DeSantis wants election supervisors to make accommodations, deploys Florida guards to ports

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that election supervisors in counties hit hard by Hurricane Helene will be allowed to make special accommodations for voters. Speaking from Manatee County on Thursday, DeSantis detailed recovery efforts and issued three key executive actions.

First, he lifted time restrictions on rental properties, allowing residents displaced by the storm more flexibility in securing temporary housing. Second, DeSantis authorized election officials in the hardest-hit areas, such as Taylor and Manatee counties, to implement measures ensuring that residents can still vote, similar to actions taken after Hurricane Ian.

Lastly, DeSantis addressed the ongoing dockworkers’ strike on the East and Gulf coasts, stating that it’s “unacceptable” for the strike to disrupt supplies needed for recovery. He directed the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard to be deployed to critical ports to maintain order and, if possible, help resume operations during the strike. Specific details on how this would be carried out were not provided.