Florida is distributing millions of gallons of gasoline to residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Governor Ron DeSantis announced today. The free fuel is being made available at multiple locations, with more distribution points planned, including one at the Port of Tampa, according to Politico.

The announcement follows a surge in demand for fuel, as Floridians have been queuing for gas after Hurricane Milton, the second storm to hit the state in a two-week span. The first, Hurricane Helene, made landfall on September 26. DeSantis had faced criticism over fuel shortages following both storms.

Residents who are struggling financially can obtain up to 10 gallons of free gasoline from the designated distribution sites already set up in Plant City, Bradenton, and St. Petersburg. Additional sites are expected to open in Tampa, Sarasota, and possibly in Pinellas County, the report said.

Kevin Guthrie, the state’s Emergency Management Director, explained that the fuel distribution was aimed at helping those in financial distress. He advised those who could afford to pay for gas to use commercial stations, as this would be a quicker way to get fuel.

As of Friday afternoon, nearly a third of Florida’s gas stations had run out of fuel, according to data from the fuel tracking site GasBuddy. To assist with the fuel distribution, state troopers are escorting tanker trucks, and dozens of distribution sites have been set up across 14 counties to provide essential supplies like food, water, ice, and tarps to residents.

Guthrie expressed optimism that federal approval for several programs would soon provide further assistance, including help for residents with housing needs or home repairs.

At a fuel distribution center in Plant City, Governor DeSantis told reporters: “We just want people to be able to get what they need.”

Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday as a Category 5 storm, brought intense conditions, including a series of tornadoes, torrential rainfall, and strong winds. The storm caused widespread power outages affecting over 4 million people and resulted in at least 17 fatalities.

As of today, more than 1.5 million people in Florida were still without power, according to state reports.

{Matzav.com}