DeSantis Declares Emergency for Icy Weather in North Florida

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday declared a state of emergency in parts of North Florida as a significant cold front is expected to bring snow and ice to regions that haven’t seen it in years. One to three inches of snow are forecast for the Florida panhandle, according to DeSantis’ executive order. The incoming weather will be affecting government operations throughout much of North Florida, but not quite to the area that includes Flagler and Volusia counties. Several state government offices are closing Tuesday and Wednesday, including those in nearby counties such as Duval, Putnam, Clay, and Marion. “Hazardous driving conditions will exist Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, especially over bridges, overpasses, and elevated surfaces, leading to possible roadway and bridge closures across North Florida,” the emergency declaration reads. The National Guard and Florida Guard are being mobilized to respond as needed to assist in the response as snow and ice hit the state. “Dangerously cold temperatures are being felt across North Florida this week, with possibilities of snow and black ice,” DeSantis said in a followup statement on X. “At my direction, [the Florida Division of Emergency Management] is monitoring this system closely, and [the Florida Department of Transportation] is on standby with snow plows and other equipment for road and bridge safety needs. Please stay attentive to weather conditions and safety alerts from local and state officials. Also, please be careful in icy conditions, especially on the roadways.” In the opening line of the emergency declaration, where the origins of the low pressure system are described, DeSantis incorrectly refers to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The choice of language makes a political statement referring to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump to rename the body of water, though it is not under the purview of the executive branch of the federal government to dictate the naming of international waters. From that point, the order speculates on the potential impacts to roads, infrastructure, trees, and power lines from freezing rain in the panhandle. DeSantis designated Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie as the State Coordinating Officer for as long as the state of emergency is in effect.