With Hurricane Dorian expected to impact Florida in the coming days, on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 26 counties on or near the state’s Atlantic coast.
“The governor is urging all Floridians on the East Coast to prepare for impacts, as the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center project Hurricane Dorian will make landfall on Florida’s East Coast as a major hurricane,” the governor’s office noted. “By declaring a state of emergency, Governor DeSantis is ensuring that state and local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to prepare. The State Emergency Operations Center will activate to a Level 2 on Thursday morning, enhancing the coordination between federal, state and local emergency management agencies.”
“Today, I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure Florida is fully prepared for Hurricane Dorian,” said DeSantis. “It’s important for Floridians on the East Coast to monitor this storm closely. Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster. I will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian closely with emergency management officials. The state stands ready to support all counties along the coast as they prepare.”
“Because of the uncertainty in the track of this storm, every resident along the East Coast needs to be ready,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz. “As updates come out, it’s important that Floridians continue to pay attention to media and local officials as the track of this storm has been changing and can continue to change rapidly. By having an Executive Order in place and by activating the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 2, we are fully prepared to support any community that might be impacted.”
Counties included in the emergency declaration are:
Baker
Bradford
Brevard
Broward
Clay
Duval
Flagler
Glades
Hendry
Highlands
Indian River
Lake
Martin
Miami-Dade
Monroe
Nassau
Okeechobee
Orange
Osceola
Palm Beach
Putnam
Seminole
St. Johns
St. Lucie
Volusia
Union
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