Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency in 35 counties before TS Milton

TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for a total of 35 Florida counties ahead of Tropical Storm Milton.

DeSantis said that while many people are recovering from Hurricane Helene, he directed FDOT and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to coordinate all available personnel and resources to support local communities in expediting debris removal.

As Tropical Storm Milton continues to intensify in the Gulf, I issued EO 24-214 this week ahead of potential landfall on Florida’s west coast. This EO declares a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties.

With many people still recovering from Hurricane Helene, I recommended…

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 5, 2024

Citrus, DeSoto, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties are under states of emergency.

A state of emergency is declared to help government officials and residents prepare for a disaster and use necessary resources.

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