Florida city declares local state of emergency ahead of storm

The City Council of New Port Richey, Florida, has declared a local state of emergency in response to the anticipated impacts of Invest 97L, a weather system expected to strengthen as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. The resolution, numbered 2020409, was passed during a recent council meeting and will take effect at midnight on August 2nd, lasting for an initial seven days, with the possibility of extension in seven-day increments as needed.

The declaration allows the city to waive certain procedures and formalities, facilitating the employment of workers and rental of equipment necessary to ensure the safety and service continuity for residents and businesses during the emergency. The National Weather Service has issued advisories regarding the storm, prompting the council to take precautionary measures to prepare for potential impacts.

During the meeting, there were no public comments on the resolution, and the council moved swiftly to approve the emergency declaration. The mayor was also requested to include specific language in the motion, granting the city clerk the authority to incorporate the date and order number of the governor's emergency declaration into the official record. The council's proactive approach underscores the importance of readiness in the face of severe weather events.