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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Clearwater, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Clearwater, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Clearwater, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Clearwater, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Clearwater, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Clearwater, FL
Foley hurricane relief heading to Clearwater, FL
Hal Scheurichhttps://www.fox10tv.com/2024/10/18/foley-hurricane-relief-heading-clearwater-fl/
FOLEY, Ala. (WALA) - Thanks to the generosity of many, the city of Foley along with Foley United Methodist Church will be helping hundreds of Florida families recover from Hurricane Milton. A week-long collection effort wrapped up Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 and a U-Haul truck was packed full.Step by step, bucket by bucket and crate by crate, more than a dozen volunteers from the city of Foley and Foley United Methodist Church spent Thursday afternoon packing cleanup ...
FOLEY, Ala. (WALA) - Thanks to the generosity of many, the city of Foley along with Foley United Methodist Church will be helping hundreds of Florida families recover from Hurricane Milton. A week-long collection effort wrapped up Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 and a U-Haul truck was packed full.
Step by step, bucket by bucket and crate by crate, more than a dozen volunteers from the city of Foley and Foley United Methodist Church spent Thursday afternoon packing cleanup supplies into a rental truck.
The destination is Clearwater, Fla. Folks in that region were hard-hit and can use the help. This relief effort was organized after a Foley first responder went to Florida to help with emergency management and saw the need.
“He was able to set us up with the people in the area who would be able to take what we’re taking down there and get it into the right hands and to the people themselves,” relief drive organizer and Foley EMA team member, Miranda McKinnon said.
The goal with this trip is to deliver “flood buckets” and totes filled with cleaning supplies. There are more than 130 buckets alone. Many were purchased already packed and ready from local home improvement stores, but most were hand packed by church volunteers.
“We had a few city volunteers and we had about twenty people from the church on Tuesday night,” said Foley United Methodist Church Pastor, John Simonson. “As much as we had, we were able to pack the one hundred and thirty-one buckets in thirty-six minutes, so it was fantastic.”
McKinnon is also Chairperson over Baldwin County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). She said as impressive as this individual relief effort has been, it pales in comparison to what Baldwin County has done cumulatively.
“We’ve had other cities. Fairhope, Daphne, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Bay Minette, all of the big cities and even some of the smaller areas, the townships have gathered together and done quite a bit of the same thing so that we have been able to collect supplies and sent them to North Carolina, the Tampa area, to Georgia. There has been a relief effort from the entire county,” McKinnon said.
When the call to Foley residents, city employees and church members went out a week ago, nobody had any idea just how much support there would be. Pastor John Simonson said he’s been overwhelmed by the generosity shown.
“I cannot thank the community of Foley enough,” Simonson said. “They’ve just come through with shining, shining colors. It’s great to be a part of such a community that’s willing to reach out to another one to offer help. It’s fantastic.”
The load of relief supplies will hit the road early Friday morning, Oct. 18, 2024. Representatives from Foley Fire, Police and Public Works will be among those going. While the cleaning supplies are handed out, they will be helping their counterparts there with whatever they need.
Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.
After a Harrowing Night, Clearwater, Fla., Faces Severe Flooding
Patricia Mazzeihttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/10/weather/clearwater-florida-severe-flooding.html
Andreína Zapiaín and her family watched with growing desperation Wednesday night as the floodwaters rose outside their apartment complex in Clearwater, Fla. Hurricane Milton’s winds howled, whipping a palm tree against the wall of their second-floor unit.Two weeks ago, when Hurricane Helene hit Florida, the complex — which housed many working-class, mostly Hispanic residents — had endured a flood about thigh-high, said Ms. Zapiaín, 31. But on Wednesday with Milton, the water crept higher and high...
Andreína Zapiaín and her family watched with growing desperation Wednesday night as the floodwaters rose outside their apartment complex in Clearwater, Fla. Hurricane Milton’s winds howled, whipping a palm tree against the wall of their second-floor unit.
Two weeks ago, when Hurricane Helene hit Florida, the complex — which housed many working-class, mostly Hispanic residents — had endured a flood about thigh-high, said Ms. Zapiaín, 31. But on Wednesday with Milton, the water crept higher and higher.
Ms. Zapiaín and her family realized the swell would only get worse, she said. Despite the dark, they decided to leave. They figured they could swim and trudge through the flood to a higher building in the same complex where some of their relatives lived.
Her husband lifted their 11-year-old daughter onto his back and led the way, Ms. Zapiaín said. She followed behind them with her 25-year-old cousin. She could hear first-floor residents trapped by the water behind their closed doors screaming for help, she said, but could do nothing to help them.
At 4 feet 9 inches tall, Ms. Zapiaín could barely keep her chin above the water.
“I couldn’t touch the bottom, really,” she said in Spanish as she recalled the deepest point of the flood. “I was floating. I think it’s the worst thing I’ve experienced in my life.”
In the darkness, facing the wind and fighting the water, she prayed. “I asked God that we wouldn’t run into anything underwater,” Ms. Zapiaín said.
She and her family made it to their relatives’ apartment, a long stretch of buildings away.
By morning, the flood had receded a bit, but the water level still covered the doorknobs on the first-floor apartment below them. On the street, pickup trucks peeked out above the water. Some sedans and hatchbacks were still nearly covered.
Sheriff’s deputies and other rescuers commandeered small boats to help stranded people reach safety. One woman carried an infant. Another family clutched two small dogs.
A rescuer in an orange vest waded through the flood and knocked on the doors of first-floor units.
Ms. Zapiaín, a Venezuelan immigrant who arrived in the United States two months ago, stood on the side of an elevated road, looking down at the destruction and chaos. She worried that one of her downstairs neighbors, an older man who lived alone, had not escaped. She yelled for a rescue team not only to knock on his door but also to push it in to make sure he was safe.
“I kind of want to swim there myself,” she said.
Later, more rescuers arrived carrying red paint to mark units that had been checked — and tools to break down doors.
Consumer Price Index, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater — Septemeber 2024
Bureau of Labor Statisticshttps://www.bls.gov/regions/southeast/news-release/consumerpriceindex_tampa.htm
Contacts Technical information:Media contact:Related LinksCPI ChartsCPI Summaries | CPI Tables Area prices up 1.2 percent over the past 12 monthsThe Consumer Price In...
Contacts Technical information:
Media contact:
Related Links
Area prices up 1.2 percent over the past 12 months
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Tampa declined 0.1 percent from July to September, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee noted that a decline in the gasoline index was a main factor in the bi-monthly all items decrease. (Data in this report are not seasonally adjusted. Accordingly, bi-monthly changes may reflect the impact of seasonal influences.)
The all items CPI-U increased 1.2 percent for the 12 months ending in September. (See chart 1 and table A.) The index for all items less food and energy rose 2.0 percent over the past year. The food index continued to increase, up 1.6 percent over the last 12 months. In comparison, the energy index fell 9.1 percent over the past year. (See table 1.)
Food
The food index rose 0.8 percent from July to September. The food at home index increased 1.0 percent over the same period. The six major grocery store food group indexes were split over the two-month period, with three increases and three decreases. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 5.3 percent from July to September. The indexes for dairy and related products (+4.8 percent) and cereals and bakery products (+2.5 percent) also increased over the bi-monthly period.
The index for food away from home increased from July to September, up 0.4 percent.
The food index increased 1.6 percent for the 12 months ending in September. The food at home index rose 1.4 percent over the past year. Four of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased over the last 12 months: meats, poultry, fish, and eggs (+2.5 percent); dairy and related products (+4.6 percent); fruits and vegetables (+2.8 percent); and other food at home (+1.6 percent). In contrast, the cereals and bakery products index declined over the past year, as did the index for nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials.
The index for food away from home increased 1.8 percent over the past 12 months.
Energy
The energy index declined 4.2 percent from July to September, largely due to a 7.6-percent fall in the gasoline index. The index for electricity was little changed over the bi-monthly period, down 0.1 percent.
The energy index fell 9.1 percent for the 12 months ending in September, reflecting declines in the gasoline (-10.7 percent) and electricity (-10.1 percent) indexes.
All items less food and energy
The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.1 percent from July to September. The shelter index increased 0.4 percent over the bi-monthly period. The index for owners’ equivalent rent rose 0.8 percent over the two-months and the index for rent of primary residence increased 0.9 percent. Other indexes with notable increases from July to September include apparel (+6.7 percent) and education and communication (+1.4 percent). In comparison, the index for recreation declined 3.0 percent over the same period.
The index for all items less food and energy increased 2.0 percent for the 12 months ending in September. The index for shelter (+5.1 percent) was the largest contributor to the total 12-month increase in the all items less food and energy index. The indexes for owners’ equivalent rent (+4.3 percent) and rent of primary residence (+6.9 percent) also increased over the past year. Notable indexes to decline over the last 12 months include household furnishings and operations (-4.0 percent), education and communication (-2.4 percent), and new vehicles (-2.2 percent).
The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Consumer Price Index for November 2024 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. (ET).
Technical Note
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services. The Consumer Price Index for Tampa is published bi-monthly. The set of components and sub-aggregates published for regional and metropolitan indexes is more limited than at the U.S. city average level; these indexes are byproducts of the national CPI program. Each local index has a much smaller sample size than the national or regional indexes and is, therefore, subject to substantially more sampling and other measurement error. As a result, local-area indexes are more volatile than the national or regional indexes. In addition, local indexes are not adjusted for seasonal influences. NOTE: Area indexes do not measure differences in the level of prices between cities; they only measure the average change in prices for each area since the base period.
The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Core Based Statistical Area includes Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.
Refer to the national CPI news release technical note or the Handbook of Methods for more information.
Information in this release will be made available to individuals with sensory impairments upon request. Voice phone: (202) 691-5200; Telecommunications Relay Service: 7-1-1.
Hurricane Milton live updates: Storm at Category 4 as Florida coast starts making final preparations
John Gallashttps://www.heraldtribune.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/10/08/hurricane-milton-florida-tuesday-updates-path-track-tampa/75560902007/
Hurricane Milton continued its advance on Florida's Peninsula Tuesday as a very strong Category 4 storm wit...
Hurricane Milton continued its advance on Florida's Peninsula Tuesday as a very strong Category 4 storm with winds of more than 150 mph. Evacuations have to be completed on Tuesday as shelters across Florida were opening.
"Milton poses a extremely serious threat to Florida," the National Hurricane Center said. Emergency managers say if you are under mandatory evacuation it's a life-or-death situation and you must go.
Devastating impacts are forecast for Florida, including life-threatening storm surge, flooding rain and damaging winds as the storm is forecast to make landfall somewhere on the Gulf Coast, possibly in the Tampa Bay or points south, then sweeping across the state in on a mostly northwest track menacing the Orlando area and the beach communities to the northeast.
Here's what to know about Hurricane Milton today:
➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location
➤ Live updates for Lee County:Get the latest for the Fort Myers area here.
➤ Live updates for Collier County:Get the latest for the Naples area here.
➤ Live updates for Sarasota County:Get the latest for the Sarasota-Manatee-Bradenton area here.
Is there school today in Florida?
The answer on whether Hurricane Milton has canceled school depends on the school district you are in. As of Tuesday morning, more than two dozen Florida school districts were closed today and beyond. The Florida Department of Education has a list here, and public colleges and universities are included.
Disney World Hurricane Milton status
Disney World said late Monday that it was operating under normal conditions, but there are some alterations to hours and openings to some resorts coming to Disney. What we know:
On it's website, Disney World has this statement: "We are closely monitoring the path of the projected storm, and the safety of our Guests and Cast Members remains our top priority. Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions and will continue to be on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Looking ahead, we are making adjustments based on the latest weather forecast and some areas with unique environments."
Where is Hurricane Milton going and how strong could it get?
State of emergency in Florida meaning
A storm slams into the state. There is a massive run on gasoline. A pandemic drives death tolls higher. Some natural disaster strikes and threatens Floridians and then the announcement comes: "Governor declares State of Emergency in Florida."
According to Florida Law, “A state of emergency shall be declared by executive order or proclamation of the Governor if she or he finds an emergency has occurred or that the occurrence or the threat thereof is imminent."
— C. A. Bridges
Current evacuation zones in Florida. Know your flood zone
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has a website to determine whether you live in an evacuation zone and what zone it is.
Go to the website and enter your address. If your home is in one of the colored areas, those are flood zones where you may be asked to evacuate by local officials.
Typically, Zone A is the most vulnerable and the most likely to be asked to evacuate first. Zone F is most likely to evacuate last.
In an evacuation zone? Here are Florida traffic maps and cameras.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says there’s still much uncertainty about Hurricane Milton, but the state is preparing to open highway shoulders for mass evacuations to come.
Individual counties make evacuation calls. “Once those orders come down from all the counties, I think it’s going to be a significant number of people,” DeSantis said.
The Florida Department of Transportation is monitoring traffic, and as soon as travel speeds are down to 40 mph, the state will begin to open shoulders for travel to relieve congestion, according to state Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue.
— Cheryl McCloud
Which counties in Florida are in a state of emergency?
Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 54 Florida counties ahead of Hurricane Milton, which could bring Category 3 winds and flooding to already-heavily damaged Gulf Coast communities and beyond. The Florida counties included in the emergency declaration extend across the peninsula. They are:
Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie Sumter, Suwanee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia.
Hurricane Milton strength increases to Category 3 storm
Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aicraft indicate that Hurricane Milton is now a major hurricane. The maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 120 mph. Milton is a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Hurricane Milton's eye shown in satellite images
Hurricane Milton is shown in this National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency video from the GOES-East satellite.
Hurricane Milton tracker: Updating Florida path
Is there school today in Florida? Districts closed ahead of Hurricane Milton
More than a dozen school districts across Florida have announced they'll be closing ahead of and on the days Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida.
Nine schools were closed Monday and more have plans to be closed through Thursday. Here's a list of Florida schools closed today from the state.
Storm radar Florida
Latest spaghetti models for Hurricane Milton
Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text
(This story has updated to add new information.)
Helene Turns Clearwater Homes Into Lakes
The Weather Channelhttps://weather.com/storms/hurricane/video/hurricane-helene-floods-homes-in-clearwater-florida
Helene Turns Clearwater Homes Into LakesA family retreated to the second floor of their home in Clearwater, Florida, when the bottom floor was inundated with about 3 feet of flooding from Hurricane Helene.0 seconds of 33 secondsVolume 90%A family retreated to the second floor of their home in Clearwater, Florida, when the bottom floor was inundated with about 3 feet of flooding from Hurricane Helene.Trending TodayLatest WeatherHealthSun & MoonTravelClimateTrending...
Helene Turns Clearwater Homes Into Lakes
A family retreated to the second floor of their home in Clearwater, Florida, when the bottom floor was inundated with about 3 feet of flooding from Hurricane Helene.
0 seconds of 33 secondsVolume 90%
A family retreated to the second floor of their home in Clearwater, Florida, when the bottom floor was inundated with about 3 feet of flooding from Hurricane Helene.
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