Governor Ron DeSantis Issued Executive Order 24-115 Declaring a State of Emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota Counties
In response to significant flooding in South Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-115 declaring a State of Emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties.
Today, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated to Level 1 at 8 a.m. to support response efforts with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT).
Invest 90L will move offshore today, and tropical moisture will continue to bring scattered heavy rainfall to South Florida. A flood alert remains in effect across South Florida and the Keys due to expected heavy rains creating a risk of flash flooding. Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon and evening; however, scattered rain and isolated thunderstorms may continue overnight.
Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division):
Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie has traveled to South Florida to coordinate state resource management and identify unmet needs in affected communities.
More than 20 pumps and hoses are installed in Punta Gorda to remove floodwaters.
Regional coordinators in impacted areas remain in constant communication with county emergency management directors to report impacts to the State Watch Office.
Other state efforts include:
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
In preparation for the storm, FDOT crews swept roads, cleared drainage openings, and prepared equipment for response.
FDOT teams mobilized pumps to clear flooding on affected lanes of I-95, Pembroke Road, US1, and SR A1A. Within hours, these facilities were cleared and fully operational.
Pumps were also deployed to address minor flooding inside the Kinney Tunnel, which is now clear and fully operational.
The FDOT continues to communicate with local agencies and provide necessary resource support as needed.
FDOT team members are monitoring all roadways and working with the Florida Highway Patrol to determine necessary road closures.
Current road conditions
As of 8:30 a.m., the state highway system is open, including those parts of I-95 in Southeast Florida that were closed due to flooding emergencies yesterday.
Hallandale Beach Boulevard between US 1 and SR A1A has some lanes underwater and stalled vehicles but remains passable.
Stirling Rd at SW 11th Ave has turning lanes with standing water.
Seaports
All seaports are open and operational.
Hallandale Beach Boulevard between US 1 and SR A1A has some lanes underwater and stalled vehicles but remains passable.
Stirling Rd at SW 11th Ave has turning lanes with standing water.
Airports
The following airports are OPEN:
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International – Multiple taxiway closures due to flooding. Multiple (50+) commercial flight delays and cancellations.
Key West International: Few (5+) commercial flight delays and cancellations reported.
Miami International: Multiple (50+) commercial flight delays and cancellations.
Orlando International – Few (5+) commercial flight delays and cancellations reported.
Palm Beach International – Airport open and operational, no cancellations and few delays.
Sarasota/Bradenton International – Runway 04/22 closed. Few (2) commercial flight delays reported.
Southwest Florida International: Few (5+) commercial flight delays and cancellations reported.
Rail
The following agencies are IMPACTED:
Brightline – Operations suspended from Aventura and Miami stations
Transit
The following agencies are IMPACTED:
Community transit services in Hallandale Beach and Dania Beach, Davie, and Lauderdale Lakes are suspended.
Broward County Transit is detouring one route.
LauderGo Micromover service is suspended.
Safety messages
The FDOT reminds drivers to always check FL511 for real-time travel information, including road and bridge closures.
Drivers should actively monitor their surroundings, especially during nighttime hours. Remember, motorists should treat intersections with non-functioning traffic lights as four-way STOP signs and proceed with caution.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
The Florida Highway Patrol is actively working and coordinating response efforts with authorities and the Florida Department of Transportation in response to this flooding.
FHP is committed to all Florida counties that have requested assistance to support local flood response efforts and is actively patrolling flood-affected areas.
FHP has removed abandoned vehicles along Interstate 95 and addressed several road closures in affected areas.
Fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial units deployed by FHP are supporting and coordinating with FDOT to aid recovery efforts while assessing road and traffic conditions in impacted areas.
Image: EFE
