Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in Marion and 34 other Florida counties as Hurricane Milton approaches, potentially bringing Category 3 winds and severe storm surges. Authorities are urging residents to prepare as they anticipate life-threatening impacts, especially for communities still recovering from recent hurricanes.
Governor Ron DeSantis has officially announced a state of emergency across Marion County and 34 additional counties in Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which presently poses the threat of bringing winds classified as Category 3 and potentially severe storm surges to the Florida peninsula. This declaration comes in light of the heightened vulnerability of certain areas still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene last month, as well as Hurricane Ian in 2022. The counties included in this state of emergency are Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia. Hurricane Milton is forecasted to escalate rapidly over the coming 36 hours, with expectations of it developing into a substantial Category 3 hurricane by the time it impacts the Florida west coast mid-week, thereby posing a significant risk of life-threatening consequences in certain regions, according to statements from the National Hurricane Center. In preparation for the storm, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management has remained vigilant. On Saturday evening, they communicated to residents via Facebook, urging them to commence preparations in response to Tropical Storm Milton. Their post indicated that the division had begun meetings throughout the weekend to strategize for the impending storm. Additionally, numerous deputies and civilian team members who previously assisted in North Florida are now focused on getting ready for this next storm.
The recent state of emergency declared by Florida’s governor is a proactive measure to prepare for Hurricane Milton, which is projected to significantly impact the state. The emergency declaration serves to mobilize resources and prepare communities that are still recovering from prior hurricanes, thereby ensuring that timely measures are taken to mitigate potential damage and safeguard public safety. With a significant number of counties affected, this indicates widespread concern about the hurricane’s projected severity and its possible effects on residents and infrastructure.
In summary, Governor Ron DeSantis’ declaration of a state of emergency underscores the seriousness of Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida. This initiative aims to provide necessary support to the communities in immediate danger and highlights the ongoing recovery efforts from past hurricanes. Residents are urged to prepare adequately for the impending storm, as authorities remain on alert to respond effectively to any adverse impacts the hurricane may bring.
Original Source: www.ocala.com
