Staff Reports
Gov. Rick Scott on Monday declared a state of emergency in 31 Florida counties in response to Tropical Storm Emily.
“A state of emergency gives the state the flexibility to work with local governments to ensure they have all the resources they may need,” a press release from the Governor’s Office said.
“Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties,” it added. “At this time, there are no evacuation orders in effect. The Florida National Guard stands ready to assist with any storm related impacts.”
“Earlier this morning, Tropical Depression Six was upgraded to Tropical Storm Emily and tropical storm warnings are currently in effect along Florida’s west coast,” Scott said in a statement.
“Upon learning of this tropical system from the National Hurricane Center, the State of Florida immediately engaged to prepare for any potential storm impacts,” he said. “… While this storm developed quickly overnight and will swiftly move across our state, storms can always develop rapidly and that is why is it so important to be prepared at the start of hurricane season.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit FLGetAPlan.com for preparation resources.
“We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Tropical Storm Emily as it moves across Florida today,” the governor added.
