Governor Ron DeSantis’ swift action provides much-needed fuel relief to Floridians grappling with shortages after Hurricane Milton. Florida residents are suffering from low gas tanks and homes are still without power. The very few gas stations that have fuel, contain long lines of cars where one can wait for at least a couple of hours. DeSantis promises to Floridians that gas stations will be replenished with fuel and their lights will be on soon.
Responding to Fuel Shortages
Floridians are grappling with a severe fuel shortage as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Milton. Approximately 29% of the state’s pumps were compromised due to power outages caused by the intense storm. Governor Ron DeSantis has responded swiftly, declaring allocation of free fuel, available at designated stations in Plant City, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg. This measure aims to alleviate the struggles many are facing while waiting in long lines, often ending up at stations with no fuel left.
“Obviously as power gets restored … and the Port of Tampa is open, you’re going to see the fuel flowing. But in the meantime, we want to give people another option,” DeSantis said.
Sarasota County was where Hurricane Milton made landfall. Here and in other storm-affected areas, the state is operating PODs like this one at New College of Florida to help families in need. Today, @CaseyDeSantis, Mason, and I had the chance to stop by.
The Hope Bus was on site… pic.twitter.com/IfEIFwI3fw
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 13, 2024
Infrastructure and Power Restoration
Efforts are in full swing to replenish gas stations and restore electricity to the many residents still without power. Nearly 1.3 million Floridians saw outages, with substantial progress being made in alleviating these conditions. As part of ensuring that fuel distribution runs smoothly, generators are being deployed to essential sites to maintain operations. Residents are actively assessing the damage and engaging in cleanup efforts after the tandem impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
Thank you to the folks at the @FLSERT-run fuel distribution site in Manatee County for getting Floridians fueled up and back on the roads. We appreciate their help!
Additional fuel distribution sites will be up and running tomorrow in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and… pic.twitter.com/R1oholi0TH
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 12, 2024
Damage and Federal Support
The economic toll of Hurricane Milton remains formidable, with costs estimated between $50 billion and $85 billion. The damage, primarily from flooding and a series of tornadoes, including an F-3 tornado, has been significant. Adding another layer to this unfolding situation, President Joe Biden plans to visit Florida to assess the damage and discuss the extent of federal support required for recovery efforts. The approval of a disaster declaration will enable federal aid to support affected individuals and businesses to start rebuilding their lives.
“It’s the price you pay to live in paradise,” O’Connell said. “If you want to live here with this view, beautiful sunsets, be able to go out on your boat, enjoy what Florida has to offer, you have to be willing to accept that these storms are going to come.”
Floridians continue to show resilience, confronting power safety threats and periodic flooding, with rising rivers expected to complicate conditions further. The coming days will require collective effort and resolve as the community comes to grips with the aftermath and looks toward recovery.
