Florida will give out millions of gallons of free gas after the Sunshine State was walloped by Hurricane Milton, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Saturday.
The fuel was already being distributed at three sites, said the governor, who added more spots would be opening up, including at the Port of Tampa later Saturday, Politico reported.
The news comes after locals have been lining up for fuel and DeSantis has faced criticism over shortages after Florida was hit by two storms in as many weeks — the first, Hurricane Helene, making landfall on Sept. 26.
Residents in need could get up to 10 free gallons of fuel from the designated distribution centers that have already been set up in Plant City, Bradenton and St. Petersburg, De Santis said. Additional sites were slated for Tampa, Sarasota and a third potentially in Pinellas County, the news site reported.
Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the handout was meant for those “financially struggling” and said people who could afford gas should continue to go to gas stations, as it would be a faster option.
Almost one third of Florida’s gas stations were out of fuel by Friday afternoon, the outlet reported, citing fuel tracking site GasBuddy.
State troopers were being used to help escort tanker trucks in order to distribute gas and dozens of distribution sites have been established in 14 counties to help get meals, water, ice and tarps out to locals.
Guthrie said he expected the feds to approve several programs meant to help locals with new housing or with the rehab of their current housing.
The governor told the media at a fuel depot set up in Plant City: “We just want people to be able to get what they need.”
Category 5 Milton hit the Gulf Coast of the state Wednesday and was accompanied by dozens tornadoes, torrential downpours and high-speed winds — all of which have contributed to power outages for more than 4 million people and at least 17 deaths.
More than 1.5 million people still haven’t gotten power back as of noon Saturday, according to state reports.
