Obama declares state of emergency in Florida ahead of Hurricane Matthew

Directive applies to more than 2 dozen Florida counties

WASHINGTONPresident Barack Obama has declared an emergency in the state of Florida and has ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts to Hurricane Matthew.

Obama's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate efforts to alleviate the suffering caused by the hurricane.

The directive applies to more than two dozen counties in Florida. The counties are Baker, Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia.

Emergency declarations are designed to help provide emergency services to protect lives and property, and to lessen the threat of a catastrophe.

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About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.