Today, Governor Ron DeSantis shared updates on the state’s preparations for Tropical Storm Debby at the State Emergency Operations Center. He was joined by Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Jared W. Perdue, Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, and Major General John D. Haas from the Florida National Guard.
The storm is expected to make landfall on Monday in northern parts of the peninsula and panhandle. Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 counties through Executive Order 24-157, issued on August 2.
As reported at 2 PM EDT, Tropical Storm Debby was located approximately 125 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The forecast predicts that the storm will pass across the northeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and reach the Florida Big Bend coast by Monday morning.
The storm’s maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts anticipated, and it is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the Florida Big Bend area.
To ensure preparedness, FDEM is conducting daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and facilitate quick responses. Coordination efforts include working with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners for potential resource requests.
Residents are advised to understand their area’s flood risks and prepare accordingly for possible impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. More information can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/Guide.
In terms of health services preparedness, “Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) conducted onsite visits this morning to check generator status.”
The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has also been active: “Insurance Commissioner Yaworsky called property and casualty insurance companies with consumers in the projected path of Tropical Storm Debby and directed insurers to be prepared to implement their disaster claims-handling procedures and be able to provide prompt and efficient claims-handling service to impacted policyholders.”
For further updates on Tropical Storm Debby, follow FDEM on social media platforms or visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
