Press Release
By the Governor’s Press Office
09-24-24
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2024, I issued Executive Order 24-208, declaring a state of emergency for forty-one counties across the State of Florida due to the dangers presented by Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine; and
WHEREAS, on September 24, 2024, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is located 120 miles west-southwest of Grand Cayman, or 395 miles south-southwest of Key West, Florida, and is moving northwest at 8 mph; and
WHEREAS, based on atmospheric and oceanic conditions, highly conducive environmental cot;i.ditions are for~cast to. dev~lop Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine into a tropical storm this afternoon over the northwestern Caribbean Sea, and become a hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday; and
WHEREAS, computer forecast models indicate a likely possibility of significant to rapid intensification ofthis system, forming a major hurricane before it approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday; and
WHEREAS, the forecast indicates that this system will become large and powerful before landfall, and there is a significant threat of life-threatening storm surge and damaging wind gusts for the Florida Gulf Coast; and
WHEREAS, due to the system’s size, the accompanying storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts will extend well away from its center, and the faster forward approach of this system will likely result in farther inland penetration of strong winds even after landfall; and
WHEREAS, there are Tropical Storm Watches in effect for eighteen Florida counties, Hurricane Watches in effect for eighteen Florida counties, and Storm Surge Watches extending from the Southwest Florida Coast to the central Florida Panhandle; and
WHEREAS, the water tables and riverine levels across much of north and west-central Florida remain in above normal stage due to recent Hurricane Debby and additional heavy rainfall could cause sign:ificant riverine flooding that may prolong impacts for an extended period of time; and
WHEREAS, these impacts could damage the operational capability of critical infrastructure including major interstates, roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, and power grids; and
WHEREAS, an amendment to Executive Order 24-208 is necessary because recovery efforts and those affected by this disaster require the continued support ofthe State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, as Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section l(a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
Section 1. Section I of Executive Order 24-208 is amended to read as follows:
Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.
Section 2. Except as amended herein, Executive Order 24-208 is ratified and reaffirmed.
Section 3. This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall expire upon the expiration of Executive Order 24-208.
