Florida Governor declares state of emergency for 25 counties ahead of Tropical Depression Nine

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Tuesday for 25 Florida counties as the state prepares for potential impacts from Tropical Depression Nine. The executive order says the system is forecast to intensify into a hurricane and approach the northern Gulf Coast. The order covers counties across North Florida and the Panhandle, including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Leon, Bay and Wakulla counties. The National Hurricane Center said Tuesday afternoon that Tropical Depression Nine had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and was moving east at 5 mph. Forecasters said the system was expected to become a tropical storm by early Wednesday and a hurricane Thursday. State officials said emergency resources are being staged in Tallahassee and the Santa Rosa area, including generators, fuel, water, meals, flood barriers, sandbags and other supplies. The executive order also authorizes the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard to activate as needed in response to the storm. Pasted markdown