Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to provide an additional extension of debris removal to continue to ensure the residents of Northwest Florida receive the necessary support and assistance as they recover from Hurricane Michael.
Below is the Department’s plan of action following the extension:
- By May 1, 2019, the Department’s final debris pass will begin. This is an extension from April 15, 2019. Notably, this will help mitigate fire risk.
In making Hurricane Michael recovery a top priority of his administration, Governor DeSantis has taken the following action:
- Governor DeSantis directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to examine every policy and procedure to ensure that communities impacted by hurricanes are receiving recovery funding as quickly as possible. Specifically, the Governor directed the Division to put in place an expedited process to accelerate funding for Northwest Florida communities impacted by Hurricane Michael.
- On January 9, his first full day in office, Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Mexico Beach and met with local and state officials to discuss recovery efforts.
- On January 16, Governor DeSantis toured recovery efforts with former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long. Stops included Panama City, Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe.
- On January 24, Governor DeSantis announced that President Donald Trump granted his request for 45 days of 100% federal cost share for Hurricane Michael debris removal and emergency protective measures.
- Prior to Governor DeSantis securing this commitment, the federal government had only granted 5 days of 100% cost share.
- On February 28, First Lady Casey DeSantis toured Northwest Florida areas affected by the storm and hosted a recovery listening session at Lynn Haven Elementary School.
- On March 29, Governor DeSantis announced that FDOT will receive $9.8 million from FEMA to reimburse the cost of debris cleanup in Jackson County.
