Large portion of Sanibel Causeway washed away in Hurricane Ian surge

President Biden and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this morning discussed the response to Hurricane Ian and the current need for recovery in the state.

“We have received a major disaster declaration for nine counties, but we do expect more,” DeSantis said in a briefing. “I just spoke with the President this morning. He offered support. I told him thanks for this, but because the storm has moved inland and caused a lot of potential damage in the center part of our state, that we are going to be asking for those counties to be expanded and included there.” 

Biden earlier approved a major disaster declaration for Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which makes federal aid available to people in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

“That will allow individual Floridians to seek individual assistance from FEMA,” DeSantis said. “And that will be something that as you have people that have been displaced due to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Ian, you know, that’s going to be something that’s going to be necessary.” 

The White House said the President and governor “committed to continued close coordination.”