Gov. Scott declares state of emergency as Tropical Storm Hermine forms

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency Wednesday in 42 counties in Florida in preparation for Tropical Storm Hermine, which has been upgraded by the National Hurricane Center from a tropical depression.

The list of counties covered under the state of emergency does not include Sarasota or Manatee.

Longboat Key is making storm preparations, however, according to Frank Rubino, deputy chief of the Longboat Key Police Department. Longboat is supposed to receive as much as five inches of rain from the storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The Sarasota Police Department is also urging drivers to avoid the intersection of South Tamiami Trail and Bee Ridge Road, which has been reduced to two lanes. There are also several flooded streets on Lido Key.

Scott’s state of emergency does include Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

“(Tuesday) night, hurricane and tropical storm watches were issued along Florida’s Gulf Coast from Pasco County to Gulf County,” Scott said in his declaration. “We also learned that the National Hurricane Center expects Tropical Depression 9 to become a tropical storm sometime (Wednesday).

“It is crucial that every Floridian has a plan in place to ensure their families, homes and businesses are fully prepared."

Floridians can make their own plan at FLGetaPlan.com.

By declaring a state of emergency in advance of the storm’s expected landfall Thursday in the Panhandle, Scott said in his release, Florida is ensuring state, regional and local agencies can work together to meet the needs of all affected communities.