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Politico
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Politico
Kevin Guthrie's 3 hurricane prep tips
Good morning and welcome to June: the start of hurricane season. There's only one Gov. RON DESANTIS. But artificial intelligence can help him be in more than two places at once — at least when it comes to emergency management. Heading into this hurricane season, Florida is using a new system called BEACON, or Broadcast Emergency Alerts and Communication Operations Network. It uses AI to comb through press releases, text messages and other official government sources, then turns them into a broadcast using the voices of people that communities trust. For some, that'll be DeSantis. For others, it'll be a local sheriff or someone who speaks Spanish. Either way, it's intended to cut down on the manpower needed to get the word out so people can still get accurate information. BEACON is able to recognize which part of the state people live in to send them hyper-local, constant alerts about how they might be affected and what they need to do. It also tells them how to get resources that'll help after the storm. KEVIN GUTHRIE, executive director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, hopped on the phone to talk about BEACON and other hurricane prep tools with Playbook. Weather forecasters say this year's season is expected to be 'above average,' with anywhere from three to five major hurricanes expected in the Atlantic and Caribbean. BEACON is designed to work even when the power is out and when people don't have cellphone service. It's in several major markets now while it expands statewide, Guthrie said. Floridians will be able to hear its alerts over TV or radio broadcasts, as well as through an app. (Download it for Apple or Android.) Another tool Guthrie is drawing attention to is called Storm Armour, one that's extremely effective in preventing rain from coming in sideways through sliding glass doors and windows. Think of it as working like a sandbag, Guthrie explained. He emphasized that it'll be helpful not just with homes but with condos — where water that enters upper-level units would otherwise seep down to the bottom floors. 'It takes a handful of minutes to install,' Guthrie said. Officials hope that more people will buy the tools so that there's far less flood damage to properties. They retail at $585, but Guthrie said they have the potential to help people avoid tens of thousands of dollars in storm damage. Lastly, Guthrie is doubling down on a key message this hurricane season: Fill up your gas tank when it reaches the halfway mark. The emergency management division started with the campaign, dubbed 'Halfway Full, Halfway There,' last year and wants to double down on it this year so that, if a storm does hit, lines at gas stations won't be as long. Guthrie wants Floridians to get to a place where keeping tanks more full becomes not just best practice, but common practice. 'We're looking for more private-public partnerships to help us get those campaigns out and do some more stuff,' he said. WHERE'S RON? Gov. DeSantis is holding a press conference in Sarasota at 10 a.m. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget that Playbook should look at? Get in touch at: kleonard@ Today's Playbook was written with help from Veronica Bianco. ICYMI: The Conversation kicked off with Dr. Oz In the premiere episode of The Conversation, Dasha Burns sat down with Dr. Mehmet Oz — now leading the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — for a candid talk on drug prices, potential Medicaid cuts and why he's getting early morning calls from President Donald Trump. Plus, POLITICO's Jonathan Martin dished on the Ohio governor's race (featuring Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy and former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel), and Kyle Cheney unpacked Trump's legal battle over 'Liberation Day' tariffs. Watch the full episode on YouTube. And don't miss a moment — subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes when they drop. ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... BACK TO TALLAHASSEE TOMORROW — 'Florida legislative leaders said late Friday they have forged a budget deal that will guarantee $2.25 billion shifted into tax cuts and reserves while also establishing a path for legislators to avoid a potential shutdown of state government this summer,' reports POLITICO's Gary Fineout. 'The agreement does not include a permanent reduction in the overall sales tax rate … In a memo to senators, Albritton said the plan is for lawmakers to start budget conference meetings Tuesday, with the goal to work over the next two weeks and vote out the budget no later than June 16. … 'The agreement calls for the Legislature to reduce 'recurring revenue' by $2.25 billion including the elimination of sales tax charged on commercial leases and what is being billed as 'permanent sales tax exemptions targeted toward Florida families.' This was not explained further, but Albritton earlier in the year had proposed the permanent elimination of sales taxes on clothing and shoes valued at less than $75.' IN MEMORIAM — 'Former Florida State University President and state House Speaker John Thrasher died early Friday morning, according to a family spokesperson. He was 81,' reports POLITICO's Gary Fineout. 'Thrasher played a pivotal role in Florida's transition from a state long controlled by Democrats to one now dominated by Republicans. … Thrasher served as House speaker in 1999 and 2000, coinciding with then-Gov. Jeb Bush's first years in office and GOP control of both the governor's mansion and Legislature. Thrasher was instrumental in getting legislators to pass several major bills during Bush's first year in office, including his signature A+ education law that first brought private school vouchers in the state and subjected schools to annual grading based on test scores.' TEACHER TRAINING OVERHAUL — 'Legislation signed Friday by Gov. Ron DeSantis calls on the Florida Department of Education to rework key aspects of the teacher certification process by replacing longstanding tests educators needed to pass to earn certification with new measures developed by the state,' reports POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury. 'The new education law also doubles down on Florida's opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion by prohibiting educator training courses from 'distort[ing] significant historical events' or teaching 'identity politics' in language carried over from 'anti-woke' policies passed last year by state Republicans.' — 'DeSantis signs law restricting cellphones in schools,' reports News Service of Florida. PSC HEARINGS CONTINUE — The Public Service Commission this week will wrap up a series of customer service hearings around the state on Florida Power & Light Co.'s $2.5 billion rate hike request. Hearings will be held online Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by hearings Thursday in Pensacola and Friday in Panama City. Last week, 30 environmental and energy justice groups sent a letter to the PSC objecting to FPL's request. — Bruce Ritchie INSIDE THE LATEST COURT ABORTION DECISION — A Florida Appeals Court took an 'unusual legal step' this month when it ruled unconstitutional a law letting minors get abortions without parental consent, reports the Tampa Bay Times' Romy Ellenbogen. The court was initially considering whether to reverse a lower court's denial of a 17-year-old's petition for an abortion but instead decided to rule on the constitutionality of the law that allows minors to file petitions for care in the first place. Florida Attorney General JAMES UTHMEIER and other conservatives heralded the ruling as a win for parental rights and the anti-abortion movement, while abortion access advocates called it a misuse of judicial power. PRICE TRANSPARENCY PUSH — 'Attorney General James Uthmeier issued subpoenas Friday to Florida-based hospitals to ensure they comply with price transparency laws,' reports Cindy Krischer Goodman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. 'Uthmeier said under Florida law, a hospital's failure to provide price disclosure may constitute an unfair and deceptive trade practice.' — 'A Florida Medicaid patient had a heart attack in South Dakota. He owed the hospital $77,574,' by Arielle Zionts of KFF Health News. PENINSULA AND BEYOND UNDER CONSIDERATION THIS WEEK — The State University's Board of Governors will vote this week on whether to confirm SANTA ONO as University of Florida president, reports Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix. The proposed contract suggests a compensation package of $3 million a year. MANATEE THREATS — 'An environmental group Friday filed a formal notice that is a step toward suing the federal government over protecting manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge,' reports News Service of Florida. 'The Center for Biological Diversity alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act because of understaffing at the refuge, which the notice said serves as a winter habitat for about 20 percent of Florida's manatees drawn by warm-water springs and vegetation.' ...HURRICANE HOLE... DUST WAVE COMING — A massive plume of dust from the Sahara desert is on its way towards Florida and could be visible towards the middle of this week, CBS News' Sarah Lynch Baldwin reports. The National Weather Service said the dust can exacerbate allergies and cause some eye irritation. It's typical for dust to migrate across the Atlantic in the early summer each year. NOAA calls it the Saharan Air Layer, a mass of 'very dry, dusty air' that forms in the desert and floats west over the ocean. The National Hurricane Center's Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch said the dry air helps suppress storm development. INSURANCE COSTS STILL HIGH — 'The upward rise in costs for homeowner insurance in Florida resumed during the first quarter of 2025, with average premium costs edging higher after dipping slightly in late 2024, new data released by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation shows,' reports Ron Hurtibise of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. 'The average premium paid by owners of single-family homes in Florida increased by 0.3 percent — climbing from $3,646 to $3,658 — between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, according to a South Florida Sun Sentinel comparison of figures released in the office's quarterly Residential Market Share Report.' MOVING AFTER THE STORM — Some Tampa Bay residents are leaving the hurricane-ridden area for places like Montana, the Midwest and even Australia, the Tampa Bay Times' Michaela Mulligan and Max Chesnes report. People who moved away said massive flooding during Hurricane Helene and widespread power outages during Milton were enough to finally bring them to leave the place that, for some, was home for decades. Others cited affordability, education policy, and more as motivation to leave the state in addition to environmental concerns. CAMPAIGN MODE PRIMARY AHEAD THIS MONTH — 'The Democratic primary to succeed outgoing state Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis will pit her current chief of staff, RaShon Young, against former state Rep. Travaris McCurdy,' reports Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel. 'The special election for District 40 in western Orange County, a heavily Democratic seat which includes parts of Orlando and Ocoee, is the latest domino effect following the death of state Sen. Geraldine Thompson in February.' — 'August Mangeney launches bid to flip HD 93 back to blue, promises 'people first' agenda,' Florida Politics' Jesse Scheckner reports. — 'Upton Fisher to file to succeed Michele Rayner in HD 62,' by Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics. TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP SCOTUS DECISION ON IMMIGRATION — 'The Supreme Court has given the Trump administration the go-ahead to begin deporting about a half-million immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who entered the U.S. legally under 'humanitarian parole' programs implemented during the Biden administration,' reports POLITICO's Josh Gerstein. NEW NASA NOM AHEAD — 'The White House [withdrew] the nomination of Jared Isaacman to be the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration,' reports POLITICO's Ben Johansen. 'The sudden move [came] days before the Senate was slated to vote on his nomination to lead NASA.' WINTER WHITE HOUSE — 'The man who has led President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club for three decades is retiring,' reports Kristina Webb of the Palm Beach Daily News. 'Bernd Lembcke, Mar-a-Lago's executive vice president and managing director, announced his retirement in a letter to members dated May 30 and provided to Palm Beach Daily News by a club member.' ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN BIRTHDAYS: Former state Rep. Mike Hill … Political analyst and consultant Chris Ingram.
3 days ago
- Climate
Every Floridian should have a plan for this year's hurricane season, DeSantis says
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Two days away from the start of hurricane season, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state's top emergency manager joked Friday that they didn't want to encounter each other again until the storm season ends in late November. Forecasts suggest that's unlikely. While the upcoming season, which starts Sunday, isn't expected to be as topsy-turvy as last season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there's a 60% chance it will be above normal, a 30% chance near normal and just a 10% chance it will be quieter than average. Relentless storms, including Debby, Helene and Milton, which landed in Florida last year, made for the third-costliest hurricane season on record last year. 'You just have to prepare and plan that we are going to have impacts,' DeSantis said at a news conference in front of shelves of generators at a Home Depot store in Jupiter, Florida. 'If you plan and it doesn't happen, you're never going to have regrets. If you don't plan and it happens, you're going to immediately be saying, 'Why didn't I do this?'' Ahead of any hurricanes headed toward the peninsula, Floridians should be prepared to have seven days of food, water and supplies for their households, including pets. If they need to evacuate, they don't have to travel hundreds of miles when traveling just a few miles inland to a hotel or shelter works, officials said. Floridians living on the coast should be familiar with their evacuation zone so they know which areas emergency officials are referring to if an evacuation is issued, said DeSantis and Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The NOAA forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms with six to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to five reaching major status with winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph). A normal season has 14 named storms, seven of which strengthen to hurricanes and three power up further to major hurricanes. Normally, at the start of hurricane season, Floridians would be able to buy storm supplies under a state program that doesn't tax items like generators, batteries, flashlights, tarps and coolers. However, that is on hold since the Florida Legislature hasn't passed a budget, DeSantis said. Despite enjoying a GOP supermajority in both chambers, legislative leaders failed to pass the one bill Florida law requires, the state budget, ahead of the scheduled end of the regular session at the beginning of May. Lawmakers are expected to return to Tallahassee in June to hammer out a spending deal ahead of the July 1 start of the next fiscal year. 'So we don't have any tax holiday in place in the state of Florida,' said DeSantis, taking a jab at lawmakers who openly defied the Republican governor during this past legislative session in contrast to previous years of deference.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. DeSantis urges hurricane preparedness for 2025 season
The Brief Gov. Ron DeSantis is emphasizing the need for all Floridians to be prepared if a major storm threatens the state in 2025. He says the state will lead the way when it comes to response, adding that Florida doesn't plan to rely on the federal government. The governor also promised a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, which has not yet been set because the Florida Legislature has yet to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. JUPITER, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging all Floridians to be prepared for the 2025 hurricane season, which officially begins this weekend. The governor, along with Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, spoke about storm preps at a news conference inside a Home Depot in Jupiter on Friday. What they're saying Following a 2024 season that saw Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton cause widespread damage and power outages in Florida, DeSantis emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness despite feelings of burnout among many residents. "You can hope for that, you can pray for that, but you can't prepare for a season with no hurricanes," DeSantis said. The governor also talked about the state's response to last year's storms, including restoring access to gas for drivers and establishing a debris task force to help with cleanup. "We paused all the road work… any dump truck under the control of the State of Florida was sent over to where Helene had hit," DeSantis said. PREVIOUS: Governor calls for increased transparency in storm debris pick up As far as the response at the federal level, the governor said state and local agencies have led the way and should continue to do so. "We don't rely on FEMA for any of the preparation or response efforts," DeSantis said. "[The federal government] obviously has programs where you can apply for individual assistance." Hurricane Season 2025: Duke Energy gives inside look at control center During Friday's news conference, state officials said they recommend at least seven days' worth of food, water and other critical supplies for all family members, including pets. Other common items in a disaster preparedness kit include prescription medications, a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, a sleeping bag or warm blanket, and cash. "This is the time to do it," Guthrie said. "You see a lot of things for your kit. Make sure you're getting those things now." DeSantis says since the Florida Legislature has yet to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, no tax holiday has been set yet. He hopes that will change soon, however. "One way or another, we are going to get you tax-free disaster preparedness," DeSantis said. READ: NOAA releases hurricane forecast for 2025 Atlantic season What you can do For more information on evacuation zones and what you need to know if you're ordered to leave your home ahead of a storm, click here. What's next The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Take this advice to deal with the 2025 hurricane season in South Florida
Get ready, South Florida. The most dreaded time of the year starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Forecasters expect this to be another above average hurricane season with warmer than usual ocean temperatures. But before you make jokes about hosting a hurricane party or dusting off your favorite storm memes, its time for some real talk: Tropical storms and hurricanes are dangerous, damage property and can be deadly. The good news? As technology has improved, forecasts are better at tracking a storm's path, giving us time to prepare or leave an area. Florida also has one of the strictest building code's in the country. Whether you're a newbie to the state or a longtime Floridian, here's a hurricane preparation guide to help you through the season: What are the 2025 hurricane season storm names? Storm names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season are: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy. Before storms are in the forecast You should do a few things even before a storm is in the forecast: ▪ Start prepping your hurricane kit: Each person in your home should have canned or other nonperishable food for at least seven days and at least one gallon of water. Make sure you have enough food and water for your pet, too. Your kit should also include flashlights, a battery-operated or cranked radio, cash, a first-aid kit, medicine. TIP: Don't wait until a storm is coming to stock up. That way you can shop around for bargains and not face empty shelves. Other reminders: ▪ Inspect your shutters, roof and fences in case repairs or replacements are needed. Start pruning your trees. ▪ If you have home and flood insurance, check that your policies are current and if you have sufficient coverage for hurricane season. ▪ Check to see if you live in an evacuation zone and discuss possible evacuation routes with your family. In Miami-Dade, check your zone at In Broward, visit In the Florida Keys, visit If you're planning to spend the storm elsewhere in Florida, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has online maps you can refer to for all 67 counties. If a tropical storm or hurricane is coming If a tropical storm or hurricane is forecast to hit Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach or Monroe counties, here's how to prepare: ▪ Fuel up your car, charge your power banks, withdraw cash, buy supplies (food, water, medicine). ▪ Bring your patio furniture, pets and potted plants inside. Tie down anything that could go airborne. If you have a boat, secure it properly. ▪ Monitor local news for updates from the National Hurricane Center, your local National Weather Service office and local officials on the storm's track, what type of hazards to expect and if there are any evacuation orders. ▪ Get sandbags. ▪ Find a safe place to park your car. ▪ Put up your shutters and don't leave trash on the curb. If you don't have shutters or hurricane-proof windows, board up your windows with 5/8-inch plywood. Do NOT tape your windows. That's stupid — and it doesn't work. During the storm The storm has arrived, the power is out and your kids are making shadow puppets with the flashlight. Here's what you should and shouldn't do: ▪ Keep your hurricane kit nearby at all times and try to stay in a room with few or no windows. ▪ Don't take a bath or shower during the storm, Miami-Dade County says. Lightning can travel through plumbing. ▪ Don't use your generator during the storm, even if you lose power. Wait for the storm to pass before turning it on. ▪ Don't leave your house during the storm. And don't let the eye of the hurricane or tropical storm deceive you. While it might seem calm, things can quickly change. The winds surrounding the center of the storm are the strongest. ▪ If your home begins to fall apart, get in the tub and pull a mattress over yourself to protect from debris, Miami-Dade County says. After the storm The worst is over, the storm is gone and you need a drink. There's still a few things to do first: ▪ Report property damage and power outages. ▪ Monitor for curfew and boil-water-order notices. Keep an eye out for price gouging. ▪ If you want to use a generator, keep it at least 20 feet from a home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use it indoors, including in your garage. If you live in an apartment, use a battery-powered generator or portable power station. ▪ Take down the shutters away, bring your patio furniture out again and start yard cleanup. ▪ If you plan to go out (maybe to seek air conditioning, a hot meal or to check on grandma), be careful on the roads. Downed trees, fallen power lines, traffic lights that aren't working and debris could affect your trip. Some roads might also be flooded. Don't drive or walk through standing water. OK, now you can kick back and relax. At least until the next storm comes.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Slow-moving storm to bring days of rain to Southeast US. Florida impact, forecast
A slow-moving storm is expected to bring multiple waves of rain and thunderstorms across Florida through the weekend, including Mother's Day, May 11, and into Monday, May 12. While the rain is much needed to help drought conditions in the state, too much could result in flooding. There's a marginal risk for severe weather across portions of North and Central this weekend. Strong to severe thunderstorms capable of producing frequent lightning, damaging wind gusts, hail, brief isolated tornadoes and heavy downpours are possible, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management's forecast. While confidence is increasing in the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding, the exact placement and rainfall totals are still relatively low confidence, the agency said. The current most likely forecast calls for a widespread 4 to 8 inches across the forecast area from Thursday through Monday. There is a 10% chance of exceeding 10 inches in localized spots. Heavy rainfall could result in flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas. Flash flooding is possible across portions of North and Central Florida Saturday and Sunday, and across the Big Bend and peninsula Monday The heaviest of the rainfall and the period of greatest concern is Saturday, May 10, through Monday, May 12, the agency said. Pensacola, western Panhandle: Expect 1 to 3 inches of rain through Sunday, with some pockets of higher amounts. Things should start drying out Monday, May 12, with most of the week looking to be dry. Tallahassee, central Panhandle: From May 8 through May 12, 4 to 6 inches of rain is forecast across the Big Bend and Panhandle. In a worst-case scenario, some areas could get 8 to 10 inches. Most of the rain will be concentrated on Saturday and Sunday. While some areas could see some flooding, for the most part, the rain will be beneficial. Jacksonville, North Florida: Expect daily showers and thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings through Saturday. A system of low pressure developing in the Gulf is expected to bring more widespread rainfall Sunday into Monday which can occur any time, day or night. Northeast Florida can expect up to 6 inches of rainfall through Tuesday, with Sunday and Monday forecast to be the worst days to be outside. Daytona Beach to Stuart, east central Florida: There's a 60% to 70% percent chance for rain across the I-4 corridor and from the Space Coast north Thursday through early next week. Along the Treasure Coast, chances for rain increase to about 70% by the weekend. Daily rainfall amounts are expected to be less than an inch. West Palm Beach to Naples: South Florida: As of May 8, it looks like late Sunday through late Tuesday will be the most active period. Rainfall in Naples from Sunday through Wednesday could be 2 to 3 inches, while 4 to 6 inches could fall in West Palm Beach. Expect Monday to be the most active day when it comes to rainfall. Fort Myers to Sarasota, Southwest Florida: Expect 2 to 4 inches of rain between Thursday and May 15. The highest chances of rain will be on Mother's Day May 11 and on Monday, May 12. Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida to be impacted by slow Southeast storm. Rainfall forecast
