Biden Calls DeSantis Ahead Of Hurricane Ian
TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – President Joe Biden called Gov. Ron DeSantis Tuesday to discuss the steps the federal government is taking to help Florida prepare for Hurricane Ian.
“When people’s lives and their property are at risk like this, we all need to work together regardless of party lines, the Biden administration has approved our request for a pre-landfall declaration and did that very quickly so we’re thankful for that,” DeSantis said in an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News Tuesday night.
“Obviously as the impacts are known there’s going to be more requests – particularly for individuals assistance for Floridians that have been displaced – and it’s my sense that the administration wants to help – I think they realize that this is a really significant storm…” he said.
It was previously reported that Biden individually called the mayors of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater before he spoke with DeSantis.
“The President and the Governor committed to continued close coordination,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted.
Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference with other state officials early Wednesday morning as they expect Hurricane Ian to land in Charlotte County. Officials said high risk areas are from Collier County to Sarasota County.
As of Wednesday morning the storm was a Category 4 “that is knocking on the door of a category 5 storm.”
“It is no longer possible to safely evacuate,” DeSantis said. “It’s time to hunker down and prepare for the storm. This is a powerful storm that should be treated like you would treat if a tornado was approaching home.”
FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie said southwest Florida management leaders, with a total of more than 200 years of experience, are expecting a Category 5 storm.
“The storm is here. It is imminent,” Guthrie said. “So please stay indoors.”
If anyone has questions or need to contact the state for assistance, the number is 1-800-342-3557.
If the power goes out, contact your service provider and not 911 for power restoration.
Floridians can visit Floridadisaster.org/planprepare to figure out whether they are in an evacuation zone.
For the latest updates on Hurricane Ian, visit the National Weather Service.
