The tropical storm could strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane by the time it reaches Florida, though conditions are still uncertain depending on the path it takes. NWS predictions expect tropical-storm-force winds to arrive in the state early next week, with central Florida possibly in its path.
Central Florida recently prepared for the latest tropical storm to hit the state, Tropical Storm Isaias. Thankfully, there were only minor impacts to the region.
Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy states that a Hurricane Watch or Warning must be issued for cancellation or change fees to be waived.
The National Weather Service has announced that Tropical Depression 13 has formed over the tropical central Atlantic.
Currently, details of the long-range track and intensity forecasts are uncertain, however the system could bring rainfall and wind impacts to portions of Florida this weekend and early next week. Those potentially impacted should monitor the system’s progress and updates to the forecast over the next few weeks.
Central Florida recently prepared for the latest tropical storm to hit the state, Tropical Storm Isaias. Thankfully, there were few impacts to the region.
Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy states that a Hurricane Watch or Warning must be issued for cancellation or change fees to be waived.
A new research report from VISIT FLORIDA outlines how COVID-19 has heavily impacted travel to Florida during the second quarter of 2020.
According to VISIT FLORIDA, Florida saw 12.8 million total visitors during 2020’s second quarter, which is a -60.5% decrease compared to last year. Domestic travelers accounted for 98.1%, or 12.6 million, of Florida’s total visitors while international travel is almost entirely halted.
Of the 12.6 million domestic visitors, 8.7% traveled by air. This is a -85.2% drop from last year. Occupancy of Florida hotels decreased -55% from last year and the average daily rate decreased -29.1%.
These dramatic decreases happened while most Florida destinations, including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, were closed. Without these big draws and with air travel restricted, it makes sense that tourism decreased.
These numbers are just preliminary and VISIT FLORIDA will update them as more data becomes available.
We have more news after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at a news conference today (July 7).
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he is extending the executive order declaring a state of emergency for another 60 days. This order includes the mandatory quarantine for visitors entering Florida from the New York Tri-State area including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
The executive order is shared here by Greg Angel on Twitter with MyNews13:
Governor DeSantis directed all individuals entering the state of Florida from the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) to isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry into Florida or the duration of the individual’s presence in Florida, whichever is shorter. This includes persons entering Florida by roadways.
This Executive Order does not apply to individuals involved in commercial activity and students traveling for the purpose of academic work, internships, sports training and any other activity or program approved by the educational institution.
All persons isolating or quarantining will be responsible for all costs associated with their isolation or quarantine. This includes transportation, lodging, food, medical care and any other expenses to sustain the individual during their period of isolation or quarantine.
This executive order was scheduled to end today (July 7), but it now looks like there will be a 60 day extension (September 5).
As Walt Disney World begins phased reopening this Saturday (July 11), this extension will change plans for many Disney guests from the New York Tri-State Area including Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. Keep in mind, as we previously shared, there is also an order for a 14-day quarantine when you enter the Tri-State area from Florida and several other states.
We have breaking news to share that is effective immediately regarding alcohol consumption at bars in Florida.
According to the Florida DBPR Twitter account: “Effective immediately, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is suspending on premises consumption of alcohol at bars statewide.”
Orlando Sentinel reports: “Florida regulators banned drinking alcohol at bars statewide as the state reported a record-shattering 8,942 new cases of coronavirus Friday.”
“Effective immediately, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is suspending on premises consumption of alcohol at bars statewide,‘’ according to a tweet from Halsey Beshears, secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The department could not be immediately reached for further details. The Department of Health reported the new case numbers at nearly the same time that Beshears sent out the tweet. The previous record for a single-day increase of 5,508 cases was reported Wednesday.
