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Watch Governor Ron DeSantis news conference from Anna Maria Island on the recovery effort after Hurricane Helene
DeSantis holds a news conference from Manatee County on the ongoing recovery to Hurricane Helene.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference on Anna Maria Island on Thursday to address the impact of Hurricane Helene on southeastern Florida and the recovery effort following the storm.
DeSantis confirmed the death toll from the storm at 15, with the majority of the deaths coming from Pinellas County. He also added that he expects the total number of storm-related fatalities to increase over time.
"I would think it's probably at a minimum of 15. I think it's likely more than 15," DeSantis said.
READ MORE: Bradenton Beach reopens to residents, business owners
DeSantis touted Florida’s response to Hurricane Helene, noting that all schools within the state have been reopened and that power has been restored to 2.4 million accounts and urged affected Floridians to "hang in there."
"This is the fastest power restoration after a major hurricane than ever," DeSantis said. "We did fast in Ian, we did fast in Idalia, but this was even faster."
DeSantis also detailed three executive actions he has signed since Hurricane Helene. These executive actions include:
Temporary removal of rental restrictions
In the state of Florida, it is typically illegal to enter a rental agreement for less than 30 days; however, this executive action allows hurricane victims to enter rental agreements on a need-to-rent basis.
"If you are a victim of Hurricane Helene, those regulations are lifted, and you can rent what you need to rent," DeSantis said.
Continuity of elections
Hurricane Helene has offered new logistical challenges to many prospective voters around the southeastern region of Florida. With many displaced and the 2024 presidential election 32 days away, DeSantis announced that he "authorized the supervisor of elections to make appropriate accommodations" in 12 Florida counties. These counties include:
- Charlotte
- Dixie
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Lee
- Levy
- Madison
- Manatee
- Pasco
- Panela
- Sarasota
- Taylor
Deployment of Florida's National Guard to ‘critical’ shipping ports around the state
DeSantis announced the deployment of the Florida National Guard to shipping ports around the state to help facilitate the trade of essential goods and supplies to southeastern Florida.
DeSantis argues the deployment of the state’s national guard will help minimize supply chain shortages of critical goods like non-perishable foods, medical supplies, machinery, and other essential materials needed in the state’s recovery efforts.
"The Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard will be deployed to critical ports affected to maintain order and, if possible, resume operations which would otherwise be shut down during this interruption," DeSantis said.
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