Florida prepares for Hurricane Isaias as DeSantis declares state of emergency in 25 counties

Florida is ramping up preparations for Hurricane Isaias, with Gov. Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency for 25 counties as the system threatens to bring heavy rain, strong winds and flooding to parts of the state later this week.DeSantis signed the executive order Tuesday night, allowing state agencies to position resources ahead of potential impacts across the Panhandle and Big Bend regions.Isaias, which developed from Tropical Depression Nine on Wednesday morning, has strengthened into a hurricane late Tuesday evening before approaching the northern Gulf Coast on Friday."Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9," DeSantis said in a press release Tuesday. "This order will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to stage critical preparedness resources and ensure Florida is ready to respond."DeSantis urged Floridians to review their disaster plans and make sure their hurricane supply kits are