Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis did not meet with President Joe Biden during the president's visit to tour Hurricane Helene damage in the state. Instead, Governor DeSantis held a news conference where he criticized the Democratic administration's handling of the dockworkers' strike affecting most of the nation's ports.
During the news conference, Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of ensuring that goods, particularly construction materials for storm rebuilding, are delivered promptly. He called on the Biden-Harris administration to take action to address the impact of the strike on the supply chain.
The governor's remarks were made at a pier in Manatee County, located more than 200 miles away from Keaton Beach, where President Biden was scheduled to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Notably, the list of dignitaries who greeted President Biden upon his arrival did not include any state government officials.
Governor DeSantis announced that he has authorized the Florida Highway Patrol to provide escorts to commercial trucks leaving ports upon request. Additionally, he stated that Florida National Guardsmen will be deployed to ports to assist with various tasks, including heavy equipment operations, warehouse operations, security operations, and command and control.
Maj. Gen. John Haas, Florida's adjutant general, affirmed the readiness of the Florida National Guard to support port operations and ensure the smooth flow of goods in and out of the state.
