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Immigration Attorneys in Cape Coral, FL

When you think about the American Dream, what comes to mind? For many citizens, it means the freedom to provide for one's family through hard work, dedication, and good deeds. For others, it means having a reliable career and enough financial security to buy a modest home and maybe even a white picket fence. In modern times, however, it's harder than ever to achieve the American Dream - and that's for people who are born in our great nation. For men and women coming to the U.S. from another country, it often seems impossible. These are good, hardworking people who simply want the opportunity to provide for their families and adopt the American way.

Unfortunately, getting through the United States immigration system is seldom straightforward or easy. Many immigration cases face hurdles and difficulties that require expert legal assistance to achieve favorable outcomes. It can be challenging to figure out how to properly organize application materials or discern the options available to you. Fortunately, immigration attorneys in Cape Coral, FL, can help you avoid the common mistakes so many make and help you gain access to the immigration benefits you rightly deserve. It all starts with a one-on-one conference at Central Florida Immigration Attorneys.

Immigration Attorneys Cape Coral, FL

Services Areas

Helping You Pursue the American Dream One Step at a Time

Central Florida Immigration Attorneys possesses extensive knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. immigration system, derived from decades of specialized legal expertise. We prioritize treating our clients as partners, with the foremost goal of assisting in resolving any immigration-related challenges.

Our principal attorney, Charlene Seda, has previously served as an adjudicator for immigration services at USCIS, and Attorney Alejandro Salgado has an extensive background as a criminal lawyer. This combined experience gives our law firm a distinctive viewpoint on all facets of the immigration system, allowing us to better support our clients. Collectively, our legal team has over 20 years of combined experience and remains dedicated to offering the skilled and empathetic assistance you require.

Clients recommend their friends and families to our immigration lawyers in Cape Coral, FL, because we provide:

Two Decades of Professional Experience

Attorney Charlene Seda & Attorney Alejandro Seda have over 20 years of combined experience. They are both graduates from the prestigious Universidad Católica de Ponce, Puerto Rico and both received Masters Degrees from the University of Miami School of Law.

Knowledge of the System

Attorney Charlene Seda previously worked in USCIS - the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service. She knows the system from the inside and knows what she must do in order to set up your immigration case for success

Clear Communication

Our immigration lawyers strive to be accessible to our clients. We want to make sure we follow up and share the status of your case so that we are all on the same path.

Transparent Expectations

You can trust us from the moment you walk into our office. We will let you know exactly what we can and cannot do for your case. We want to set up clear expectations from day one.

The Central Florida Immigration Attorneys Difference

When you engage our firm, you gain access to decades of professional experience. We stand ready to assist as your ally and advisor at every stage of your immigration journey. Our team can support you in obtaining legal status through various application processes, explore dual intent visas, help you prepare for naturalization, and advocate for your rights if you face removal proceedings. With extensive knowledge of all aspects of the U.S. immigration system, we can guide you in identifying the most feasible paths to reside and work in the United States of America.

Unlike some immigration attorneys, our firm is truly dedicated to helping you achieve the American Dream. Together with our partners, we assist "credit invisible" men and women obtain the financing they need to hire immigration attorneys in Cape Coral, FL. These loans cover both government filing fees and your immigration attorney fees. In doing so, we help clients establish credit profiles to help them access credit in the future as they take the necessary steps along the journey toward full citizenship.

At the end of the day, our goal is to use every legal route available to help you build a better life for your family. When you work with our immigration lawyers, you can rest easy knowing we'll always be straightforward about what each immigration strategy entails, as well as the risks, costs, and timeline involved. Our attorneys will also be upfront and honest about what we can and cannot do. We believe transparency is paramount to helping you make informed decisions, which is why we always keep you abreast of updates pertaining to your case.

Our immigration lawyers focus on providing expert legal representation for a range of immigration needs, including:

  • Immigration Law
  • Family-Based Immigration
  • Employment-Based Immigration
  • Citizenship & Naturalization
  • Deportation Defense
  • Cancellation of Removal
  • 601a Provisional Waiver
  • Visas
  • U Visas
  • Visa Extensions
 Immigration Benefits Cape Coral, FL

Our Immigration Lawyers Understand What's at Stake

Whether you need to reunite your family in the U.S., establish permanent employment, or protect against deportation, the result of your immigration case will greatly affect your future. Our immigration attorneys recognize the significance of your situation and will make every effort to attain a positive outcome in your case. Instead of bragging and boasting, at Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we let our track record do the talking. We encourage you to review our firm's testimonials to learn more about how we have made a direct, positive impact on our clients' lives. Our clients rely on us to help them achieve their American Dreams. We're ready to help turn your dreams into reality, too.

 American Dream Cape Coral, FL

Do You Really Need Immigration Lawyers in Cape Coral, FL?

If you're in need of U.S. immigration benefits, it's always best to work with a qualified immigration attorney. Trying to navigate the hurdles of immigration law on your own is like flying a plane without any experience. It may seem easiest to jump in without any guidance, but doing so can be more detrimental to your goals than hiring a great lawyer. If you're wondering whether or not you need an immigration lawyer, keep these common benefits in mind.

 Florida Immigration  Cape Coral, FL

Trying to understand legal paperwork is hard enough, even when you’re born in the U.S. For non-native English speakers, figuring out immigration paperwork is even more difficult. Filling out the forms and gathering the necessary supporting documents can be quite overwhelming and bewildering. Seasoned immigration attorneys are well-versed in the correct procedures for filling out these forms. Failing to fill out these forms accurately can lead to significant delays in the approval of your immigration benefits and may result in additional filing fees.

There are multiple ways to obtain U.S. citizenship, and if you're on your own, you might not be aware of all the options. This is where an immigration lawyer can step in to help. They can present different paths, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each, and make sure you fully grasp the implications of your choice on your citizenship journey.

Immigration lawyers are equipped to assist you in obtaining the necessary authorization to work in the U.S. A skilled attorney is familiar with the precise information you must provide to secure work authorization and to ensure the smooth progress of your application. Without a legal expert, errors in the process can cause significant delays.

If you're looking to become a U.S. citizen, chances are this is your first time trying. Thankfully, when you secure counsel from a reputable firm like Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, you can sleep a little easier knowing they have years of experience helping people just like you. Your immigration lawyer should be familiar with the various scenarios and pathways to the immigration benefit you seek. This will be advantageous for you as they have the expertise to identify the necessary documentation, recommend the most suitable options, and provide you with guidance on what to anticipate throughout the process.

Remember that the government can deem you inadmissible for various reasons, such as unresolved financial issues, criminal activity, or providing false information. If you're considered inadmissible, it doesn't have to be the end of the road. There are methods to challenge this ruling. An immigration attorney can assist you in presenting a compelling case. Although there's no guarantee that the immigration court will reverse the decision, having a seasoned lawyer by your side will undoubtedly improve your chances.

How Can You Find the Best Immigration Lawyers in Cape Coral, FL?

Finding the right immigration law firm can feel a little bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's true in every state but especially so in Florida, where immigrants make up approximately 21% of the population, according to the American Immigration Counsel. So, how do you find the top immigration attorneys in your state? Here are a few tips we've compiled together to help make your search easier.

Immigration Attorneys Cape Coral, FL

While your immigration matters are in progress, it's important to stay informed about the status of your case, any challenges that may arise, and what actions you might need to take. That's why it's crucial to work with immigration lawyers who value proactive communication. You can ask your attorney about their communication skills and how often they communicate with you, but take that answer with a grain of salt. It's also helpful to check reviews and read what former clients have to say about their responsiveness. Don't settle for a lawyer who fails to keep you updated.

This tip piggybacks off our first point because it involves communication. If you have questions about your case or any other facet of your immigration status, your lawyer should be available to answer those questions and provide reassurance when needed. It's not always realistic to expect that a lawyer will be able to answer your call right away, but it is reasonable to anticipate that your attorney will respond to you within a few days. If a lawyer has a track record of not returning calls from previous clients (which you might find out from client reviews, for instance), then be cautious about working with that lawyer and keep looking for another one.

If a lawyer has ever been publicly criticized or had formal complaints made against them by former clients, the state bar association will keep records of these incidents. If you're thinking of hiring a lawyer for an important immigration matter, it's a good idea to see what their reputation is like with the state bar association. That way, you can verify the immigration lawyer's experience and also potentially become aware of any professional issues the lawyer may have had in the past.

Immigration law can be quite complex, and the procedures associated with such matters can be equally intricate. That's why it's so important to work with an immigration lawyer who has experience handling different types of immigration cases or - at the least - a good deal of experience working cases just like yours. You can gauge an attorney's experience with immigration cases by checking their website first. If that information is not readily available, don't hesitate to reach out to the lawyer directly to inquire about their experience in handling cases similar to yours. Don't forget to check reviews online.

When it's all said and done, you've got to have confidence in your immigration lawyer, trust them to be honest about your case, and provide upfront advice about your options when faced with obstacles. You can get a sense of an immigration lawyer's integrity and truthfulness by meeting them for an initial consultation and reading client testimonials to learn about their honesty. If you don't feel entirely at ease with an immigration lawyer after this meeting, it's best to look elsewhere.

Even if you're fluent in English, it's important to have an immigration attorney who can provide services in multiple languages. This is especially crucial if your immigration matters involve family members, colleagues, or others who have limited English proficiency. If language might be an issue for you or someone else involved in your immigration case, make sure that the lawyer you're interested in offers services in your native or preferred language. At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we proudly offer legal services in both English and Spanish.

If you're new to this country, trying to understand immigration law is overwhelming. But with the right guidance and preparedness, your family's immigration goals are within reach. At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we help clients achieve success and peace of mind through years of combined experience, honesty, communication, professional guidance, and innovative immigration law strategies. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help when you need it most.

Top 3 Immigration Attorney Red Flags

Wondering if there are any red flags you should be aware of when choosing immigration attorneys in Cape Coral, FL? The simple answer to that question is yes. If you've got a bad gut feeling or notice any of the following red flags, be wary.

Lawyer

Lawyers Who Wait at USCIS Offices

Attorneys who try to approach you at an office offering United States Citizenship and Immigration Services often provide lackluster legal services. Great immigration lawyers won't have the time to hang out at a USCIS office all day because they're busy serving clients.

Experts

"Experts" Who Aren't Really Lawyers

Beware of individuals who present themselves as "visa consultants," "notarios," or "petition preparers," as they are not the same as licensed attorneys. Oftentimes, they simply assist with filling out forms but lack a genuine understanding of your legal circumstances. There is a possibility that they may complete the forms incorrectly or even abscond with your money without providing any services at all.

Guidance

Illegal Guidance and Advice

Be very careful of lawyers who give you unethical or even illegal advice. For example, be cautious of lawyers who advise you to lie on an immigration form, deceive a USCIS officer, or attempt to bribe an immigration authority. If you get caught, it could result in a permanent bar from U.S. immigration benefits.

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Changing Lives One Immigration Case at a Time

At Central Florida Immigration Attorneys, we have years of combined experience successfully representing clients in a range of immigration cases. We're dedicated to providing reliable, transparent legal services, whether you need help with a basic immigration application or litigation for an extremely complicated federal matter.

Unlike some immigration law firms, we combine state-of-the art technology with traditional one-on-one service to give our clients robust, effective counsel. You can count on your case progressing as fast as possible while having confidence that our immigration lawyers in cityname, state, will answer your questions honestly, clearly, and efficiently. To learn more about our immigration, citizenship, and deportation defense services, schedule your initial consultation today.

Latest News in Cape Coral, FL

Debby douses Southwest Florida

The Breeze Newspapers Hurricane Guide 2024 may be found on this websiteCape Coral may not have had it the worst in terms of street flooding, but the city received plenty of rain from Tropical Storm Debby over the weekend.Southwest Florida experienced its first tropical storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Debby, which dumped about 6 inches of rain on the Cape before turning into a Category 1 hurricane on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.Flood and coastal flooding warnings remain in effect in Lee...

The Breeze Newspapers Hurricane Guide 2024 may be found on this website

Cape Coral may not have had it the worst in terms of street flooding, but the city received plenty of rain from Tropical Storm Debby over the weekend.

Southwest Florida experienced its first tropical storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Debby, which dumped about 6 inches of rain on the Cape before turning into a Category 1 hurricane on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Flood and coastal flooding warnings remain in effect in Lee County until 8 p.m. today and areas of Cape Coral experienced standing water to the degree of having to shut down intersections.

On Sunday, the city of Cape Coral closed the cross-section of Trafalgar Parkway and Chiquita Boulevard due to flooding. City officials reported the signal at the intersection was inoperable.

As of noon today, the closure was still in effect.

“City crews have promptly set up detours on all approaches to the intersection to ensure that traffic can be redirected smoothly and safely,” stated city officials. “Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays and congestion.”

Cape Coral Fire Department officials shared tips for drivers when flooding occurs in the city.

“With all of the rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby, Cape Coral is experiencing some localized street flooding as expected,” said CCFD spokesperson Andrea Schuch.

Tips include:

• Driving through flooded roads is dangerous because it is hard to tell how deep the water is, which could cause damage to your car, or worse.

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

• A foot of water will float many vehicles.

On Monday, an update from Lee County officials stated that Lee County Parks & Recreation is assessing sites for damage and impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. Bunche Beach Preserve, Lynn Hall Memorial Park and access No. 4 of Bonita Beach Park are currently closed. Some parking areas along Bonita Beach are also impacted.

“Lee County Emergency Management continues to monitor the impacts the community experienced Sunday,” officials said in a release Monday. “Lee County Department of Transportation crews continue working today to ensure roads are clear and drainage continues to flow to the extent that the onshore winds allow. DOT and Solid Waste have staff in the impacted areas to address the extent of the damage and any debris-removal needs.”

All Lee County Transit (LeeTran) routes are fully operational, with no detours due to Debby in place.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Debby made landfall Monday morning over Florida’s Big Bend region, where Hurricane Warnings are in effect.

“Life-threatening storm surge is possible along portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast, where Storm Surge Warnings are in effect,” NWS officials stated. “Widespread thunderstorms are likely to continue across Florida and spread into Georgia and the Southeast Coast (Monday).”

Lee County Emergency Management was actively monitoring the tropics and in communication with its state and federal partners at the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

“The activity in the tropics is a good reminder for residents to be prepared for the height of hurricane season, which is upon us,” Lee County officials stated.

County officials shared the various ways residents can stay informed when storm systems are on the horizon.

• Monitor local media outlets, the National Weather Service-Tampa, and the National Hurricane Center.

• Sign up for AlertLee, which is an emergency notification system that allows registered users to receive telephone, text, and/or email

• Download the LeePrepares app from Google Play or the App Store.

• Follow Lee County Government on social media.

• Bookmark www.leegov.com. If a storm is approaching, Lee County Government will continuously update the website with relevant information.

They also reminded residents that it’s time to have a plan:

• Refresh your memory on your Evacuation Zone and your Flood Zone. Review the All Hazards Guide.

• Double check your Family Emergency Plan and an Emergency Supply Kit.

Find tips at www.leegov.com/hurricane.

“Your Family Emergency Plan should include where you would evacuate – like a family member’s or friend’s home or a community outside the area,” officials stated. “Your Family Emergency Plan should include a list of steps, such as securing loose items in your yard and ensuring your shutters are up. Review this list now and ensure you have what you need on hand as you continue to monitor the tropics.”

Lee County Emergency Management is working with local fire departments to provide sand and sandbags for residents who request them. Residents should contact their local fire department for details.

To find the fire department that serves their neighborhood,residents can enter their address in the Resident Information Lookup Tool at www.leegov.com.

The county is also asking the public to report blocked ditches, swales, canals and areas of local flooding.

Officials said first, to find out if your road is maintained by Lee County DOT, visit www.leegis.leegov.com/RoadLookup/. If it is not maintained by Lee County, find your municipal contact by visiting www.leegov.com/dcd/flood.

Second, officials said to put in a Request for Action (RFA) to improve surface water drainage along your county-maintained road by contacting the Request for Action Hotline at www.leegov.com/dot/requestforaction.

Residents can use the same website to also report blocked creeks and streams. The reported information will be directed to Lee County Natural Resources.

The Department of Community Development asks that any unincorporated Lee County Residents with water intrusion in their homes send an email to FIRMinfo@leegov.com for assistance with permit requirements and resources.

Cape News

Purchase of old golf course acreage on Council agenda

Cape Coral City Council is expected to vote on the purchase the former Palm Tree Boulevard golf club property at ...

Fort Myers Beach declares state of emergency

The Town of Fort Myers Beach declared a state of emergency this morning due to the effects of Tropical Storm Debby, ...

Debby douses Southwest Florida

Lee County provides update on Tropical Storm Debby

Lee County Emergency Management continues to monitor the impacts the community experienced Sunday from Hurricane Debby, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend earlier today.Lee County Department of Transportation crews continue working to ensure roads are clear and drainage continues to flow to the extent that the onshore winds allow. DOT and Solid Waste have staff in the impacted areas to address the extent of the damage and any debris-removal needs.Lee County Parks & Recreation is assessing sites for damage and i...

Lee County Emergency Management continues to monitor the impacts the community experienced Sunday from Hurricane Debby, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend earlier today.

Lee County Department of Transportation crews continue working to ensure roads are clear and drainage continues to flow to the extent that the onshore winds allow. DOT and Solid Waste have staff in the impacted areas to address the extent of the damage and any debris-removal needs.

Lee County Parks & Recreation is assessing sites for damage and impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. Bunche Beach Preserve, Lynn Hall Memorial Park and access No. 4 of Bonita Beach Park are currently closed. Please note that some parking areas along Bonita Beach are also impacted. The closures are temporary; park patrons can monitor Lee County social media or LeeGov.com for updates.

Natural Resources is are assessing areas of accumulated rainfall.

The Department of Community Development asks that any unincorporated Lee County residents with water intrusion in their homes send an email to FIRMinfo@leegov.com for assistance with permit requirements and resources. Residents also can visit LeeGov.com/dcd/BldPermitServ/disaster-recovery for information.

Emergency Management asks residents in coastal areas and along rivers to be aware of today’s tidal cycles, though onshore winds are expected to subside later today.

All Lee County Transit (LeeTran) routes are fully operational; no detours due to Debby remain in place.

Residents can continue to follow Lee County Public Safety on Facebook at Facebook.com/LeePublicSafety.

Cape News

Purchase of old golf course acreage on Council agenda

Cape Coral City Council is expected to vote on the purchase the former Palm Tree Boulevard golf club property at ...

Fort Myers Beach declares state of emergency

The Town of Fort Myers Beach declared a state of emergency this morning due to the effects of Tropical Storm Debby, ...

Debby douses Southwest Florida

Cape Coral flooding hot spots and advice to steer clear of trouble

Cape Coral’s Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief Ryan Lamb knows a thing or two about tropical systems and flooding.He’s been with the fire department since 2005 and served as chief since 2018.That means he’s seen his fair share of tropical systems, including Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian, as well as Southwest Florida’s summer thunderstorms.Lamb pointed to specific areas prone to flooding, such as Diploma...

Cape Coral’s Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief Ryan Lamb knows a thing or two about tropical systems and flooding.

He’s been with the fire department since 2005 and served as chief since 2018.

That means he’s seen his fair share of tropical systems, including Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian, as well as Southwest Florida’s summer thunderstorms.

Lamb pointed to specific areas prone to flooding, such as Diplomat Parkway, Santa Barbara Boulevard, Chiquita Boulevard and the neighborhood roads near those main roadways.

On Friday, he talked one-on-one with WINK News Anchor Corey Lazar about storm preps in Cape Coral and how individuals can lessen flooding impacts.

Lamb said that the city wants to watch and be prepared for when a storm hits because it could intensify once it reaches the warmer waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

An increase in rainfall means an increase in the chance of flooding, so the city is preparing by:

The goal is capacity, says Lamb, so the excess water has a place to go and off the roadways.

Something that residents can do to help keep the drainage systems functioning efficiently is to make sure any drains, swales and ditches are free of any blockages.

WINK News also asked what has been done since the last heavy rain storm that caused a lot of flooding to prevent it from happening again.

Lamb said that the city has been clearing out the pipes of debris and says they have long-term plans to help improve the ditches and swales.

“We continue to look at ways not only to get the water off by improving that drainage system but then also helping educate our folks that if there is standing water, ‘Turn around, don’t drown’, don’t go through water, you don’t know how deep it is,” advised Lamb. “You don’t want to hurt yourself, or damage your vehicle.”

For preparedness information and additional resources, visit here.

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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.

Florida under warnings as likely Tropical Storm Debby set to bring flooding rain

MIAMI – Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for parts of the Florida coast as a disturbance, now designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, takes aim at the Sunshine State.The storm system, which the National Hurricane Center forecasts will likely eventually become Tropical Storm Debby, threatens the state with torrential rain, strong winds and even a potential storm surge.A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the southwest coast of the Florida Peninsula from near Cape Coral through the E...

MIAMI – Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for parts of the Florida coast as a disturbance, now designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, takes aim at the Sunshine State.

The storm system, which the National Hurricane Center forecasts will likely eventually become Tropical Storm Debby, threatens the state with torrential rain, strong winds and even a potential storm surge.

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the southwest coast of the Florida Peninsula from near Cape Coral through the Everglades.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida Keys and for communities around Tampa, Sarasota and the state’s Big Bend region.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

Additionally, a Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the west coast of the Florida peninsula from Bonita Beach northward to the mouth of the Suwannee River. This includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

A majority of the Sunshine State remains under a state of emergency on Friday as officials urge residents to prepare now. The National Hurricane Center is now highly confident that the disturbance will develop into at least a tropical depression – if not a tropical storm – by the end of this weekend.

If the potential cyclone reaches tropical storm strength, it will be named Debby. However, named or not, the system is promising several inches of rain for Florida, especially the Gulf Coast.

The disturbance’s chances of developing continue to increase as it moves closer to the Straits of Florida and the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.

“That’s the opportunity for development,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin said. “And there is growing confidence that we will likely get a storm out of this. Where it gets fuzzy is how strong does this system get?”

Where is Potential Tropical Cyclone Four?

According to the NHC, the tropical wave is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, the southeastern Bahamas, eastern Cuba and the adjacent waters of the southwestern Atlantic on Friday morning.

The tropical wave is expected to emerge over the Straits of Florida on Saturday, the NHC notes.

“Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for additional development after that time, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend over the Straits of Florida or eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula,” the agency said.

Florida begins to prepare as flood threat increases

The FOX Forecast Center said showers and thunderstorms are already tearing off from the center of the tropical disturbance and impacting southern portions of Florida on Friday.

As the storm nears, rainfall will increase and spread from south to north across much of Florida through the weekend. Overall rainfall totals of 4-8 inches with maximum totals up to 12 inches are expected for portions of Florida and eventually up the southeastern U.S. coast.

Those totals could bring both urban flooding and isolated river flooding, the NHC said.

Tropical storm-force winds are expected in the warned areas across southwestern Florida late Saturday into Saturday night, moving up the west coast of Florida into Sunday.

Storm surge of 1-4 feet is possible along portions of Florida’s west coast, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, the NHC warned.

A Flood Watch is in effect for all of South Florida, including Miami, effective through Sunday evening.

Hurricane Hunter aircraft have been flying along Cuba’s northern coast to determine the strength of the disturbance, but due to international restrictions, have been limited in the scope of their operations.

Sand bag stations readied in Florida

In Seminole County, as well as other communities around the state, officials are handing out free sand bags for residents to prepare for potential flooding.

“Every resident can take 15 bags per household,” FOX35’s Marley Capper told FOX Weather from Seminole County. “That is more than in the past, so they really want to make sure residents are prepped and ready.”

The FOX Forecast Center said there is growing confidence about what’s going to happen over the next 24 hours as the system moves into the Florida Straits and then into the eastern Gulf.

The next unclear aspect is the storm’s destination after Sunday and leading into Monday.

“We have this trough sitting to the north. Does it sink south enough to pick it up?” Merwin said. “Unfortunately, we also have a ridge of high pressure that’s baking the U.S. If that nudges in too fast, it can stall out the system. And then we could have an increase in the rain forecast and flooding potential for the state of Florida, even Georgia and South Carolina.”

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 Immigration Benefits Cape Coral, FL