DeSantis said, "This allows state officials to operate without the limitations of bureaucracy, making critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts."

Director Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management also told reporters that evacuations underway are the largest since 2017. 

 "Just go now" to "Beat the traffic and go now, and just go to higher ground."

DeSantis noted, "The Florida National Guard, the Florida State Guard additional FDOT personnel and the Florida Highway Patrol have been activated and deployed to aid