Florida declares state of emergency as tropical storm forms in Gulf of Mexico

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency as a potential tropical storm neared Florida’s Gulf coast (Morry Gash/AP)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for most of the state’s Gulf coast on Saturday as forecasters predicted a weather system off the coast of Mexico could soon become a tropical storm and move towards the area.

Mr DeSantis’ declaration covers the Gulf coast from the south-west city of Fort Myers north through Panama City in the Panhandle.