TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Florida\u2019s state government is continuing its preparations ahead of Hurricane Isaias.<\/p>\n
Governor DeSantis and top emergency management officials held a press conference Thursday in Tallahassee. <\/p>\n
DeSantis said the state is treating this like it could be a Category 3 storm and is planning for the worst and hoping for the best.<\/p>\n
The governor said some mandatory evacuations are now underway in coastal areas, especially on the barrier islands. <\/p>\n
The state government has already deployed more than 5,000 national and state guard members to help with manpower. They are also prepared to distribute about one million water bottles.<\/p>\n
Watch the full press conference here: <\/p>\n
Some shelters are opening inn Gadsden and Wakulla Counties. <\/p>\n
Florida State University is shifting to virtual classes this weekend. <\/p>\n
A swiftwater rescue organization is staging in Tallahassee in case they need to be deployed west. Some tolls in western Florida are now waived, and the governor said anyone in North Florida could lose power.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, this is a pretty big lopsided storm on the east side, which means if it enters in Pensacola Bay, it\u2019s pretty much going to cover most of the Florida panhandle,\u201d DeSantis said.<\/p>\n
The press conference comes just two days after the governor declared a state of emergency<\/a> for 25 counties, including the Big Bend, ahead of Hurricane Isaias. <\/p>\n Stay up-to-date with WCTV\u2019s First Alert latest Isaias updates here<\/a>.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n