DeSantis’ office calls out ‘political critics’ claiming governor isn’t aiding in Broward floods
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office slammed “media & political critics” for rushing to “politicize” the Broward County floods that occurred Wednesday night.
In a statement to Florida’s Voice, press secretary Bryan Griffin said it’s “wrong” for critics to use the disaster, where cars were seen stranded in the streets because of intense flooding.
“The governor left yesterday, and the unprecedented flooding intensified later in the night. He returns today,” Griffin said. “Nonetheless, at the governor’s direction, the entire state emergency apparatus is already in action working to understand and support the needs of SE Florida.”
Donald Trump Jr., son of former President Donald Trump, called out DeSantis for “campaigning in Ohio right now instead of taking care of the people suffering in his state.”
The governor gave a speech in Ohio this morning. Griffin noted DeSantis left before the flooding intensified late Wednesday night.
According to the governor’s posted schedule for Thursday, DeSantis spoke with Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie at 12:45 p.m., along with speaking to Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine at 1:15 p.m.
Udine also said Thursday that he has been “in touch” with DeSantis, his office, Florida Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, and other leaders.
At 2:30 p.m., DeSantis spoke with Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher.
Thursday afternoon, DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Broward County.
Criticism also came from Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, who tweeted, “Where is Ron DeSantis today? Akron, Ohio.”
“Everyday he continue[s] to show the people of this state what he truly cares about and ain’t the people of the state,” she continued, referencing a tweet from Democrat activist Aaron Parnas who also slammed DeSantis for being out of town.
According to the division, the DeSantis administration has been in contact with local authorities in Southeast Florida to offer support.
They deployed staff to Broward County to support recovery and damage assessment efforts.
Guthrie has also been in contact with the county emergency management director along with the Fort Lauderdale city manager to offer support.
There were reportedly 4-8 inches of rainfall in southeastern Broward and northeastern Miami-Dade Counties, but parts of Fort Lauderdale witnessed more than 15-25 inches.
A flood watch is in effect for parts of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties until Thursday evening, at the time of reporting.
Below are the state efforts to help locals deal with the flooding and its aftermath:
Department of Transportation
- FDOT is pumping flood waters at multiple locations including the New River Tunnel (US 1).
- FDOT is providing maintenance of traffic for roadway closures and working with Broward County on traffic signal outages.
- FDOT has posted messaging to digital signage advising of the airport closure and road closures caused by flooding in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
- FDOT is activating damage assessment survey applications in FDOT District 4.
- Hollywood International Airport remains closed due to weather conditions. Lauderdale International Airport is expected to remain closed.
Florida Highway Patrol
- FHP is increasing staffing to coordinate coverage in response to the flooding and in anticipation of additional storms forecasted in the area.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
- FWC has deployed three swamp buggies, two high lift UTVs, and 15 4×4 trucks to aid response.
- FWC is currently supporting Broward County Fire Rescue and the Broward County EOC to respond to high water levels in Ft. Lauderdale.
- FWC has deployed a 15-officer team in high water vehicles to assist with welfare checks, neighborhood patrols, non-emergency evacuations and calls for service.
Department of Education
Florida Division of Emergency Management
- All Broward County Public Schools and District offices are closed on Thursday, April 13, 2023. All afterschool activities, events, and extracurricular activities have also been cancelled.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect Gov. Ron DeSantis’ schedule and a declared state of emergency for Broward County.
