Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Declares State of Emergency After Severe Storms Hit the Panhandle

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 49 counties in the wake of severe storms that pounded the Panhandle, resulting in widespread destruction. The announcement came as the governor’s office rushed to publish the state of emergency order, causing a delay in DeSantis’s scheduled state-of-the-state speech during the legislative session.

Key Points:

1. State of Emergency Declaration: Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for 49 Florida counties after powerful storms, including at least three tornadoes and winds reaching up to 70 mph, swept through the Panhandle. The declaration enables the state to seek federal assistance, activates the National Guard, and allows emergency contracts without the standard bidding process.
2. Extent of Damage: Initial reports and images revealed significant damage, including overturned mobile homes and snapped pine trees. State Senator Jay Trumbull posted pictures of brick structures that had toppled. The storm’s impact may not meet the threshold for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, but state disaster surveyors will assess the affected areas in the coming days.
3. Legislative Session Impact: The severe weather disrupted the opening day of Florida’s 60-day legislative session in Tallahassee. Governor DeSantis, traditionally beginning the session with a state-of-the-state speech, faced a delay as the governor’s office finalized the emergency declaration. Despite the challenges, the legislative proceedings continued without major interruptions.
4. Response and Assistance: Governor DeSantis assured residents that the state would respond appropriately to the aftermath of the tornadoes. The state stands ready to deal with the fallout from the storms, with emergency measures in place to address the immediate needs of affected communities.
5. Previous Weather Threat: In anticipation of the storm, DeSantis had closed most state agency offices the night before, with exceptions for those working in the Capitol. Tallahassee’s power utility service reported over 15,000 customers without power shortly after the storm passed.
6. Historical Context: Some areas affected by the recent storm had previously experienced the devastating impact of Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm that made landfall near Panama City in the past.

As Florida grapples with the aftermath of the severe storms, Governor Ron DeSantis has mobilized resources and activated emergency measures to address the needs of affected communities. The state’s response will likely be closely monitored in the coming days as recovery efforts unfold.