DeSantis declares state of emergency in 7 Florida counties after severe flooding

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Monday in seven Florida counties after heavy rainfall caused flooding that threatened roads, schools, airports and other critical infrastructure.Executive Order 26-227 covers Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties.The declaration comes as flooding stranded vehicles and prompted warnings to stay off roads in West Melbourne. Severe weather also prompted Brevard Public Schools to cancel Monday’s classes.What the emergency order authorizesThe order puts the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s executive director in charge of coordinating the state’s response, including rescue, evacuation and recovery operations.It also authorizes:Activation of the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard as neededRequests for assistance from other states and the federal governmentEmergency funding through the state’s Emergency Preparedness and Response FundSuspension of certain government procedures that co