HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla – Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise has signed an executive order extending the county’s state of local emergency in response to the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton. The extension, authorized under the County’s Emergency Management Ordinance and Chapter 252 of Florida Statutes, will remain in effect through February 2, 2025.
The original emergency declaration was enacted on October 6, 2024, as Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s Gulf Coast, bringing widespread damage and disruption to the region. County officials emphasized that the extension is necessary to continue providing essential resources and support to residents affected by the storm.
READ: Sod Farm Murders: Florida Judge Rejects Bid To Block Execution Of James Ford Set For Feb 13
Under Florida law, a local state of emergency can only remain active for seven days unless it is rescinded or extended. By maintaining the emergency status, Hillsborough County leaders retain the ability to take swift action to safeguard public health and safety while ensuring the timely allocation of disaster relief resources.
The emergency order allows the County Administrator and emergency management officials to:
- Mobilize personnel and resources to support ongoing recovery operations.
- Expedite procurement of emergency supplies and services.
- Implement necessary public safety measures to protect residents.
- Facilitate access to state and federal disaster relief funding, including reimbursement for eligible storm-related expenses.
In addition to Hillsborough County’s declaration, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statewide emergency declaration, further enabling access to federal assistance and relief programs.
County officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and take advantage of available resources to aid in their recovery. Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can seek assistance through the county’s disaster relief programs, emergency shelters, and financial aid services.
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.
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.