TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-156 on August 1, declaring a state of emergency for 54 counties, which allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential areas that the storm may impact.
As of 11 a.m. ET on August 2, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is over Cuba and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days. Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, listen to all orders from local officials, create disaster preparedness plans, and stock disaster supply kits with food, water, and other necessities for their households.
FDEM is hosting daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently. Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners for any potential resource requests.
Floridians are encouraged to know the flood risks in their area and prepare for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. To learn more, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide.
State Preparedness Efforts
FDEM has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
The Florida National Guard has approximately 3,000 service members readying for response efforts.
The Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated:
- 70 FSG members to support response and recovery operations;
- Nine shallow water vessels staged for deployment;
- Ten UTVs staged for deployment;
- Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment; and
- Seven search and rescue crews prepared to deploy from Camp Blanding.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path. The FWC is fully integrated into the State Emergency Operations Center, and local FWC law enforcement representatives are coordinating closely with county and city emergency operations centers.
FWC officers are ready to deploy with various specialized equipment as necessary:
- Airboats
- Shallow draft boats
- ATVs/Side by Sides
- Larger platform vessels
- Four-wheel vehicles
These officers and assets are in addition to local FWC officers already assigned to any affected areas. FWC officers have the training, capacity, equipment, and experience to be particularly effective following extreme weather events. FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the State EOC and report back on damage after the storm has made landfall.
FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for EOC aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)’s Emergency Preparedness Unit is activated and deployed to the State Emergency Operations Center. FDLE has prepared a mobile command bus ready for use in impacted areas if necessary.
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has prepared evacuation plans should it become necessary to relocate inmates from smaller satellite facilities into larger parent facilities. Community Corrections is taking precautionary measures while continuing supervision during the upcoming weather event.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues close coordination with state EOC officials. All seven districts initiated statewide internal preparedness conference calls on July 29 which continue daily.
FDOT's statewide preparedness efforts include:
- Clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU).
- Analyzing flooding vulnerabilities.
- Inspecting drainage systems.
- Securing maintenance yards.
Health And Human Services
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR), in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-156.
DOH is staging 90 ambulances throughout the state for emergency evacuations as needed.
The Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) activated its Emergency Patient Look-up System (E-PLUS).
Infrastructure And Roads
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) stands ready with law enforcement partners across the state.
Community Support
The Department of Children & Families (DCF) preps supplies inventory ahead of Invest 97L while also preparing its Hope Bus initiative post-storm.
Education And Agriculture
The Florida Department of Education remains in contact with school districts regarding closures due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Four.
Resources For Businesses
FloridaCommerce activated a private sector hotline at 850-815-4925 open daily from 8:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m., encouraging businesses review their emergency plans ahead of severe weather events.
Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, Facebook or visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.