AUBURNDALE, Fla. - Florida's Central Operations & Coordination Office is now open in Polk County , with state officials saying the large new facility will bolster response to future storms .

Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie made the announcement at a news conference in Auburndale on Thursday.

By the numbers:

Guthrie says the Central Operations & Coordination Office is a warehouse and staging area measuring more than 400,000 square feet.

The new facility has room for more than 300 personnel, 100 sleeping quarters, and 400 trailers.

Officials also say the warehouse is stocked with essentials like food, water, flood-prevention resources, and generators.

What they're saying:

During Thursday’s news conference, Guthrie touted the capacity o

See Full Page