Florida's Gulf Coast Braces for Potential Hurricane as State of Emergency Declared

Florida's Gulf Coast is on high alert as a tropical depression forms in the Caribbean and is forecasted to become a hurricane early next week. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 33 counties, urging residents to prepare for potential impacts. While the exact strength of the storm remains uncertain, it is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous storm surge to portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle. South Florida could experience gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding due to king tides. The state is also opening a sales tax holiday for hurricane-related supplies.