Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 17, 2024 7:42 am GMT
Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Milton, while the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, is facing criticism for refusing a phone call from Vice President Kamala Harris regarding hurricane aid. As the state recovers from the effects of Hurricane Helene, the ongoing political standoff is drawing attention during a critical time for Floridians.
DeSantis Declines Harris’s Call
Recent reports indicate that Ron DeSantis did not take a call from Vice President Harris aimed at offering support in the wake of the hurricane. According to a source close to DeSantis, the governor believed Harris’s outreach was politically motivated. “No, I didn’t know she called me,” DeSantis said in response to questions about the call.
Harris did not hold back her criticism of the governor’s decision. She described his refusal to engage as “utterly irresponsible” and “selfish.” During a press interview, she stressed the importance of collaboration during disasters. “People are in desperate need of support right now,” she stated.
Ongoing Preparation Efforts
Despite the political spat, preparations for Hurricane Milton remain a priority. DeSantis did speak with Deanne Criswell, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator. The two discussed coordinated efforts as Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida.
The state has issued emergency declarations for more than 50 counties, implementing evacuation orders in areas like Charlotte and Hillsborough. “Time is going to start running out very, very soon,” DeSantis warned during a news conference, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Hurricane Milton’s Impact
Forecasts predict Hurricane Milton will make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Although it is expected to weaken, officials are stressing the potential for significant damage and flooding. The Tampa Bay area could see a record-breaking storm surge of 8 to 12 feet as cleanup continues from Hurricane Helene.
Key points about Hurricane Milton:
- Category 5 hurricane as of Monday, expected to weaken to a Category 3
- Emergency evacuations in more than 50 counties
- Record storm surge predictions in Tampa Bay
- Federal assistance activated through an emergency declaration from President Biden
The interaction—or lack thereof—between DeSantis and Harris highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal leaders, particularly in times of crisis.
Federal Support and Local Preparedness
As Florida prepares for the storm, federal support is already in motion. President Biden approved an emergency declaration, allowing for federal assistance to supplement state efforts. State agencies are coordinating closely with FEMA to ensure that local communities are ready for the hurricane’s impact.
DeSantis confirmed his ongoing communication with both FEMA and the President. “I’ve been in touch with both FEMA and the president, as well as marshaling all our state agencies and working to support our local communities,” he said during an appearance on a news program.
Harris’s comments highlighted the need for unity in addressing the disaster. “In these crisis situations, playing political games is utterly irresponsible,” she said, underlining the importance of cooperation during emergencies.
Conclusion
As Hurricane Milton draws closer, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of Florida residents. The political disagreements may continue to unfold in the background, but the priority for both state and federal officials needs to be clear: safeguarding lives and supporting recovery efforts. Residents are advised to stay updated on evacuation orders and emergency resources available through Florida’s Division of Emergency Management website.
If you want to learn about evacuation orders and emergency procedures in Florida, you can check out the Florida Division of Emergency Management. They have all the information you need to stay safe during emergencies.
