State activates emergency operations center team ahead of expected tropical storm

Liz Freeman, Naples Daily News
Updated ·4 min read
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The state of Florida has activated its emergency operations center team and is mobilizing equipment ahead of a tropical depression near the Yucatan Channel that is expected to become Tropical Storm Idalia Sunday and a hurricane Tuesday.

Officials with the Florida Department of Emergency Management are hosting calls daily with all 67 counties to identify resources needed, according to an advisory Saturday afternoon from the governor’s office.

More: DeSantis issues state of emergency for 33 counties ahead of storm moving toward Florida

Earlier Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 33 counties.

The disturbance depression was near the Yucatan Channel Saturday evening and was nearly stationary. Little overall movement was expected through Sunday. A slow, generally northward, motion is expected to begin on Monday. On the forecast track, the center was expected to move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Monday.

Maximum sustained winds were near 30 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and the system is likely to become a tropical storm on Sunday. A National Hurricane Center Advisory said after dumping rain on Cuba, the storm is expected to produce heavy rainfall on portions of the Gulf Coastand portions of the Southeast by mid- to late next week.

Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and listen to all orders from local officials, as well as review their disaster preparedness plans and stock their disaster supply kits with food, water and other necessities for their households.

State preparations include:

  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles statewide so they may be deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding.

  • FWC Officers will respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, including shallow draft boats, large platform vessels, ATV's, airboats and four-wheel drive vehicles.

  • FWC special operations group teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the state and report back on damage after the storm has made landfall.

  • FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby.

  • The Florida Highway Patrol is prepared to implement 12-hour shifts.

  • The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is prepared to request early release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits depending on the severity of the storm.

  • The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics stands ready to coordinate with wholesale distributors of prescription drugs and medical gas to ensure an uninterrupted supply for potential impacted residents.

  • The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has distributed a statewide reminder regarding special needs shelter registration on social media platforms.

  • The state health agency is working with local emergency management to prepare special needs shelter staffing and clientele. The agency also published resources for storm preparedness at FloridaHealth.gov/Emergency. Information is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.

  • The Office of Insurance Regulation has sent a reminder that all health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other health entities must comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes, which allows for early prescription refills in the event the Governor issues an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency. This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s Executive Order is rescinded or expires.

Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

  • Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) team members are readying equipment and vehicles in case of the need for pre-staging and immediate deployment.

  • The Howard Frankland Bridge project in Tampa is securing barges in the area. All other active construction projects are on alert and standing ready to implement any necessary actions related to storm preparations.

  • FDOT is in close communications with transportation partners across the state, including airports, seaports, rail lines and transit agencies, as they are on watch and making any necessary preparations.

  • Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is available for drivers to stay informed about roadway conditions during emergencies. This service is monitored and updated 24/7 by FDOT and includes traffic conditions, road and bridge closures, and other specialized alerts. To use Florida’s 511, visit the website at FL511.com or download the app—on both Apple and Android devices.

  • FDOT reminds motorists to always drive safely. Remember to avoid distractions and slow down during inclement weather.

  • Currently, no Florida State Parks are closed. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of potential closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates.

Resources for Employees and Businesses

  • Florida Commerce will activate the Florida Private Sector Hotline (850-815-4925) beginning Sunday, August 27 at 12:00pm. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.

  • The DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants is coordinating and preparing emergency response teams in all seven district offices statewide for a post-storm rapid response to assist lodging establishments and restaurants in reopening as necessary.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida residents urged to monitor develops of disturbance near Yucatan