Staff Reports
Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday declared a state of emergency in 29 Florida counties as Tropical Storm Nate seems headed for the state.
Scott issued Executive Order 17-262 declaring a state of emergency in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Baker, Union, Bradford, and Alachua counties.
The governor “is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe,” according to a press release.
“Tropical Storm Nate is headed north toward our state and Florida must be prepared,” Scott said in a statement. “While current forecast models have the storm’s center west of Florida, we must be vigilant and get prepared.
“Given these forecasts, I have declared a state of emergency … to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and ensure resources are dispersed to local communities,” he added. “By declaring an emergency in these counties, we can also ensure that there is no hindrance in the transportation of supplies and assets.”
“I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news and visit FLGetAPlan.com today as we all prepare for Tropical Storm Nate. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Tropical Storm Nate as it approaches the Gulf Coast.”
