Heightened evacuation protocols took effect Tuesday with residents living in Level A and B areas required to evacuate. Those living in Level C zones are under voluntary evacuation orders.
Tropical Depression Nine is currently projected to impact Florida's southwest coast as a hurricane by the middle of next week. As of publishing, South Florida and Central Florida also are within the cone. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the 24 potentially affected counties on Friday. The governor cites the storm’s potential to escalate into a major hurricane in his declaration.