Florida officials warned of potentially widespread fuel contamination along the state’s Gulf Coast after diesel was swapped for gasoline in deliveries to more than two dozen Citgo-supplied stations. This could be a problem for a large number of residents who fueled up over the weekend. Officials have advised to keep gas tanks at least halfway full in case of evacuation orders as Idalia approaches the state. ...

Florida residents have been encouraged to heed evacuation orders, have a plan in place, and a well stocked supply kit. But there is one preparation they may not have thought of — giving blood. A spokesperson for a Florida blood bank says the time to donate is before the storm arrives. Hurricane Ian sent the state’s blood supply to critical levels and blood had to be transported from as far away as California. ...

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill in Clearwater Beach are making final preparations to their location as Hurricane Idalia heads toward the Florida coast. ...