Gov. DeSantis urges hurricane preparedness for 2025 season
The Brief
Gov. Ron DeSantis is emphasizing the need for all Floridians to be prepared if a major storm threatens the state in 2025.
He says the state will lead the way when it comes to response, adding that Florida doesn't plan to rely on the federal government.
The governor also promised a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, which has not yet been set because the Florida Legislature has yet to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
JUPITER, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging all Floridians to be prepared for the 2025 hurricane season, which officially begins this weekend.
The governor, along with Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, spoke about storm preps at a news conference inside a Home Depot in Jupiter on Friday.
What they're saying
Following a 2024 season that saw Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton cause widespread damage and power outages in Florida, DeSantis emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness despite feelings of burnout among many residents.
"You can hope for that, you can pray for that, but you can't prepare for a season with no hurricanes," DeSantis said.
The governor also talked about the state's response to last year's storms, including restoring access to gas for drivers and establishing a debris task force to help with cleanup.
"We paused all the road work… any dump truck under the control of the State of Florida was sent over to where Helene had hit," DeSantis said.
PREVIOUS: Governor calls for increased transparency in storm debris pick up
As far as the response at the federal level, the governor said state and local agencies have led the way and should continue to do so.
"We don't rely on FEMA for any of the preparation or response efforts," DeSantis said. "[The federal government] obviously has programs where you can apply for individual assistance."
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During Friday's news conference, state officials said they recommend at least seven days' worth of food, water and other critical supplies for all family members, including pets.
Other common items in a disaster preparedness kit include prescription medications, a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, a sleeping bag or warm blanket, and cash.
"This is the time to do it," Guthrie said. "You see a lot of things for your kit. Make sure you're getting those things now."
DeSantis says since the Florida Legislature has yet to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, no tax holiday has been set yet. He hopes that will change soon, however.
"One way or another, we are going to get you tax-free disaster preparedness," DeSantis said.
READ: NOAA releases hurricane forecast for 2025 Atlantic season
What you can do
For more information on evacuation zones and what you need to know if you're ordered to leave your home ahead of a storm, click here.
What's next
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
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