DeSantis resuming presidential campaign activities after Idalia

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign announced the resumption of campaign activities this week after previously halting his campaign to address Hurricane Idalia.

The governor had paused his presidential campaign as of Aug. 28 to help the state prepare for and recover from Hurricane Idalia.

The governor held several press conferences daily leading up to the storm and continued them after it pummeled part of the Big Bend region. He was on the ground in some of the hardest hit areas for days after the Category 3 storm landed the morning of July 30.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 95% of customers impacted received power restorations. The governor had staged tens of thousands of linemen prior to the storm to respond swiftly.

Rescue operations also ceased earlier this week. Recovery efforts are continuing as businesses, homes and communities face major damage from storm surge.

Photos: Florida communities come together to rebuild after Idalia

Gov. Ron DeSantis had requested a Major Disaster Declaration to allow for the reimbursement of debris removal and additional assistance.

President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance to help Florida recover in the areas affected by the storm.

The aid can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured property losses and other programs for individuals and businesses recovering.

The governor also made $20 million in relief available to small business in the aftermath of the storm through the Florida Small Business Bridge Loan Program.

Managed by FloridaCommerce, the program will provide short-term, zero interest loans to Florida businesses damaged economically or physically by the storm. 

The campaign said the governor’s public campaign schedule will be out later on Tuesday.