As southern states work to recover from the deadly impact of Hurricane Helene, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered state troops to secure the state’s ports and keep them operational in the face of ongoing dock worker strikes. DeSantis stressed the need to maintain the flow of goods, especially with many communities still struggling after the Category 4 storm devastated large areas of the region.
Speaking at a press conference Thursday, DeSantis announced that the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard would be deployed to critical ports impacted by the strikes. “We must ensure that ports remain open and operational, particularly as our state recovers from the destruction caused by the hurricane,” DeSantis said.
The governor criticized the Biden-Harris administration for not doing enough to address the potential fallout from the strikes, which threaten to delay vital shipments of supplies to communities in need. “We cannot let bureaucratic delays stand in the way of getting help to those who need it,” DeSantis said, calling on the administration to act more swiftly.
To further expedite relief efforts, DeSantis said the Florida Department of Transportation would suspend tolls and ease size restrictions for trucks delivering goods. Additionally, the Florida Highway Patrol will be managing traffic flow at the state’s ports to ensure that supplies reach their destinations quickly.
DeSantis framed Florida’s actions as a stark contrast to federal inaction, stating, “Florida is stepping up to ensure that our economy keeps moving and that hurricane victims receive the resources they need to rebuild.”
With the death toll from Hurricane Helene surpassing 200, DeSantis is committed to ensuring the state’s recovery process is not slowed by logistical disruptions.
