BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Palm Beach County’s emergency operations center is open as Category Five Hurricane MIlton continues to approach Florida’s west coast before a trek across the peninsula. Here is the mid-afternoon update from Palm Beach County:

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 35 counties across the state, including all of South Florida,<a class="excerpt-read-more" href=" More

As Hurricane Milton nears the Gulf Coast, Northeast Florida school districts are preparing for potential impacts by announcing closures. School districts are currently determining when to cancel classes as a precautionary measure.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency for 35 Florida counties ahead of the latest hurricane strike on Florida, which is still reeling from Helene.

Florida officials implored Gulf Coast residents to follow evacuation orders and utilities prepared for widespread power outages as Hurricane Milton strengthened into a Category 5 storm Monday.

Milton has strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico on a path toward Florida, where residents are filling sandbags and considering evacuation.

Of particular concern to Palm Beach County school leaders is the possibility of high winds with Hurricane Milton.