GOVERNOR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY

Florida Governor Scott has declared a State of Emergency for 26 counties as Tropical Storm Michael continues to strengthen. He said the State Emergency Operations Center will go to Level 1 emergency status and 5,500 Florida National Guard members are available for deployment, with 500 activated for preliminary preparations. The Florida Highway Patrol is preparing for 342 state troopers to activate to 12-hour shifts to provide 24-hour enhanced coverage across Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle area. He said residents should make sure they have a three-day water supply and enough food and medicines for a few days of isolation. He urged people to heed evacuation orders and said local authorities will have information on school closings and other precautions in the next two days.