TALLAHASSEE — State officials warned Southwest Florida residents that they may bear the brunt of Tropical Storm Fay as it passed into the Florida Straits and was expected to make landfall in the Keys later today.

“We want every, every Floridian and guest to be a survivor,” Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said at a 10 a.m. press conference.

“It’s only a tropical storm but we take it seriously,” he added later.

Flooding and tornadoes remain the greatest concern, especially on Florida’s Southwest Coast in Collier and Lee counties.

Marco Island residents could see storm surges of up to 6 feet depending on where the ill-defined storm makes landfall. Current forecasts have it working its way up the middle of the state, but officials said the path could change dramatically over the next 24 hours.

“There is a strong risk of storm surge, especially in Collier County,” said state meteorologist Ben Nelson. “It depends on where the storm lands.”

The state has activated 500 National Guard troops and has up to 9,000 available if needed along aircraft and vehicles.

Craig Fugate, director of the division of emergency management, told reporters in Tallahassee that despite only packing tropical storm-force winds, the potential for severe damage remains.

“This is not the type of storm that is going to rip off roofs,” Fugate said. "But that’s not saying we’re not going to have tornadoes … flooding.”

“This is going to be widespread, the best thing you can do is stay home and be safe,” Fugate said.

“Get your boats out of the water,” Fugate cautioned boat owners.

Schools were closed today in a handful of southern Florida school districts on what was supposed to be the first day of school. Lee County schools did hold its first day of classes today.