Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took swift action on Tuesday, Oct. 6, by signing an executive order that declares a state of emergency for 25 counties across the state’s Panhandle and Big Bend regions. The declaration comes as Tropical Depression Nine formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, bringing sustained winds of about 35 mph and a projected eastward track.
Counties under the emergency declaration
The counties now under the emergency order include Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla, and Washington. These areas span coastal communities and inland locales that could feel the storm’s impacts.
Governor’s message to Floridians
In a statement, DeSantis said, “Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9. This order will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to stage critical preparedness resources and ensure Florida is ready to respond.” He added that residents should use this time to finalize disaster plans and stock their hurricane supply kits.
What officials are doing
The governor’s office noted that DeSantis and the Florida State Emergency Response Team are already coordinating resources, positioning shelters, and preparing the state’s emergency management assets. The National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. advisory placed the system in the southwestern Gulf, moving east at about 5 mph. Forecasts indicate the depression could strengthen into a tropical storm on Wednesday and possibly reach Category 1 hurricane strength by Thursday night.
If the system attains tropical‑storm status, it will be named Isaias. The National Hurricane Center expects tropical‑storm‑force winds to affect the Big Bend region and could extend westward into parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana as early as Thursday night or Friday morning.
How Floridians can prepare
Residents are urged to review evacuation routes, secure loose outdoor items, and ensure generators and other emergency equipment are operational. The governor’s office directs citizens to the official website FloridaDisaster.org for detailed preparation guides, shelter locations, and real‑time updates.
WPBF 25 will continue to provide on‑air and online coverage of the storm’s progress. Readers can also download the WPBF 25 News app for the latest alerts and safety information.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
