Three fuel distribution sites have been set up by the state in the wake of Hurricane Milton to alleviate problems getting fuel, as many gas stations are still without power or simply out of fuel.
DeSantis spoke of the fuel program during a 30-minute news conference at Plant City Stadium, one of the three distribution sites currently open. One is also open in Bradenton and another in St. Petersburg.
“We’re in the process of doing more,” DeSantis said. “We’re going to do another one closer to the heart of Tampa in Hillsborough County. We’re going to do another one in a different part of Pinellas County and we’re going to do at least one in Sarasota County and perhaps some more depending on the demand that we have.”
DeSantis said the loss of power is one of the major issues.
“We have Florida ports that are actively receiving shipments like Port Tampa Bay,” DeSantis said. “Additional vessels are en route, they are filling up the trucks and we’re bringing them to where they need to be.”
One terminal filled 531 trucks Friday, and the Florida Highway Patrol is escorting the tankers from the ports to the respective service stations.
“If you see a gas station is out, most of that is, they don’t have power,” DeSantis said. “Now, they may also need to get their fuel shipment as well. But if they don’t have power to be able to run the pumps, then it’s an academic issue.”
DeSantis said generators can be deployed to gas stations if they’re going to be without power for an extended period.