What you need to know
- Governor DeSantis has issued a state of emergency for all counties in the Tampa Bay area.
- A state of emergency activates the Division of Emergency Management in the State of Florida to coordinate the emergency response if a tropical disturbance impacts the state.
- Impacts in Tampa Bay are likely to include rainy and squally weather.
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 54 counties in Florida on Thursday ahead of the potential impacts of Invest 97L and added 7 more counties to the order on Friday. This places 61 of Florida's 67 counties under the state of emergency order.
A state of emergency has been ordered for all counties in the Tampa Bay area, including DeSoto, Citrus, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota.
The order is in effect as of noon today.
The updated executive order can be read here
Updated Executive Order State of Emergency August 2 by ABC Action News on Scribd
The ABC Action News weather team will be tracking the system as it continues to develop. Click here the the latest information.
Pasco County mom says dangerous walk to school is putting student lives at risk
"It’s a danger to a life, a student’s life," Cathy Dawson told the ABC Action News I-Team. "You’re not providing a safe walking path, and for me, I’m not okay with that for anybody’s child.”
