Folks along the gulf coast prepare for the brunt of Tropical Storm Ida,

And Monday, the statewide Emergency Management Center says it's ready for the storm.

Forecasters have downgraded Ida to a Tropical Storm status, but Florida officials are still taking this late season storm very seriously.

"We're reminded last year during Tropical Storm Fay that a storm does not have to be a hurricane to be life threatening," says Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

With only 21 days left in the Hurricane Season, many were surprised by Ida's late arrival, but officials are saying, 'bring it on.'

"We're prepared and we're ready and when the Governor calls, we'll be there," says Major General Douglas Burnett, Adjutant General of Florida.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist called a State of Emergency for the entire state Monday and had crews deployed specifically to the panhandle region, where the storm is expected to land in the early hours Tuesday morning.

The surf along Pensacola Beach, seen here, was rough earlier in the day, as strong waves swamped the normally tranquil shoreline.

"Our goal is always to make sure we're ready to respond aggressively but we pray that nothing happens," says Ruben Almaguer, Interim Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum has activated the Price Gouging Hotline, asking folks to report any excessive price changes for items like gas, water, generators or lumber to 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

For Florida disaster information, you can call the Florida Emergency Information Line at 1-800-342-3557.

Get a Plan: www.FloridaDisaster.org

Florida Agriculture Commissioner, Charles Bronson also has a toll-free hotline at 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352)