DeSantis declares state of emergency for Tropical Depression 9
September 23, 2022 - Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 24 counties as Tropical Depression 9 strengthens. The counties include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Sarasota, according to the governor's Friday announcement. As of Friday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Tropical Depression 9 could reach South Florida by Monday. DeSantis has also requested a federal emergency declaration be declared ahead of landfall to free up resources as local governments prepare for the storm, according to a release from his office.