Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not been communicating with Vice President Kamala Harris or President Joe Biden regarding the response to Hurricane Helene, which recently devastated parts of the state. According to a source, DeSantis has been dodging calls from Harris, deeming them to be too political in nature. While DeSantis did acknowledge missing a call from Biden due to being in flight, he did not meet with the President during his visit last week to survey storm damage in north Florida. DeSantis has kept in touch with Federal Emergency Management Director Deanne Criswell to address recovery efforts.
The White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, responded to reports that DeSantis had not spoken with Harris or Biden regarding the hurricane response, stating that it was ultimately the governor’s decision. She mentioned that DeSantis was invited to survey the damage with Biden, but opted not to attend, leaving it up to him to address concerns about political implications. DeSantis’ decision to send Florida resources to assist with recovery efforts in North Carolina was part of what he called Operation Blue Ridge, with assets now returning to the state in preparation for Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend region last month, leaving devastation in some rural north Florida counties and causing significant flooding in cities along the Gulf Coast. The storm continued to cause destruction as it moved through the Southeast, resulting in over 200 fatalities and historic flooding in western North Carolina. DeSantis initially stated that the situation was under control in Florida and urged the federal government to prioritize assistance in North Carolina, where the impact was severe.
While governors of other states affected by Hurricane Helene, such as Georgia’s Brian Kemp and South Carolina’s Henry McMaster, have praised the federal response and personally thanked President Biden, DeSantis has taken a different approach. Former President Donald Trump, on the other hand, has been vocal about the storm and has criticized Harris for sharing what he claimed was a “FAKE and STAGED” photo on social media. Trump has also visited Georgia after the storm and launched a fundraising effort to support relief organizations in the region, aligning his response with political overtones.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, DeSantis is preparing for its potential impact on coastal areas still recovering from Helene. The massive storm is forecasted to make landfall in the central portion of Florida’s Gulf Coast, posing a new challenge for the state. Despite the ongoing recovery efforts and the looming threat of Hurricane Milton, there has been no reported attempt by President Biden to reach out to DeSantis. DeSantis’ decisions regarding storm response have been under scrutiny, with questions raised about his interactions with federal officials and the perceived political motivations behind his actions.
In conclusion, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and preparation for Hurricane Milton has drawn attention due to his lack of communication with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. DeSantis has defended his decisions and priorities regarding storm recovery efforts, including sending aid to North Carolina, but has faced criticism for perceived political motivations. The contrasting responses from other governors and former President Donald Trump have further highlighted the complex dynamics at play in post-disaster recovery efforts. The impact of Hurricane Helene and the impending threat of Hurricane Milton continue to pose challenges for Florida, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and coordination among federal, state, and local authorities in responding to natural disasters.
