‘Here we go’: Orange County added to Florida state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Isaias

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Gov. Ron DeSantis added the county to the state’s state of emergency declaration as Hurricane Isaias moves closer to the state.

Demings said Orange County was added because people on the coast may seek shelter in the county.

Demings said according to Visit Orlando, 84% of hotels in the county area are open and occupancy levels are at 32%. He said that means there are plenty of hotel rooms available if coastal residents decide to take shelter in the county.

LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Isaías trying to intensify, heavy rains & strong winds for central Bahamas

County officials said they have shelters ready but do not have plans to open them due to Isaias.

“If something should change, we have everything in place to make very quick adjustments,” Demings said.

Danny Banks, deputy county administrator of public safety, said this will be the first real taste of the 2020 hurricane season.

READ: Hurricane Isaias: If you live along coastal Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas, you should be doing this now

“Here we go,” Banks said.

Sandbags are available at several parks in the county until 8 p.m. Saturday. Click here for more information.

11a.m. update: Isaías track a bit more west, hurricane watch for Brevard coast Isaias is expected to continue strengthening Friday.

Cox Media Group