Governor Bush Signs Emergency Order

National Guard Activated, Agencies Ready For Emergency

LABELLE, FLORIDA -- Today Florida Governor Jeb Bush released an executive order declaring a state of emergency throughout the state because of Hurricane Ernesto. In wide sweeping language the Governor has setup government agencies for any perceived contingency. Included in the lengthy order are some interesting powers:

I hereby delegate to the State Coordinating Officer the following powers, which he shall exercise subject to the limitations of Section 252.33, Florida Statutes (2005), as needed to meet this emergency: 

The authority to seize and utilize any and all real or personal property as needed to meet this emergency, subject always to the duty of the State to compensate the owner; The authority to order evacuation, and the authority to direct the sequence of evacuation in which such evacuations shall be carried out, and the further authority to regulate the movement of persons and traffic to, from, or within the affected counties to the extent needed to cope with this emergency; The authority to regulate the return of the evacuees to their home communities. I hereby order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard for the duration of this emergency, and I hereby place the National Guard under the direction of the State Coordinating Officer for the duration of this emergency.