TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expanded his state of emergency declaration on Tuesday ahead of the formation of Tropical Storm Helene.
Initially, the governor's order included 41 of Florida's 67 counties. Now, 61 Florida counties are under the state of emergency. DeSantis' amendment to the order is due to the ongoing forecasting of what's expected to become a potentially major hurricane. The storm's size and potential for storm surge, wind and rainfall played a factor in the governor's decision, according to the declaration.
Here in the Tampa Bay region, Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties all fall under the state of emergency.
The National Hurricane Center says hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area, ahead of potential impacts from the storm. It is expected to become the season's next hurricane by Wednesday.
Issuing a state of emergency allows the state to execute its emergency management plan and carry out any necessary logistical, rescue or evacuation operations.
"Tropical Storm Helene, now formed, is projected to intensify. As always, Florida will prepare for the worst and hope for the best," DeSantis wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We already have nearly 18,000 linemen staged (and more en route), and are ready with search and rescue and roadway clearing crews."
Now is the time to make sure your hurricane kit is ready and up to date.
We will continue to provide the latest information through your 10 Tampa Bay hurricane headquarters.