Gov. Ron DeSantis to mobilize National Guard, seek pre-landfall disaster declaration

Gov. Ron DeSantis is mobilizing the National Guard and requesting a pre-landfall disaster declaration from the federal government with the latest forecast calling for Hurricane Dorian to slam into Florida’s East Coast at Category 4 strength.

DeSantis said he spoke with President Donald Trump Wednesday night, and he expects the state’s Emergency Operations Center to be fully activated Friday.

“He assured me the federal government would be with us every step of the way,” DeSantis said.

The governor received a briefing Thursday morning at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. He will visit emergency operations centers later in the day in Brevard and Duval counties.

DeSantis declared a state of emergency Wednesday evening for 26 counties, including all of South Florida. He said more counties could be added with Dorian’s uncertain track. The storm’s cone of uncertainty spans from Jacksonville to the Keys.

The Florida State University college football game planned for Saturday in Jacksonville is being moved to Tallahassee given Dorian’s possible track, DeSantis said. The Seminoles are taking on the Boise State University Broncos.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

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