Gov. Ron DeSantis orders tolls to be suspended on some Florida roads ahead of Idalia
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As Hurricane Idalia takes aim at Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended tolls on some roads to help residents and visitors evacuate.
Idalia is expected to make landfall along Florida's Big Bend as a Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and a possible storm surge of 8 to 12 feet in some locations.
➤ Spaghetti models for Hurricane Idalia
Here's what you should know about tolls on some Florida roads.
Are tolls suspended in Florida?
Only on some highways along the West Coast of Florida.
DeSantis announced Monday he was suspending tolls along Florida’s west coast in preparation for Hurricane Idalia.
By suspending tolls in the impacted area, Floridians and visitors will be better able to quickly and safely evacuate when directed by local officials, a news release said.
Live updates: Hurricane Idalia rapidly intensifying; 22 Florida counties under evacuation orders
When will Florida tolls be waived?
The Florida Department of Transportation and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise stopped collecting tolls at 4 a.m. Tuesday. The tolls will resume at noon Sept. 5.
What roads are included in the toll suspension?
Hillsborough County
I-4 Connector
Selmon Expressway (S.R. 618)
Veterans Expressway (S.R. 589)
Suncoast Parkway (S.R. 589)
Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties
Suncoast Parkway (S.R. 589)
Lake, Sumter counties and portions of Orange County
Turnpike Mainline (I-75 to I-4)
Pinellas County
Pinellas Bayway (S.R. 679)
Sunshine Skyway Bridge (U.S. 19)
Latest on Idalia: Hurricane Idalia strengthening. Florida bracing for Category 3 storm
Why did DeSantis suspend tolls on some roads?
“Anyone who receives an evacuation order needs to make plans to go to a safe area now. You do not need to leave the state — travel tens of miles, not hundreds of miles. By waiving tolls, we are easing the burden on families in the path of this storm,” DeSantis said.
“The (Florida Department of Transportation) is committed to ensuring travelers can get where they need to go as safely and efficiently as possible," said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue. "Suspending tolls in the greater Tampa Bay region ensures families can head south and east with ease to get out of the storm’s direct path.”
Weight limits waived for vehicles bringing emergency equipment to Florida
FDOT previously issued an emergency order to temporarily allow expanded weight and size requirements for vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, and supplies to the areas expected to be impacted by Idalia.
FDOT reported it has 525 crew members and 210 pieces of equipment ready to deploy after the storm to ensure roadways are safe.
Do you live in an evacuation zone? Here's how to tell
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has a website to determine whether you live in an evacuation zone and what zone it is.
Go to the website and enter your address.
If your home is in one of the colored areas, these are flood zones where you may be asked to evacuate by local officials.
22 counties under evacuation orders
As of Tuesday morning, the Florida Division of Emergency Management reported 22 counties have issued evacuation orders, both voluntary and mandatory.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane Idalia: Some Florida tolls suspended as residents evacuate
