Governor Ron DeSantis provides update on Helene’s recovery: “There is still a lot of work to be done”

HORSESHOE BEACH, Fla – Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Helene Tuesday afternoon, saying there is still “a lot of work to be done.”

In a news conference Tuesday afternoon in the Big Bend community of Horseshoe Beach, the governor praised state officials’ efforts to assess the damage, provide resources for affected families and reopen roads.

“We dealt with Ian quickly. We made quick work of Idalia. We got Helene done quicker,” Gov. DeSantis said when discussing the state’s response to the storm.

READ: According to Moody’s, the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene could cost up to $34 billion

Despite these efforts, the governor emphasized that there is still a long road ahead, particularly in the hardest-hit areas along the Gulf Coast, and called on the federal government to accelerate assistance.

“The bureaucracy needs to work to get these things done as quickly as possible,” said Governor DeSantis. “We know it was a bad storm and caused damage, so just get it done.”

Get involved: How you can help the devastated communities of Hurricane Helene

As of Tuesday morning, about 49,000 Florida residents were still without power. More than 2.3 million homes and businesses have returned to service.

The state has also activated the Florida Disaster Fund to provide support to those affected by the storm. To donate, click here.

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