ORLANDO -- Gov. Charlie Crist has issued a State of Emergency because of the freezing temperatures.
"I am issuing an executive order to declare a state of emergency due to the threat of severe weather and to ensure timely precautions are taken to protect Florida's agricultural crops and the general welfare of this state," Crist said in the order.
State officials say the declaration is designed so precautionary measures are taken to protect Florida's agricultural crops and citrus.
Weight limits for trucks hauling crops to processing plants are being relaxed so that the crops can be preserved.
Cold Weather Warnings At A Glance:
Hard Freeze Warnings (from 11 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Wednesday)
- Flagler
- Lake
- Marion
- Polk
- Sumter
- Volusia
Freeze Warnings (from 11 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Wednesday)
- Brevard
- Orange
- Osceola
- Seminole
The two hours before dawn Wednesday will be the coldest, perhaps the coldest on record in Central Florida.
Forecasters are predicting lows just below freezing with some cold spots in the mid 20s. The wind chill will make bare skin feel like the temperature is 6 to 8 degrees colder.
When sun peeks above the horizon at 7:19 a.m. when many people are heading for work, the cold will be a shock. The wind will make it seem colder.
Central Florida residents are already preparing for another night of chilly weather in the Sunshine State. Don't expect much improvement in the temperatures until Friday.
Shelters around the region are open for the homeless with many agencies seeking extra clothes for people who are not prepared for the cold. Farmers are keeping a close watch on their crops.
The four electric utilities supplying the region are planning for near-record power demands during the morning hours.
Manatees Moving To Warmer Waters
Reported by Greg Pallone
Bitterly cold temperatures are forcing one of Florida's sea creatures to head for warmer waters.
Florida Fish and Wildlife biologists are on high alert to protect them.
Manatees are subtropical mammals who are susceptible to cold water, so when the temperatures plunge, they head for warm spots such as the waters near power plants and inland canals.
A canal at Sebastian River Preserve State Park in southern Brevard County is a hotspot for them, and over the last few days up to 100 manatees have gathered.
Biologists are monitoring these areas, making sure manatees are not showing signs of cold stress, such as white sores.
Manatees must be in water temperatures of at least 68 degrees to survive.
"Right now it looks like the animals are going where they need to be, but this weather is really cold, and regardless they still could be in some trouble," said Anne Spellman, a FWC biologist.
FWC biologists said there are no reported deaths so far.
They urge anyone who spots a manatee in distress to call (888) 404-3922.
Information from Central Florida News 13's Bright House Networks affiliate Bay News 9 was used in this report.
Comment On This Story