Bush declares state of emergency in Florida

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Bush on Sunday declared a state of
emergency in Florida due to Hurricane Ike's threat, the White House said.

The declaration frees up federal funds for Florida as the state prepares
for Category 4 Ike's possible arrival.

As of 11 a.m. Sunday, the storm was moving over the southern Bahamas,
according to the National Hurricane Center. Its outer bands could affect the
Florida Keys by Monday or Tuesday.