Governor Ron DeSantis, along with Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared Perdue, provided key updates on the state’s ongoing preparedness efforts for Hurricane Milton.
As of 5 p.m. ET, Hurricane Milton is located roughly 805 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.
The storm is forecast to intensify as it moves north of the Yucatan Peninsula and crosses the southern Gulf of Mexico on Monday and Tuesday, with an expected approach to Florida’s west coast by Wednesday.
Read: Pinellas County Orders Mandatory Evacuations For Healthcare Facilities, Affecting 6,600 Patients
In response to the storm, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order (EO) 24-215, amending the prior EO 24-214, and extending the state of emergency to 51 counties across Florida.
Key Preparedness Efforts:
- FDEM has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1, coordinating the State Emergency Response Team, which is engaged in over 450 missions. These efforts include resource staging, protecting critical infrastructure, and personnel coordination across the state.
- Tropicana Field will host a 10,000-person base camp to support debris operations and post-storm recovery efforts.
- Fuel and EV Charger Deployment: FDEM is coordinating the pre-staging of fuel and EV chargers along key evacuation routes to assist in the smooth evacuation of residents.
- FWC has mobilized 75 officers equipped with airboats, high-water vehicles, and other specialized resources to assist with potential flooding and storm damage.
- Health and Human Services: Agencies like the Department of Health, Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and Department of Children and Families (DCF) are ensuring emergency response vehicles and health care resources are positioned in key areas. Multiple health care facilities have already initiated evacuations, and state mental health treatment facilities are activating disaster preparation plans.
- FDOT is actively preparing Florida’s roadways by clearing drainage systems, staging pumps, and securing infrastructure like bridges and lighting. FDOT has also deployed resources such as 1,015 generators, over 350 pieces of heavy equipment, and 20 drone teams to assist with storm damage assessments.
- Florida National Guard: Over 800 guardsmen have been activated, primarily in Pinellas County, with up to 4,000 more ready to support debris removal efforts.
Read: AccuWeather Warns Tampa Bay Region To Prepare For Potential ‘Historic’ Hurricane Milton
Resources for Residents and Businesses:
- Price Gouging Hotline: Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline remains active, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious price increases.
- FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline to provide updates and resources for businesses preparing for the storm.
- VISIT FLORIDA is maintaining emergency accommodation modules to help Floridians and visitors find real-time hotel availability.
For the latest updates and preparedness resources, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. Additionally, county-specific resources and contacts are available at FloridaDisaster.org/Counties.
Governor DeSantis urged all Floridians to take this storm seriously, monitor weather updates, and follow guidance from local authorities to stay safe.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.