Latest news with #hurricanepreparedness
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane Erin could form within the next 5 days. Current predictions on Florida impact
The National Hurricane Center reports that Tropical Storm Erin could reach hurricane status within the next five days. It's still too early to predict what impacts, if any, Erin could have on Florida or any other parts of the eastern United States. Current spaghetti models show the storm shifting northward as it slows in the tropical Atlantic basin. The uncertainty should be a good reminder for Floridians to brush up on their hurricane preparedness plans and make sure their hurricane supplies are topped off. What are the latest updates on Tropical Storm Erin? Erin had a relatively uneventful Monday night. Geostationary satellite imagery captured over the past few hours showed no notable developments regarding the storm's organization. The NHC also saw warmer cloud tops, which indicate weaker thunderstorms. Microwave scans showed a well-defined banding feature over the southern semicircle of the system, and tropical-force winds were still measured. In other words, Erin has weakened slightly but still remains a tropical storm. Erin is hauling west at 22 mph, and it's expected to continue that track over the next few days, thanks, in part, to a strong ridge north of the tropical cyclone producing easterly steering currents. As the ridge weakens, Erin will start to slow down and shift west-northwest. Models expect the track to gradually shift to a north-northwest path by early next week. Tropical Storm Erin strength forecast: When will we see Hurricane Erin? A large plume of Saharan dust just ahead of Tropical Storm Erin dried up a bit of the humidity the storm would be using to fuel development now, but the lull won't last. Erin is expected to enter warmer waters that are forecast to have low vertical wind shear over the next several days. The combination will lead to rapid intensification and could result in Erin becoming the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season by Thursday and a major hurricane by Sunday morning, according to the NHC. Quick facts you should know about Tropical Storm Erin Tropical Storm Erin maintained its strength through Monday night. We could see a lull in development over the next 72 hours before the system moves into warmer waters and faces very low wind shear. Those favorable conditions could lead to a major Hurricane Erin within the next five days, according to the NHC. Current location: About 690 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands and 1890 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. Strength: Maximum sustained wind speeds were last measured around 45 mph Movement: West at 22 mph Minimum central pressure: 1004 MB, 29.65 inches Will Tropical Storm Erin hit Florida? The jury is currently out on whether Florida will see any impacts from Tropical Storm Erin. It's still too early to determine if Erin could have any impacts on Florida or any other parts of the eastern United States, according to the NHC. Florida's Gulf Coast residents are a bit safer, based on current models, but should still monitor the storm as it develops. If Erin strengthens into a major hurricane and passes within 100 miles east of the U.S., AccuWeather says that it could bring heavy seas and a chance of heavy rain to a portion of Florida's northeastern coast. Areas including Daytona Beach and Jacksonville would be included. Tropical Storm Erin spaghetti models Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. How likely is a hurricane to make landfall in the US in 2025? Unsurprisingly, Florida leads the pack in terms of probability, but it's not the only state with odds that are essentially impossible to avoid. Here's a look at the probabilities of coastal states from Texas to Maine: Named storms in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season Here's a list of the four named storms we've had during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Editor's note: This story has been updated with the latest information regarding Tropical Storm Erin. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Tropical Storm Erin could ramp up to major hurricane. Florida impacts:
CBS News
30-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
DeSantis signs $1.6 billion tax-cut package, eliminates commercial-lease tax and boosts sales-tax holidays
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a $1.6 billion tax-cut package that is dominated by eliminating a commercial-lease tax and providing sales-tax breaks on back-to-school items, hurricane-preparedness supplies and guns and ammo. Starting Tuesday, the package (HB 7031) will provide permanent sales-tax exemptions on hurricane-preparedness supplies such as batteries, portable generators and tarps. Also, it will offer permanent exemptions on certain purchases related to outdoor activities, such as life jackets, bicycle helmets, sunscreen and insect repellent. Also on Tuesday, sales taxes will disappear on admissions to state parks, tickets for NASCAR Cup Series Championship Races at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and on the sale of gold, silver, and platinum bullion when the transaction is under $500. The state already provides an exemption on such gold and other precious-metal sales when the price is over $500. Annual tax holidays for school supplies and outdoor equipment The package, passed June 16 by the Legislature, also includes an annual back-to-school tax "holiday" that will last throughout August. In the past, lawmakers have approved such holidays of varying lengths and at different times; the new package will make them happen each August, with shoppers able to avoid paying sales taxes on such things as clothes and school supplies. In addition, the Republican-controlled Legislature and DeSantis approved a tax holiday that will run from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31 on hunting, fishing and camping supplies, including guns and ammo. Business lobbyists long called for eliminating the 2 percent commercial-lease tax. The elimination, which will take effect Oct. 1, is projected to reduce state and local revenue during the upcoming fiscal year by $1.146 billion. Bill Herrle, executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business in Florida, called the elimination "a culmination of a 10-year effort." "By eliminating this tax, small businesses who rent or lease properties will see immediate economic relief," Herrle said in a statement. The overall package will provide an estimated $1.6 billion in tax cuts during the first year, with the recurring effect of the cuts in later years totaling nearly $2 billion, according to a legislative staff analysis. Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta said the impact on state general revenue, a key issue for lawmakers, will be about $1.3 billion. The school-tax holiday accounts for $217 million of the package in the first year. Under it, shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on clothes, shoes and backpacks that cost $100 or less, personal computers at $1,500 or less, school supplies at $50 or less and learning aids at $30 or less. The hunting, fishing and camping tax holiday is projected to result in $44.8 million savings for shoppers. In addition to applying to guns and ammo, it will provide sales-tax exemptions on such things as bows, arrows, rods and reels that cost $75 or less, tents that cost $200 or less, sleeping bags and camping stoves. Other aspects of the package include expanding the allowed use of tourist-development taxes by local governments to pay for beach lifeguards and for facilities in certain "fiscally constrained" rural counties and repealing an aviation fuel tax. DeSantis signed the tax-cut package as he also approved a new state budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which will start Tuesday.
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Gov. DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters
ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. — Legislation signed into law Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will impose tougher penalties on people who abandon pets during natural disasters, a measure inspired by the rescue of a dog left in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. With the 2025 hurricane season starting next week , the governor also signed a bill that enhances criminal penalties for severe cruelty to dogs and other pets.
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
South Florida Welcomes New Window and Door Company Focused on Affordability and Exceptional Service
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., May 6, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Hurricane season 2025 is around the bend and homeowners in south Florida now have a new choice for window and door installation services – Armor Pro Windows. It's promising to set itself apart with unmatched affordability, exceptional customer service and a seamless experience and offering a free impact window and door estimate . Armor Pro Windows witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and it worked closely with homeowners affected by the storm. It saw a stark contrast between properties equipped with impact windows and those without. As a result, its goal is to ensure the safety and storm preparedness of as many south Florida home and business owners as possible. Unlike other providers in the area, Armor Pro Windows aims to bring a fresh perspective to the local window and door market. By focusing on competitive pricing and straightforward, stress-free service, the company hopes to become the go-to, one-stop solution for homeowners looking to upgrade or replace doors, windows and even roofs across the region. The company wants to eliminate the headaches that often come with home improvement projects while keeping the process cost-effective for local home and business owners. One of their first customers said, 'Armor Pro Windows did an amazing job of upgrading my house to impact windows. As a single mom, they were super easy to work with and I never felt pressured and they were the most affordable.' Key highlights of their business philosophy include: Affordable solutions: High-quality windows and doors without breaking the bank. Customer-centric approach: Friendly, approachable service that prioritizes the customer's needs. Locally-focused: Deep ties to the south Florida community, with an understanding of local preferences and conditions. Armor Pro Windows has also created a comprehensive FAQ page that explains everything from how impact windows and doors make a difference during a hurricane and how they can lower insurance premiums to maintenance and energy efficiency tips and much more. So, whether customers are looking to upgrade their home for energy efficiency, storm protection or better real estate curb appeal, this new business is ready to meet their needs while standing apart from competitors with its ease and accessibility. The company is now accepting appointments for consultations. So, get a free impact window and door estimate and find out how easy and affordable it is to get started today. MORE INFORMATION: Armor Pro Windows: MULTIMEDIA: Video testimonial (YouTube): LOGO link for media: NEWS SOURCE: Armor Pro Windows Keywords: Construction and Building, South Florida , Window and Door Company, Armor Pro Windows, Impact Windows South Florida, Hurricane Windows Miami, impact doors south florida, south florida hurricane protection, miami impact window installation, hurricane season 2025, energy efficient windows south florida, broward county impact windows, south florida home safety, palm beach hurricane doors, CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Armor Pro Windows) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126003 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
