TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency as heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Sarasota, Broward, Miami-Dade, Lee, and Collier counties.
The memorandum mentioned the heavy rains that moved across South Florida Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as the rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms that are predicted for the next several days.
The executive order notes that those counties may need extra help with emergency funds following the disaster. "I direct that sufficient funds be made available, as needed, by transferring and expending moneys from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund," the order reads.
The state of emergency is effective immediately and will expire in 60 days unless it is extended. You can read the full memorandum here.
Portions of I-95 South were completely shut down in Broward County Wednesday after heavy rains caused widespread flooding. Roads in the downtown area of Fort Lauderdale filled with water in Wednesday's rain, making them nearly impassable.
Sarasota County also experienced heavy rainfall, flooding portions of the county. The video below shows flooding near US 301 at Main Street just before 7 p.m. Tuesday.
'Cruise lights' on Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office patrol cars raise questions, confusion among drivers
Every driver knows that when you see red and blue flashing lights on a patrol car, you slow down, pull over, or get out of the way.
But in Hillsborough County, drivers will also now see deputies with their lights on, but not flashing. They're called "cruise lights," and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) recently implemented their use on all patrol vehicles.
