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While the federal government remains on shutdown in Washington. The panhandle is gearing up for Tropical Storm Karen.

“I want to ensure everybody that we’re not gonna let a government shutdown in Washington, DC affect our emergency response in Florida,” said Governor Rick Scott. “We’re clearly going to do the right thing to make sure our citizens are safe.”

Nearly half of the state’s National Guard are on furlough– which the guard acknowledges could cause difficulties.

“Certainly the shutdown makes things a little more challenging. But, we certainly are used to challenges so we can get around that and make it work,” said Col. Glenn Sutphin, FNG.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association say they have seen very few cancelations for hotels across North Florida.

“As people are calling in, we constantly want to make sure that our clients know we’re prepared in the event that anything does happen,” said Carol Dover, FRLA.

Even though Tropical Storm Karen is still out in the Gulf, Florida State University says they are still expecting 77-thousand fans to pack the stadium for this weekends game.

Fans are keeping their options open.

“If I wake up and its not raining then I’m still going to the game,” said Cretoria Hanna, FSU Senior.

“I don’t want to risk being out in the storm,” said Brittain Collins, FSU Senior.

Computer models differ on where the storm will make landfall.