As Isaac moves toward Florida, we will keep the latest updates from across our platforms below:
Saturday, Aug. 25
11:00 p.m.
New models have Isaac moving into the Gulf and becoming a hurricane, possibly Cat. 2, before making a landfall somewhere between Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle, but it's still to early to say where it will go for sure.
10:45 p.m.
BREAKING: Tropical Storm Warning from Tarpon Springs and south. -- FULL REPORT
10:30 p.m.
The center of Isaac is south of the Bahamas.
10:15 p.m.
Hi res sat pix shows Isaac is trying to develop a core, slightly north of the forecast track. pic.twitter.com/POPnIf9A
9:18 p.m.
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn:
"The safety and welfare of residents along with the thousands of delegates and visitors in Tampa this week continues to be our first priority. Convention organizers have been our partners in that effort since day one.
Their decision tonight out of an abundance of caution is in the best interest of the safety and welfare of everyone. We will continue to work to ensure the Convention is a success and that our community shines.
Hosting the 2012 Republican National Convention is an honor, and I am looking forward to a great week of activities. By the end of the week, all of our visitors will have plenty of time to know that Tampa is a great place. Be safe and continue to enjoy our great city."
7:45 p.m.
- NEW: First day of RNC effectively canceled as Isaac looms
- NEW: Gov. Scott withdraws from RNC activities ahead of Isaac
- NEW: Under local state of emergency: Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota Counties
6:45 p.m.
RNC effectively cancels first day ahead of Isaac. Will convene and postpone until Tuesday.
6 p.m.
Gov. Scott out of RNC activities to focus on RNC
5:50 p.m.
Standing by for Gov. Scott to deliver another update on Isaac. We will bring it to you live around 6 p.m.
5:25 p.m.
BREAKING: Manatee Co. schools will be closed Monday; the county will open three shelters on Sunday morning:INFO
5 p.m.
BREAKING: Entire Bay area under Tropical Storm Watch as Isaac looms: FULL REPORT
4:53 p.m.
Standing by for Isaac 5 p.m. advanced update
4:36 p.m.
THE LATEST: Tropical Storm Watch issued for Bay area ahead of Isaac; Port of Tampa to close: FULL REPORT
4:22 p.m.
The Florida Emergency Information Line is now open: 1-800-342-3557
The Florida Emergency Information Line (FEIL) is a toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida.
3:59 p.m.
@FSUAlert:
Based on current Isaac forecast, FSU should remain normal through Monday incl 1st day of classes. Subject to change.
3:27 p.m.
BREAKING: Manatee Co. will join Pasco and Sarastoa Co. in declaring local states of emergency: http://goo.gl/R85pG
2:40 p.m.
In a statement, St. Pete Mayor Bill Foster said the RNC Welcome Party at the Trop is still a go as scheduled; officials monitoring Isaac.
The City of St. Petersburg's Emergency Operations Center has been open since early this morning and will remain open for the duration of the weekend and into the early part of next week.
The Mayor's Action Center will also be operational over the weekend to answer citizen inquiries. Residents and visitors with questions or concerns related to the RNC or storm preparations should call 727-893-7111 or email Action@stpete.org.
2:30 p.m.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has activated the "Price Gouging Hotline" to report any suspected price gouging during the state's state of emergency:
1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226)
"Florida law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency," Bondi's office said in a statement.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period. In addition to the civil penalties for price gouging, state law criminalizes the sale of goods and services to the public without possession of an occupational license. Violators of the law can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. For more information on price gouging: More Info
2 p.m.
RECAP of Watches / Warning: Tropical Storm Watch from Tarpon Springs and south. Hurricane Warning from Bonita Beach and south.
12 p.m.
Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida in order to prepare for whatever impact Tropical Storm Isaac may bring. -- FULL REPORT