"I'm safe - I'm not in the cone."
That's a terrible state of mind. As #Idalia intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico tonight and tomorrow, the wind field will expand. It's what happens.
So yes, while Central Florida should be spared the worst impacts from Idalia, it likely will still produce tropical storm force winds all across Central Florida.
For those in Sumter and Marion counties, I'm a bit more worried for some stronger tropical storm force winds - up to 60 mph - gusts could be up to hurricane force.
Bottom line - just because you aren't IN the cone, doesn't mean you can't be impacted by the storm!