Today, Florida Governor DeSantis traveled to areas that were affected by Hurricane Idalia along with First Lady Casey DeSantis and Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie.
Today, Governor DeSantis announced that President Biden has approved Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Idalia, allowing for the reimbursement of debris removal and authorizing individual assistance for those impacted by the storm in seven counties: Citrus, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Taylor.
DeSantis originally requested the Major Disaster Declaration for 25 counties and additional counties may be approved in the coming days after the completion of ongoing damage assessments.
In the news: Florida Gov. DeSantis, FEMA Chief Assess Hurricane Idalia Damage
USAR teams have completed search and rescue efforts in Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Hernando County, Citrus County, Levy County, Wakulla County, Franklin County, Gadsden County, Gulf County, Calhoun County, Sumter County and Dixie County. Additionally, the National Guard has made 29 rescues of individuals and their pets and the US Coast Guard has made 10 rescues.
The Florida Disaster Fund, announced by Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, accepts donations to support communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia. To donate, click here.
Power restoration efforts have been underway for counties impacted by Hurricane Idalia. There are over 450,000 accounts impacted by Hurricane Idalia that have been restored. There are 114,274 accounts remaining without power that linemen are currently in the field working to restore.
Duke Energy announced that following a thorough aerial and on-the-ground assessment of their infrastructure, they will have 95% of all customers in Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, and Suwannee Counties who can safely receive power by tonight at 11:59.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps