Florida approved for major disaster declaration from FEMA, Gov. DeSantis announces

TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gave an update while visiting Treasure Island as the state recovers from Hurricane Milton.

The governor said as of noon on Sunday, approximately 891,623 Floridians are without power. The State of Florida has restored 3.25 million accounts, DeSantis said.

DeSantis also announced Florida has secured approval for a major disaster declaration from FEMA, which will allow be available for 34 Florida counties, including Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota.

The State Assistance Information Line is now open and accepting calls 24/7 at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole speakers are available.

Gov. DeSantis said since landfall, nearly 1,800 individuals and 225 animals have been rescued by Urban Search and Rescue Teams and the Florida National Guard.

Public fuel distribution sites are open today, including the following:

New College of Florida – Heiser Natural Sciences Complex, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
500 College Dr
Sarasota, FL 34243
South Florida State College – Desoto Center, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
2251 NE Turner Ave
Arcadia, FL 34266
Charlotte Sports Park, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
2300 El Jobean Rd
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Suncoast Technical College Northport, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
4445 Career Ln
North Port, FL 34289
St. Pete College Tarpon Springs, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
600 E Klosterman Rd
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
East Bay Raceway, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
6311 Burts Rd
Tampa, FL 33619
Tom Bennett Park, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
280 Kay Rd.
Bradenton, FL 34208
Plant City Stadium, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
1810 S Park Rd.
Plant City, FL 33563
Central Lot – Parking Lot, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
800 1st Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

The following road and bridge closures are affecting the Tampa Bay area as of 6 a.m. on Sunday, according to the governor:

Hillsborough County
- Flooding on Morris Bridge Rd Both Directions at High Meadow Ave. All lanes closed.
- Emergency Vehicles on SR-574 Both Directions from N Turkey Creek Rd to Sammonds Rd. All lanes closed.
Manatee County
- Access Restricted on Cortez Rd Eastbound at Gulf Dr N.
- Access Restricted on Cortez Rd Westbound at 127th St W.
- Access Restricted on Manatee Ave Westbound at Martinique Dr.
- Access Restricted on Manatee Ave Eastbound at East Bay Dr.
- Access Restricted on SR-789 Southbound near 13th St S.
- Access Restricted on SR-789 Northbound near N Shore Rd.
- Flooding on Verna Bethany Rd Both Directions 0.48 Mi South of Sr-64 E. All lanes closed.
Pasco County
- Flooding on Paul S Buchman Hwy Both Directions near County Line Rd.
- Flooding on SR-54 Both Directions near Rowan Rd. All lanes closed.
Pinellas County
- Emergency vehicles on I-275 South, ramp to Mile Marker 13, Skyway North Rest Area. Off-ramp closed.
- Emergency vehicles on I-275 North, ramp to Mile Marker 13, Skyway North Rest Area. Off-ramp closed.
Sarasota County
- Access Restricted on Gulf of Mexico Dr Both Directions at The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.
- Access Restricted on Siesta Dr Westbound at San Remo Ter.
- Access Restricted on Siesta Dr Eastbound at Norsota Way.
- Access Restricted on SR-789 at Main St Dr.
- Access Restricted on St Armands Cir Both Directions near John Ringling Blvd

DeSantis was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, and Major General John D. Haas Adjutant General of Florida at Original Pizza Treasure Island.