Governor DeSantis announces new aid for Pasco County after Hurricane Milton

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Published  October 15, 2024 11:12am EDT
FOX 13 News
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ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference on Tuesday in Zephyrhills. He detailed Florida’s statewide recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton and highlighted resources being sent directly to Pasco County.

DeSantis said that because Pasco County is located near where the eye of the storm made landfall in Sarasota County, the county saw high levels of rainfall, leading to flooding in the region.

READ MORE: Withlacoochee River levels continue rising in Hernando County, prompting evacuations

This led to 10–15 inches of rainwater falling on Pasco, causing inland and riverine flooding east of the I-75 corridor.

To help ease the flooding, DeSantis said that the "Florida Division of Emergency Management has deployed seven flood water pumps to the Silver Oaks community here in Zephyrhills, with another 20 pumps on the way."

Flood barriers to surround lift areas have also been sent to the community, according to DeSantis.

DeSantis also announced that two shelters for displaced residents have opened in Pasco County.

The shelter locations are as follows:

  1. Fasano Regional Shelter (special needs friendly)11611 Denton Avenue and Hudson
  2. 11611 Denton Avenue and Hudson
  3. Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex7727 Boyette Road
  4. 7727 Boyette Road

Governor DeSantis awarding financial aid to Pasco County officials and companies aiding in Hurricane Milton's recovery efforts.

During the news conference, Kevin Guthrie, the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, added that the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, and Alafia rivers "are in flood stage" and that linemen are "going to have to wait on those rivers to go down before we can actually start moving vast amounts of water."

DeSantis said debris removal trailers, tens of thousands of gallons of gasoline and diesel, water MRE's, and tarps have been sent to Pasco County since Hurricane Milton.

He also offered broader details on Florida’s statewide recovery efforts ongoing in response to Hurricane Milton.

READ MORE: Ruskin mobile homes destroyed by Hurricane Milton, residents lost everything

DeSantis stated that four million power accounts had been restored in the aftermath of the storm and that all but Hillsborough County now has under 10 percent of power accounts still outstanding. 

He added that the state had distributed 2.5 gallons of gasoline from its reserve directly to residents and service stations in western Florida. Florida Highway Patrol is still escorting gas shipments when needed. Ten gas distribution points remain open to provide free gas to needy residents.

The ten gas distribution points are located at the following:

  1. Tropicana Railyard in Bradenton
  2. Plant City Stadium in Plant City
  3. Central Lot Parking Lot in St. Petersburg
  4. Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte,
  5. Saint Pete College in Tarpon Springs,
  6. East Bay Raceway in Tampa,
  7. Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton.
  8. Gulfview Mall in Port Richey.
  9. Wiregrass Mall in Wesley Chapel
  10. Largo Mary Grizzle State Office in Largo, Florida

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles Director Dave Kerner, Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo, and  Adjutant General of Florida Major General John D. Haas joined DeSantis.

For more information on the ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricane Milton, visit FOX 13 News.


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