The story in brief
Florida Politics reports that Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Isaias could reach the Panhandle as a Category 3 storm and urged residents to prepare and follow local evacuation orders. The state said thousands of utility and emergency personnel were ready, with fuel, food, water and equipment staged for response. DeSantis also declared an emergency in 25 North Florida counties, and tolls were waived on three regional routes. These measures reflect the state’s preparations ahead of the expected storm impacts.