Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis issue a state of emergency for many counties in the state. The governor is taking executive action ahead of a potential tropical system that could bring flooding rain to much of the state. First to Know Chief Meteorologist broke this news live on ABC 27 News at 5:00. Watch that video above.
Ahead of that system, which was dubbed “Invest 97L” Thursday, Governor DeSantis declared the following counties under a state of emergency:
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 Washington
In the order, the governor said “based on meteorological reports, there is significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of the State of Florida, with the possibility of at least twelve (12) inches of rainfall over the next seven (7) days.”
The governor added, “I order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, as needed, to deal with this emergency. I further order the Director of the Florida State Guard to activate the Florida State Guard, as needed, to respond to this emergency.”