Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-95, declaring a state of emergency for Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties in Northwest Florida following the severe weather that impacted the region on Friday, May 10, 2024.
- The executive order, which expands upon the previously issued Executive Order 24-94, now includes a total of 15 North Florida counties.
The severe weather event, which brought an intense thunderstorm, numerous tornadoes, and strong wind gusts to Northwest Florida, left thousands of residents in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties without power. The widespread debris caused by the tornadoes, strong winds, and heavy rain further impacted the affected communities.
In response to the emergency, Governor DeSantis stated, “As the Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.”
The state of emergency declaration allows the governor to allocate resources and support to Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties, as well as the other 12 affected counties in North Florida, to aid in their recovery efforts following the severe weather event.
Executive Order 24-95, which amends and expands upon Executive Order 24-94, is effective immediately and shall expire upon the expiration of the initial executive order. The full text of the executive order can be found on the Governor’s website.
