A state of emergency has been issued in the US state of Florida as there is a 90 per cent chance that a tropical disturbance near Cuba might turn into a tropical depression or tropical storm at the weekend.&nbsp;

Experts say if the disturbance turns into a storm, it would be called Debby. Irrespective of how big the storm becomes, Florida is expected to receive six to eight inches of rain, at least on its west coast, as well as the Georgia and South Carolina coast, the Met department said.&nbsp;

On Friday (Aug 2), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 54 counties by issuing Executive Order 24-156.&nbsp;

"As of 11 am&nbsp;ET on August 2, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is over Cuba and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days," read the warning.&nbsp;

"Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, listen to all orders from local officials, create disaster preparedness plans, and stock disaster supply kits with food, water, and other necessities for their households," it added.

The Florida National Guard has put approximately 3,000 service members on standby for immediate response if the storm hits the region. Meanwhile, Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>70 FSG members to support response and recovery operations</li>
	<li>Nine&nbsp;shallow water vessels staged for deployment</li>
	<li>10 Utility Terrain Vehicles&nbsp;(UTV) staged for deployment</li>
	<li>Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment</li>
	<li>Seven search and rescue crews prepared to deployed from Camp Blanding</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-removed-from-florida-laws-722428">Watch |&nbsp;Climate change removed from Florida laws</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-removed-from-florida-laws-722428/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>What is the path of the storm?</h2>

Current predictions suggest that the system would become a tropical depressing by Saturday morning and move across Cuba to reach South Florida.&nbsp;

The outer bands will bring scattered thunderstorms, heavy downpour and gusty winds. The storm will continue to&nbsp;strengthen and close in on the west coast of the Florida peninsula. It is expected to make landfall on Sunday&nbsp;with flash flooding anticipated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-florida-braces-for-new-storm-as-tropical-wave-brews-in-the-central-atlantic-745694">Also read |&nbsp;US: Florida braces for new storm as tropical wave brews in the central Atlantic</a>

By Monday morning, the storm will move to the Atlantic Ocean - bringing rain and wind to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. However, this forecast might change, depending on a host of other weather conditions.&nbsp;

The National Oceanic and Atmosphetric Administration had predicted an above-average hurricane season this year in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A state of emergency has been issued in the US state of Florida as there is a 90 per cent chance that a tropical disturbance near Cuba might turn into a tropical depression or tropical storm at the weekend.

A state of emergency has been issued in the US state of Florida as there is a 90 per cent chance that a tropical disturbance near Cuba might turn into a tropical depression or tropical storm at the weekend. Experts say if the disturbance turns into a storm, it would be called Debby. Irrespective of how big the storm becomes, Florida is expected to receive six to eight inches of rain, at least on its west coast, as well as the Georgia and South Carolina coast, the Met department said. On Friday (Aug 2), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 54 counties by issuing Executive Order 24-156. "As of 11 am ET on August 2, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is over Cuba and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming days," read the warning. "Floridians are encouraged to monitor weather conditions, listen to all orders from local officials, create disaster preparedness plans, and stock disaster supply kits with food, water, and other necessities for their households," it added. The Florida National Guard has put approximately 3,000 service members on standby for immediate response if the storm hits the region. Meanwhile, Florida State Guard (FSG) has activated: 70 FSG members to support response and recovery operations Nine shallow water vessels staged for deployment 10 Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) staged for deployment Two amphibious rescue vehicles staged for deployment Seven search and rescue crews prepared to deployed from Camp Blanding Watch | Climate change removed from Florida laws × What is the path of the storm? Current predictions suggest that the system would become a tropical depressing by Saturday morning and move across Cuba to reach South Florida. The outer bands will bring scattered thunderstorms, heavy downpour and gusty winds. The storm will continue to strengthen and close in on the west coast of the Florida peninsula. It is expected to make landfall on Sunday with flash flooding anticipated. Also read | US: Florida braces for new storm as tropical wave brews in the central Atlantic By Monday morning, the storm will move to the Atlantic Ocean - bringing rain and wind to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. However, this forecast might change, depending on a host of other weather conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmosphetric Administration had predicted an above-average hurricane season this year in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 90% chance of tropical storm hitting Florida; Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency

A lawsuit settlement regarding Florida's contentious "don't say gay" statute, announced Monday, marks&nbsp;a significant shift in policy. The settlement, as per reports, affirms the rights of teachers and students to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and access related library materials openly.&nbsp;

This settlement, which is widely being celebrated by rights groups,&nbsp;comes as a win for LGBTQ+ individuals and families who previously had been silenced by the controversial legislation introduced by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

<h2>A 'giant step' forward</h2>

Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality&nbsp;Florida, hailed the settlement as a "giant step" towards rectifying the harm inflicted by the law on families, schools, and the state.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-accused-of-using-charity-foundation-for-serving-tax-breaks-and-self-interests-699225">Elon Musk&nbsp;accused of using charity foundation for serving tax breaks and self-interests</a>

"Florida has already endured nearly two years of book banning, educators leaving the profession, and safe space stickers being ripped off of classroom windows in the wake of this law cynically targeting the LGBTQ+ community," said Smith.

"This settlement is a giant step toward repairing the immense damage these laws and the dangerous political rhetoric has inflicted on our families, our schools, and our state."

<h2>What happens to the 'don't say gay' statute?</h2>

As per the terms of the settlement, the statute itself remains intact. However, now, because of the settlement, the state must clarify that the statute only restricts classroom instruction on specific subjects — sexual orientation and gender identity — but doesn't prohibit their mere discussion or access to related library books.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/syrian-woman-uses-ai-to-chat-with-dead-mother-got-spooky-results-as-responses-felt-too-real-699239">Syrian woman uses AI to 'chat' with dead mother; got 'spooky' results as responses felt too real</a>

Under the terms of the settlement, the Florida Board of Education has been mandated to send instructions outlining these requirements to all 67 school districts across Florida.

Governor DeSantis's administration has described the settlement as a "major win", reports WP. This is because the prohibition of sexual ideology instruction in classrooms has been retained.

However, critics have long argued that the law instilled fear and censorship regarding LGBTQ+ topics in schools. This law, when introduced, led to far-reaching consequences, such as the removal of rainbow flags and the cancellation of student groups advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

The settlement addresses concerns over the vague language of the law, which led to its misinterpretation by many school districts, resulting in the suppression of LGBTQ+ representation and discourse.

(With inputs from agencies)

A lawsuit settlement regarding Florida's contentious "don't say gay" statute, announced Monday, marks a significant shift in policy. The settlement, as per reports, affirms the rights of teachers and students to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and access related library materials openly.

A lawsuit settlement regarding Florida's contentious "don't say gay" statute, announced Monday, marks a significant shift in policy. The settlement, as per reports, affirms the rights of teachers and students to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and access related library materials openly. This settlement, which is widely being celebrated by rights groups, comes as a win for LGBTQ+ individuals and families who previously had been silenced by the controversial legislation introduced by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. A 'giant step' forward Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, hailed the settlement as a "giant step" towards rectifying the harm inflicted by the law on families, schools, and the state. Also read | Elon Musk accused of using charity foundation for serving tax breaks and self-interests "Florida has already endured nearly two years of book banning, educators leaving the profession, and safe space stickers being ripped off of classroom windows in the wake of this law cynically targeting the LGBTQ+ community," said Smith. "This settlement is a giant step toward repairing the immense damage these laws and the dangerous political rhetoric has inflicted on our families, our schools, and our state." What happens to the 'don't say gay' statute? As per the terms of the settlement, the statute itself remains intact. However, now, because of the settlement, the state must clarify that the statute only restricts classroom instruction on specific subjects — sexual orientation and gender identity — but doesn't prohibit their mere discussion or access to related library books. Also read | Syrian woman uses AI to 'chat' with dead mother; got 'spooky' results as responses felt too real Under the terms of the settlement, the Florida Board of Education has been mandated to send instructions outlining these requirements to all 67 school districts across Florida. Governor DeSantis's administration has described the settlement as a "major win", reports WP. This is because the prohibition of sexual ideology instruction in classrooms has been retained. However, critics have long argued that the law instilled fear and censorship regarding LGBTQ+ topics in schools. This law, when introduced, led to far-reaching consequences, such as the removal of rainbow flags and the cancellation of student groups advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The settlement addresses concerns over the vague language of the law, which led to its misinterpretation by many school districts, resulting in the suppression of LGBTQ+ representation and discourse. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida's 'don't say gay' settlement: Teachers, students free to discuss LGBTQ+ issues openly

governor-ron-desantis

Governor Ron Desantis, News on Governor Ron Desantis, stories on Governor Ron Desantis, articles on Governor Ron Desantis, Governor Ron Desantis stories at Wion, Governor Ron Desantis news, Governor Ron Desantis latest news

governor ron-desantis

US: 90% chance of tropical storm hitting Florida; Governor DeSantis declares state of emergency

Florida's 'don't say gay' settlement: Teachers, students free to discuss LGBTQ+ issues openly