TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. – As his administration responds to widespread destruction in Florida’s Gulf coast and Big Bend regions, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Saturday that at least 11 deaths in the state were related to Hurricane Helene.
During a news conference, DeSantis said none of the deaths listed were in Taylor County, where the hurricane landed on Thursday as a wide Category 4. DeSantis asked Florida residents who are still using generators to avoid using them indoors.
“The carbon monoxide could kill you,” DeSantis said.
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The Florida Highway Patrol reported the wind knocked down a freeway sign on a Honda Odyssey killing a “23-year-old passenger” from Gibsonton shortly before 7:50 p.m., on Thursday, on the westbound lanes of Interstate 4, near Ybor City.
DeSantis said the storm surge — above 15 feet — caused “complete obliteration” in the area. He said there have been thousands of rescue missions and ongoing efforts to restore power, clear roadways, reopen bridges and airports, and provide housing for the displaced.
Deanne Criswell, chief of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, said there is a new program with displacement assistance and her team is focused on helping Florida victims of multiple storms as fast as possible.
“Gather your receipts,” Criswell said during the news conference about the application process for reimbursement.
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Criswell said she is working closely with Kevin Guthrie, the executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. He said the state home repair program aims to help residents deal with mold and mildew problems. For information about the FDEM Cleanup Hotline, call 1-844-965-1386
Here is the list of contacts:
- For more information about the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990
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