Governor Ron DeSantis, joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Kevin Guthrie and Major General John D. Haas, provided an update on the ongoing response to Hurricane Milton during visits to Bradenton Beach and Manasota Key.
As of Friday afternoon, approximately 2.28 million residents remain without power, though 1.79 million accounts have already been restored.
Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties under Executive Order 24-215, amending a previous declaration.
READ: Hurricane Milton Triggers Flood Of Insurance Claims In Florida
Emergency Operations and Rescue Efforts
- The State Emergency Operations Center has been at Level 1 activation since September 24 for Hurricane Helene and continues at this level for Hurricane Milton. More than 2,300 missions have been undertaken to support local efforts, including resource staging and infrastructure protection.
- Since Hurricane Milton’s landfall, search and rescue teams have saved nearly 1,400 individuals and over 140 animals. FDEM is mobilizing 27 Points of Distribution (PODs) across impacted counties to distribute essential supplies.
- To support rescue and recovery, three base camps for responders have been set up in Pasco and Pinellas counties. The state also secured over 1 million gallons of diesel and 730,000 gallons of emergency fuel, with more on order.
Transportation Assistance
Florida partnered with Uber and Lyft to provide free transportation to residents returning from shelters. Promo codes MILTONRELIEF1 (Uber) and MILTONRELIEF24 (Lyft) can be used to access rides to and from state-approved shelters. Shelter locations can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/shelters.
Read: Duke Energy Florida Sets Power Restoration Goals After Hurricane Milton
Search and Rescue Teams’ Actions
- The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) teams have rescued 349 civilians, 47 pets, and assisted 164 others. The Florida State Guard and Maritime Response Squadron have also been involved in search and rescue missions, especially in Pasco, Charlotte, Polk, Sarasota, and Hillsborough counties.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers have deployed various resources, including airboats, drones, and high-water vehicles, to support rescue operations. In the first 24 hours after landfall, FWC officers rescued 645 people and conducted 336 welfare checks.
- In addition to rescue efforts, FWC has cleared roads, conducted high-water rescues, and performed evacuations, including saving 426 people and 45 pets from a flooded apartment complex in Clearwater.
Florida National Guard Mobilization
Over 6,500 service members have been activated, with plans to increase to 7,300. The Guard is providing search and rescue, flood mitigation, and reconnaissance support using rotary-wing aircraft, high-wheeled vehicles, and boats.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is managing 46 law enforcement missions and has completed over 70. FDLE officers are involved in tasks like traffic control, search and rescue, and temporary emergency home repairs for first responders.
- More than 300 law enforcement officers have been assigned to Hurricane Milton-related missions.
READ: Hillsborough County Experiencing Major Flooding In Hurricane Milton’s Aftermath
Support for Veterans and Vulnerable Populations
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs announced that VA outpatient appointments are being rescheduled or switched to virtual. All State Veterans’ Homes are operational, and power has been restored at the Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home.
- The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice has accounted for all youth and staff, with minimal storm impacts reported at facilities.
Health Services and Community Support
- The Florida Department of Health has deployed 600 emergency vehicles and is supporting 43 special needs shelters. Emergency orders have been signed to expedite procurement and allow out-of-state medical professionals to assist in the response.
- The Florida Department of Agriculture is working to maintain fuel supplies and support agricultural operations. Emergency orders have been issued to aid the movement of livestock and fuel distribution.
Hurricane Milton caused significant damage and power outages, with recovery efforts focused on restoring essential services, rescuing those in need, and clearing infrastructure. Florida’s response teams remain fully engaged, working to ensure the safety and well-being of residents across the state.
The State Assistance Information Line is open 24/7, offering help in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole at 1-800-342-3557.
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