agricultural partners.
Read: Hillsborough County Detention Deputy Arrested For Accessing Video Footage Of Nude Inmates
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Working with response agencies to support drinking and wastewater facilities and deploying temporary pumps to alleviate flooding. Visit FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates for state park closures.
Resources for Employees, Businesses, and Consumers
- Florida Attorney General’s Office: Activated the price gouging hotline at (866) 966-7226.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Organized Emergency Response Teams to assess damage and inspect licensed establishments post-storm.
- FloridaCommerce: Activated the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925 and encourages businesses to prepare their employees. Visit FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates for updates.
- Office of Financial Regulation (OFR): Issued a proclamation to financial institutions and securities professionals regarding Invest 97L.
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