Brevard among seven counties under a state of emergency for flooding

Brevard County is under a state of emergency after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-227 on Monday, Nov. 2, in response to the flooding from days of heavy rain, according to WFTV, which first reported the order. The order also covers DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

According to WFTV, the order puts the Florida Division of Emergency Management in charge of coordinating the state's response, lets the Florida Department of Transportation waive tolls when needed for emergency help or evacuation, and turns on price-gouging protections for essential goods and services in the seven counties. It takes effect immediately and runs for 60 days unless extended. Because the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, the order also sets a process for county elections supervisors who can't fully meet certain polling-place requirements to propose substitute measures, which need the Florida secretary of state's approval. The order text had not yet been posted on the Governor's executive orders page as of Monday evening.

Flood warnings were still in effect for parts of Brevard Monday evening, the county-wide Flood Watch runs until 10 a.m. Tuesday, and Brevard Public Schools is closed Tuesday. Brevard EOC is urging people to stay off the roads after dark and turn around at flooded roads. See our flood warnings story for the latest alerts.

Voters should check the Brevard County Supervisor of Elections for any Election Day changes, and NWS Melbourne for current alerts.