The request is for City Council to approve a resolution which extends the local state of emergency due to Hurricane Milton.

On October 4, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order No. 24-214 which declared a state of emergency across several counties, of which Pasco County was included, in advance of Hurricane Milton.  On October 7, 2024, City Council conducted a special meeting to declare a local state of emergency due to the impending storm.  The local state of emergency went into effect as of 12:01 a.m. on October 8, 2024 for seven days. The local state of emergency is due to expire as of 12:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024. As the City is still in its recovery efforts from not only Hurricane Milton but the previous Hurricane Helene, staff is requesting that the local state of emergency be extended at this time. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 252.38(3)(a)(5), Florida Statutes, a municipality has the authority to declare a state of local emergency for a period of time up to seven (7) days, which may be extended as necessary in seven (7) day increments. Therefore the attached resolution shall go into effect as of 12:01 on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 and shall remain in effect until 12:00 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024.