Governor Ron DeSantis and Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, addressed the public from the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee about preparations for Tropical Storm Milton. The storm is currently positioned approximately 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa with winds reaching up to 60 mph and is expected to move across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida's west coast.
In response, Governor DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-215, declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties. Residents are encouraged to visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide for hurricane season navigation tips and FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for county resource updates.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has activated its operations center at Level 1 to manage coordination efforts. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs is preparing nursing homes statewide, while the Department of Law Enforcement conducts equipment maintenance and establishes regional law enforcement teams. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has prepared high-water vehicles and other resources for rapid deployment.
Health services are also mobilizing. The Department of Health has deployed over 200 emergency vehicles along the I4 Corridor, while the Agency for Health Care Administration monitors healthcare facilities' readiness through its reporting system. Additionally, the Department of Elder Affairs is liaising with Area Agencies on Aging.
Infrastructure measures by the Department of Transportation include clearing road shoulders and drainage systems, securing construction sites, and staging ITS trailers and drone teams. The department urges drivers to use FL511.com for travel updates. Meanwhile, debris removal continues under FDOT coordination.
The Department of Environmental Protection collaborates with EPA’s Landfill Strike Teams on debris management sites authorized post-Hurricane Helene. Water management districts are supporting local governments with flood prevention measures.
Preparations extend to law enforcement and education sectors as well. The Highway Patrol stages rescue vehicles and quick response troopers, while monitoring school districts' readiness in collaboration with the Department of Education.
Business resources are being managed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation across multiple offices statewide. FloridaCommerce provides a hotline for private sector inquiries at (850) 815-4925 or via email at ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
Real-time hotel availability is accessible through VISIT FLORIDA's Emergency Accommodation Modules on major booking platforms. Updates related to business closures can be found at FloridaDisaster.biz.
For further information regarding ongoing efforts concerning Hurricane Helene or Tropical Storm Milton, follow FDEM on social media or visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.