Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faced a series of crises in his home state as he canceled his presidential campaign appearances to address pressing matters. Firstly, DeSantis held a news conference in Tallahassee to discuss Tropical Storm Idalia and urged Floridians to listen to emergency management advice. He also expressed condolences and condemned the fatal shooting of three Black individuals by a white man in Jacksonville, who left behind racist materials and a suicide note. Later, DeSantis attended a vigil outside the store where the shooting took place, where he called the gunman a "scumbag" and emphasized that there is no room for racist violence in Florida.

Due to the approaching hurricane, DeSantis decided to cancel his campaign travel to South Carolina, while his wife, Casey DeSantis, is still expected to attend an event on his behalf. DeSantis has faced difficulties on the national stage during his presidential campaign and has struggled to connect with voters. Despite campaigning extensively in Iowa, he remains in a distant second place behind former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination. Meanwhile, Florida's future may be overshadowed by the ongoing storm and the tragic mass shooting in Jacksonville, which federal authorities are investigating as a hate crime.

DeSantis' policies have also faced criticism on issues related to race. He defended new public school curriculum on Black history in Florida, which drew backlash from teachers, civil rights leaders, and even some Black Republicans. Moreover, DeSantis has banned critical race theory from Florida classrooms and restricted diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools.

During the vigil in Jacksonville, DeSantis faced boos from the crowd as Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman addressed him personally. However, DeSantis condemned the shooter's actions and emphasized that people should not be targeted based on their race. Later, the Rev. Jeffrey Rumlin applauded DeSantis' efforts but referred to the gunman as a racist, receiving a loud cheer from the crowd. Overall, Governor Ron DeSantis finds himself handling crises at home and altering his campaign schedule while Florida grieves over the tragic shooting and prepares for an incoming tropical storm.