In preparation for the potential landfall of Invest 97L, Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-156, declaring a state of emergency for several counties across Florida. The order aims to ensure that necessary resources and measures are in place to protect residents and manage the anticipated impacts of the storm.

The counties under the state of emergency include Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

Potential Impacts

According to meteorological reports, Invest 97L, currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, is expected to develop into a tropical depression over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula by the weekend. The storm poses a significant threat of heavy rainfall, with projections of up to 12 inches over the next seven days, leading to potential flash flooding, river flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, and gusty winds.

Governor DeSantis emphasized the potential risks, stating, “Prolonged heavy rainfall can severely impact critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airports, schools, and hospitals. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Floridians.”

Emergency Measures

The Executive Order designates the Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management as the State Coordinating Officer, responsible for implementing the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. This includes coordinating response, recovery, and mitigation efforts, as well as logistical, rescue, and evacuation operations. The order also authorizes the activation of the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard as needed.

Governor DeSantis has also empowered state agencies to suspend certain regulations and statutes to expedite the emergency response. These measures include:

• Waiving tolls and other fees to facilitate evacuation and emergency assistance.
• Allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency prescription refills.
• Permitting out-of-state medical professionals to provide services in Florida.
• Ensuring public facilities are available as shelters for evacuees.

Community Preparedness

Howey-in-the-Hills Town Manager Sean O’Keefe confirmed that local authorities have been collaborating with Publix Super Markets Inc., which recently purchased land in the area for a new grocery store. The town has been preparing for potential impacts and coordinating with state and federal agencies to ensure the community is ready.

Residents are urged to stay informed about the storm’s progress and follow instructions from local emergency management officials. For more information and updates, visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website at www.floridadisaster.org.

Photos provided by The Weather Channel