Governor Ron DeSantis provided an update Saturday morning on Florida’s ongoing response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s impact on the Big Bend region and the Gulf Coast.
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Joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell in Dekle Beach, the governor outlined the state’s progress and resources available to affected residents.
As of this morning, 457,858 Floridians are still without power, although the state has already restored power to 1,945,127 accounts. Governor DeSantis also reminded Florida residents of Executive Order 24-209, which amended EO 24-208 and declared a state of emergency for 61 counties on September 24.
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The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has moved the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1.
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The State Emergency Response Team has launched more than 2,000 missions, focusing on organizing response resources, protecting critical infrastructure and coordinating personnel throughout Florida.
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Seven Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) task forces are being deployed, which have already assisted 560 survivors and rescued 13 persons.
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A Point of Distribution Site (POD) opens today in Leon County, with 34 others planned across the state to distribute essential supplies.
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The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has mobilized nearly 3,900 soldiers and airmen and rescued 30 residents to date. The FLNG also provides critical support with 15 route-clearing teams and 13 rotary-wing aircraft. Mississippi is sending three additional planes today.
Personnel and equipment ready:
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More than 250 soldiers prepared for deployment
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10 shallow water boat teams
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7 flat bottom rescue skiffs
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2 amphibious rescue vehicles
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2 K-9 search and rescue teams
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12 Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs)
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15 cutting and throwing teams
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7 search and rescue teams
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2 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for aerial assessments and logistics
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Mutual Aid Team coordinates search and rescue missions and provides fuel for first responders.
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Status calls are made with the Department of Management Services (DMS) to maintain operational radio communications for law enforcement.
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FDLE’s aviation unit conducted seven aerial survey missions using five aircraft to assess damage in the affected provinces.
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has mobilized more than 100 officers and support staff.
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Two Special Operations Group teams with 15 officers are assisting residents in Franklin and Gulf counties.
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FWC conducts welfare checks and rescues in coastal communities and successfully rescues eleven people and six pets in Charlotte County.
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More than 2,100 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) team members are actively responding to the impact of the storm.
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61 cut and throw crews worked through the night to clear the debris and fully reopen I-10 in less than six hours after landing.
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FDOT has cleared more than 12,000 miles of roadways and inspected nearly 1,400 bridges in the affected areas.
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Several major bridges, including the Gandy, Howard Frankland and Sunshine Skyway, have reopened to traffic.
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Damage assessment continues on heavily affected roads, including a 10-mile stretch of State Road 789, which remains inaccessible due to extreme damage.
Airports:
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Status: All airports have reopened.
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Remark: Travelers should contact airlines directly for specific flight statuses and possible delays.
Rail services:
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Passenger track:
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Freight rail:
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AHCA coordinates reporting from health facilities to assess evacuation status and resources.
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Ninety healthcare facilities have reported evacuations, including nursing homes and hospitals.
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All long-term care facilities have generators, and 145 facilities statewide are currently operating with generator power.
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AHCA has waived prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services and conducted 79 on-site assessments.
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858 generators, 49 pumps, 262 heavy equipment and five Intelligent Transportation System trailers are being deployed for response efforts.
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The Road Ranger service has been expanded to assist motorists along critical roadways.
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NEVER drive through flooded areas. The portion of the roadway that is underwater may have been washed away or may be hiding debris or power lines.
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Real-time updates on road closures can be found at FL511.com. Specific closures are reported below:
As recovery efforts continue, residents are reminded to prioritize safety and stay informed about road conditions and available resources through official channels.]
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