“We’re going to make sure that there’s fuel,” says DeSantis amid shortages
At a Friday afternoon news conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reassured residents that the state has ample fuel supplies, despite gas shortages in areas impacted by Hurricane Milton. “We do have a lot of fuel in the state of Florida,” he said. “There’s a million gallons of gas in state inventory and a million and a half gallons of diesel ready to be used. We’re going to make sure that there’s fuel.”
DeSantis emphasized that authorities are working to distribute fuel “as fast as humanly possible” amid ongoing challenges from flooding and downed power lines. He also highlighted the state’s efforts to expedite debris removal from the storm, describing it as a “24/7 operation.” “Typically, in a major hurricane, debris removal can take up to a year,” he noted. “I don’t think that’s acceptable for recovery.
While the governor acknowledged that the storm “was not the worst-case scenario,” he recognized the damage caused, especially to residents still recovering from Hurricane Helene two weeks earlier. “We understand it’s tough, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help people get back on their feet,” he added.
Sen. Rick Scott urges residents take precautions amid cleanup from Milton
On Friday afternoon, Florida Senator Rick Scott visited Hillsborough County to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. He emphasized the importance of safety during the recovery process, reassuring residents that first responders and local officials are working diligently to help with relief efforts.
Scott urged residents to avoid driving through standing water, to stay clear of downed power lines, and to avoid using generators inside their homes.
The senator also shared that he spoke with President Joe Biden the previous day to discuss securing adequate funding for agencies like FEMA and the Small Business Administration to support rebuilding efforts after the hurricanes.
“We need to ensure these agencies are fully funded, but the immediate priority is everyone’s safety,” Scott said. “We can rebuild all of this. Right now, it may look terrible, and you feel for these families, but please, be careful.”
