On August 1, 2024, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an advisory for Invest 97L which is currently a low pressure system located in the Caribbean. The NWS computer models are in better agreement that the system will move into the eastern Gulf of Mexico this weekend where it may possibly develop. Although it is too early to know the certain path of the potential storm, it is out of an abundance of caution that the City issue a local state of emergency in preparation of any impacts to our area as a result of the strengthening system. The local state of emergency will go into effect as of 12:01 a.m. on August 2, 2024 and will remain in effect for seven days.
It should be noted that Pasco County is also currently working on drafting their resolution to declare a countywide local state of emergency.