Ron DeSantis Issues State of Emergency for 25 Florida Counties Ahead of Tropical Depression Nine—Key Updates and Safety Tips

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 26-202 declaring a state of emergency for 25 north-Florida counties as Tropical Depression Nine churns toward the Gulf Coast, with forecasters warning the system could intensify into Hurricane Isaias later this week. The governor’s order covers Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla and Washington counties, unlocking emergency funds and allowing agencies to pre-position life-saving resources. “Floridians should take this time to get disaster plans in place and ensure their hurricane supply kit is stocked,” DeSantis said, urging residents to review evacuation routes and monitor local alerts. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is already staging generators, fuel, sandbags, flood barriers, bottled water, shelf-stable meals and tarps in Tallahassee and Santa Rosa County for rapid deployment should Hurricane Isaias threaten lives and property. Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center expect the storm’s track to firm up within 24–36 hours. Current models show a possible landfall on the central Gulf Coast, but DeSantis warned that dangerous conditions—heavy rain, storm surge, coastal flooding and isolated tornadoes—could extend far from the eye. Many Panhandle communities are already water-logged after weeks of above-average rainfall, raising the risk of flash flooding. Emergency managers recommend that residents: • Finalize a three-day supply of food, water and medication. • Charge mobile devices and back-up power banks. • Secure outdoor furniture and clear storm drains. • Know your evacuation zone; if you live in a low-lying or mobile-home area, plan to relocate early. • Check on elderly neighbors and those with special needs. State officials are coordinating with county emergency operations centers, the Florida National Guard and utility companies to expedite power-restoration crews. FDEM’s SERT logistics team is also in contact with FEMA should federal assistance be required. Travelers should expect fuel shortages and potential interstate lane reversals if evacuation orders are issued. Airlines at Tallahassee International, Pensacola International and Northwest Florida Beaches International have begun waiving change fees for flights through the weekend. This is DeSantis’s second major hurricane response of 2026; the governor faced Tropical Storm Colin in July, earning praise for accelerating debris-removal contracts. Political analysts note that proactive storm management remains a key issue for the likely 2028 presidential contender, especially among suburban voters along the I-10 corridor. Residents can get real-time updates by following @FLSERT on X, signing up for Alert Florida texts, or visiting FloridaDisaster.org. For official storm tracks, consult hurricanes.gov. With the Atlantic season’s historical peak now past but warm Gulf waters still fueling rapid intensification, DeSantis stressed vigilance: “We hope for the best, but we’re preparing for the worst. Florida will be ready.”