Governor DeSantis speaking at the hurricane preparedness press conference in Sarasota.
Governor Ron DeSantis will hold a press conference to address hurricane preparedness ahead of the 2025 season. The event, taking place at The Westin Sarasota, will focus on proactive measures being implemented to enhance hurricane preparedness following the impacts of back-to-back hurricanes in 2024. Community initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and legislative actions, including potential tax holidays, will be discussed as officials aim to educate residents and bolster resilience as the hurricane season approaches.
Sarasota, FL — Governor Ron DeSantis is set to address hurricane preparedness efforts at a press conference in the Tampa Bay area on Monday morning at 10 a.m. The event will take place at The Westin Sarasota and will be live-streamed for public viewing on 10 Tampa Bay+. While specific topics for discussion have not been disclosed, the press conference is timely as the 2025 hurricane season approaches, beginning on June 1 and running through November 30.
Officials are particularly focused on enhancing preparedness following two back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, which underscored the importance of effective planning and infrastructure resilience. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its outlook for the upcoming hurricane season, indicating a projected range of 13 to 19 named storms with wind speeds reaching 39 mph or higher. Of these storms, it is anticipated that 6 to 10 could become hurricanes, while 3 to 5 may escalate to major hurricanes of Category 3, 4, or 5.
With a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season forecasted, local and state leaders are taking proactive measures to educate residents about storm preparedness. Efforts include organizing community events aimed at teaching residents how to prepare for hurricanes, as well as improving infrastructure and beach renourishment to mitigate potential storm impacts. Emergency staffing enhancements are also in place to ensure effective responses during and after severe weather events.
The 2024 hurricane season was notable for its intensity, featuring 18 named storms and resulting in five major hurricanes, which collectively caused damages exceeding $182.7 billion across 27 disasters classified as billion-dollar events. This record-setting season has contributed to heightened awareness and urgency for preparedness as the same patterns could manifest in 2025.
Residents are being encouraged to create comprehensive disaster supply kits that can sustain their families, including pets, for at least one week. An interactive evacuation zone map has been made available by the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) to assist residents in understanding their evacuation routes and zones. Furthermore, it is advised that homeowners evaluate and bolster their properties to withstand high winds and heavy rainfall.
To stay informed during power outages, residents are encouraged to invest in battery-operated or hand-crank weather radios which can provide critical updates. Additional details regarding local hurricane preparedness activities are being communicated through various platforms, focusing on the importance of having a well-considered hurricane preparedness plan in place.
Previous hurricane preparedness tax holidays have been included in Florida’s state budget, promoting easier access to essential supplies during hurricane season. However, uncertainty surrounds this year’s holiday due to ongoing legislative negotiations. Despite this, Governor DeSantis has assured the implementation of a hurricane preparedness tax holiday in some form.
Factors contributing to this season’s outlook include unusually high-temperature content in the Atlantic Basin and a northward shift in the West African Monsoon, which could lead to more powerful and persistent storms. As residents prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, local officials stress the significance of remaining updated on the latest weather forecasts and having a strategic emergency response plan.
As the date for the press conference approaches, the collective efforts of state and county officials highlight a strong commitment to enhancing hurricane preparedness in anticipation of a multifaceted and potentially impactful 2025 season.
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