Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order today (Aug. 28) expanding the number of counties under a state of emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia from 33 to 46. Counties included in the executive order are:
St. Johns, Duval, Nassau, Clay, Baker, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia, as well as Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Nassau, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla counties.
DeSantis issued his initial executive order declaring a state of emergency on Saturday, Aug. 26.
In addition, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Florida to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts. The president authorized FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of catastrophe.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the effects of the emergency. Emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program will be provided at 75% federal funding.
