In response to the ongoing disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene and an organized strike at key Florida seaports, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-213 today, amending previous orders to address new challenges faced by the state. The amended executive order extends the state of emergency to additional counties and outlines actions aimed at mitigating the impacts of both the hurricane and the strike on Florida’s recovery efforts.
Governor DeSantis originally declared a state of emergency for 41 counties on September 23, 2024, due to the approaching storm, later extending it to 61 counties.
The strike, initiated by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) following a rejected contract offer from the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), has further complicated recovery efforts as it affects major seaports like JAXPORT, Port Tampa Bay, Port Everglades, and PortMiami.
Read: Hurricane Helene Death Toll Climbs Past 200, Recovery Efforts Continue In North Carolina
The shutdown at these ports has disrupted the supply chain for critical goods such as construction materials, medical equipment, and perishable food products, which are vital for recovery efforts. The amended order aims to ease these disruptions by granting authorities the power to waive tolls for commercial vehicles, suspend size and weight restrictions on cargo, and expedite transportation through law enforcement escorts.
“This will negatively impact the distribution of cargo, including perishable foods, medical equipment, home goods, electronics, machinery, apparel, vehicles, vehicle parts, lumber, steel… along with other hurricane supplies,” DeSantis said. “Do we have time for weeks of disruptions given all that’s happened in communities in Florida and throughout the Southeast?”
In addition to the strike-related measures, the executive order emphasizes the need for continued vigilance as recovery operations from Hurricane Helene proceed. Governor DeSantis has directed the Florida National Guard to assist with the emergency response, particularly in handling the logistical challenges caused by both the hurricane and the strike.
Read: Mayorkas Bemoans Lack Of FEMA Cash For Hurricanes After Spending Nearly $1 Billion On Migrant Crisis
The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Commerce (COM) have been empowered to withhold project approvals from any seaports not complying with the provisions of the executive order.
“The economic and logistical challenges caused by both the hurricane and the strike must be addressed swiftly to ensure Florida’s recovery remains on track,” said Governor DeSantis.
The order also establishes a seaport operations task force to assess the economic impact of labor disruptions and provide recommendations for future mitigation, with a report due by July 1, 2025.
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