State of Emergency expanded to 61 Florida counties ahead of storm

In response to an approaching tropical storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, effectively covering nearly the entire state except for Southeast Florida. The announcement was made during a news conference as weather forecasts predict that the storm could make landfall by Thursday, likely between the Nature Coast and Panama City. According to Spectrum News Weather Experts, the storm may reach maximum wind speeds classified as a category 2 or 3 hurricane. The emergency declaration enables the immediate allocation of resources for rescue, evacuation, and sheltering, and may facilitate the state's request for federal assistance. Sarasota and Sumter counties have also preemptively issued their own local states of emergency.

Residents are urged to prepare for potential impacts, which could include heavy rainfall and strong winds. The governor's actions reflect a commitment to ensuring public safety during severe weather events. As the situation develops, local authorities are closely monitoring the storm's trajectory and potential effects on communities across Florida.