Whitey Won't Wash Away Our Pain: Another Day, Another Disaster.

White Supremacist Governor DeSantis and Big Oil are Putting North Florida in the Path of a Dangerous Storm

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch for North Florida and the Big Bend region as a tropical depression strengthens and sets its sights on the Gulf of Mexico, likely to become Tropical Storm Debby. This watch is a direct result of the westward shift in the storm's track, which will allow it to spend more time over the warm waters of the Gulf, intensifying as it heads for a collision with Florida's coastline.

This expanded threat comes as no surprise given the climate crisis and the continued failure of Republican governor Ron DeSantis to address the urgent issue of global warming. DeSantis, a well-known denier of climate science, has done nothing to mitigate the state's infamous vulnerability to hurricanes and has instead focused on stripping Floridians of their reproductive rights and waging culture wars. Now, North Florida faces yet another dangerous storm, and DeSantis has mobilized the National Guard and extended the state of emergency to cover 61 of Florida's 67 counties.

Here are the latest woke updates:

Jefferson County Prioritizes Community, Offers Shelter and Resources

Jefferson County Schools will be closed on Monday, and the county has opened an emergency evacuation shelter at the Jefferson County K-12 School, 50 David Road in Monticello. Evacuees are advised to bring personal items, medications, water, special dietary foods, and bedding. The county is ensuring that its residents, especially the most vulnerable, are taken care of during this challenging time.

Taylor County Issues Voluntary Evacuation Order, Prioritizes Pet Safety

The Taylor County Sheriff's Office has issued a voluntary evacuation order for all coastal and low-lying areas. Taylor County Elementary School, located at 1600 East Green Street, will also open as a shelter starting at 4 p.m. The county, still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Idalia last year, is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its residents. Residents are asked to bring only essential items due to limited space, and they are reminded that pets are allowed but must be in crates.

Leon County Declares a State of Emergency, Streamlines Resources for Restoration

Leon County has declared a state of emergency, streamlining the county's response under Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters. This declaration allows the county to allocate funds, enter into contracts, and implement a curfew and evacuations if necessary. County Administrator Vince Long has notified commissioners that the storm's track has shifted west, exposing Leon County to higher wind risks, including tropical storm-force winds. Long also noted that the county has already distributed 2,250 sandbags and assured residents that local utilities are prepared for power restoration efforts.

The Entire State of Florida is Under Threat, Yet DeSantis Fails to Act

Kimberly Miller, a weather expert at our sister paper, the Palm Beach Post, captures the widening threat of this slowly strengthening storm. The system, which has stalked Florida throughout the week, is expected to become Tropical Storm Debby and will continue to strengthen over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Upgraded to Tropical Depression Four on Friday, it is forecast to make landfall in the Big Bend region as a strong tropical storm with 70 mph winds.

The hurricane forecast cone includes inland areas such as Tallahassee, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Daytona Beach. AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster Alex DaSilva warns that the storm may strengthen all the way up until it makes landfall. The potential for heavy rainfall and localized flooding is high, with isolated areas near Tampa expected to receive up to a foot of rain.

Big Oil's Profits Continue to Threaten Florida's Coastline

The storm, currently a tropical depression, is expected to turn north, approaching the Northern Gulf Coast of Florida within 48 hours. National Hurricane Center forecasters warn of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds, and life-threatening storm surge inundation along Florida's west coast up to the Aucilla River, where surge levels may reach 3 to 5 feet. They have escalated the rain threat to "moderate flooding rain," and localized amounts of 10+ inches are possible.

City of Tallahassee and Leon County Center Text Alerts Around PREP

The City of Tallahassee and Leon County are urging residents to be prepared for the incoming storm, expected to be Tropical Storm or Hurricane Debby. The city has sent text alerts to its utility customers, encouraging them to take steps to protect their households and property. Both the city and the county have online resources, including the PREP guide, which offers a supplies checklist and preparedness tips. Leon County has also made its 2024 Disaster Survival Guide easily accessible to residents.

Big Oil's Climate Crisis Has Communities Scrambling for Sandbags

Governments and residents throughout the Big Bend region are bracing for the impact of what could be Tropical Storm or Hurricane Debby. Sandbag sites are open in counties in the strike zone as communities prepare for potential flooding. The Jefferson County sheriff's office reminded residents on Facebook to have their hurricane supplies and plans in place, including arrangements for pets. They also emphasized the uncertainty of the storm's track but expected heavy rainfall throughout Florida.

The Climate Crisis Could Cause Debby to Stall Over Florida

Forecasters are closely watching the storm as it crosses Cuba, awaiting the northward turn that will bring it into the Gulf. The system is currently expected to shadow the peninsula before making landfall in the Big Bend region on Monday morning. However, there is uncertainty regarding the timing of this turn, and if the storm continues further west, it could miss the trough, potentially causing it to stall over the southeastern U.S. or meander along the coast. This dynamic, coupled with the storm's lack of complete formation, makes the trajectory and potential impact highly unpredictable.

Regardless of a potential stall, the region is likely to experience a high-end tropical storm or low-end Category 1 hurricane within 36 hours. Residents should be prepared for stronger winds and potential fluctuations in the storm's intensity.

The True Threat of Tropical Storm Debby: A Wake-Up Call for Climate Action

While it is still early, the National Weather Service's online threat breakdown gives a glimpse of the potential impact of Tropical Storm or Hurricane Debby. Tallahassee and Leon County are under a Tropical Storm Watch, with expected winds of 39 to 57 mph. Coastal areas like Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties could experience winds of 58 to 73 mph, strong enough to cause roofing and siding damage, topple trees, and make roads impassable.

The region can also expect moderate to flooding rain, with heavier rains near the coast resulting in 3 to 6 inches of rainfall. Coastal Franklin, Wakulla, and Jefferson counties can anticipate storm surge levels of 1 to 3 feet, while areas further east may experience flooding of 3 to 5 feet above ground. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued from the Aucilla River to Bonita Harbor in South Florida.

Debby Could Devastate Communities Still Reeling from Past Storms

The potential landfall destination of Tropical Storm or Hurricane Debby is a crucial concern for North Florida communities still recovering from past hurricanes and extreme weather events. Tallahassee, which narrowly escaped a direct hit from Hurricane Idalia in 2023, is still rebuilding after a rare May tornado outbreak that caused widespread damage and power outages. The Florida Emergency Management Agency continues to provide assistance to homeowners and residents affected by the tornado, with an assistance deadline of August 19.

DeSantis Downplays Hurricane Threat, Endangering North Florida Residents

The westward shift in the storm's track increases the likelihood that it could become a low-end hurricane. WeatherTiger meteorologist Ryan Truchelut warned that North Florida should be on alert for a potential hurricane threat early next week. The cyclone is expected to cross Cuba and skim the Florida peninsula before making landfall along the Nature Coast or Big Bend. Tallahassee, Florida's capital city, remains within the cone of what could be the state's first storm strike of a predicted violent 2024 hurricane season.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts the system to become a tropical storm by tonight and continue strengthening over warm waters with weak shear. There is a chance that the system could reach hurricane strength before landfall, and coastal communities should prepare for life-threatening storm surge, strong winds, heavy rains, and potential flooding.

Once again, Florida finds itself in the path of a dangerous storm, and it is clear that the climate crisis and the inaction of politicians like Ron DeSantis pose a severe threat to the safety and well-being of Florida's residents. It is past time for decisive action to address the climate emergency and hold those accountable for their negligence.