Local

Governor Rick Scott makes fuel availability a top priority, directs state police to escort delivery trucks

Jacksonville, FL — As many families plan to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma, or are already on the roads, Governor Rick Scott is making fuel availability a priority.

Scott says he's spoken with fuel suppliers and identified a few key issues stopping them from doing their job as quickly as possible, including fuel availability issues at the ports, federal rules and regulations, and getting fuel through traffic and to gas stations.

In response, Scott has announced a number of steps to help retailers and oil companies.

"I've talked to FEMA, the Department of Energy, EPA, the Department of Transportation, and the White House about waiving federal rules and regulations to get as much fuel possible into our state and through our ports," says Scott.

Scott goes on to say, "I've directed state law enforcement to provide escort services to gas trucks to get them through traffic, so they can get to the stations faster."

Scott says those escorts are underway now.

As for gas stations themselves, Scott is asking stations in evacuation zones to stay open as long as possible. He says they will arrange police escorts for their employees so they can get out safely too.

As for Floridians that plan to take shelter where they are, Scott is asking them not to take more fuel than absolutely necessary, so everybody can get some.

"If you know you're going to a shelter in your county, please take only the amount of fuel that you need. You don't need to fill your tank to the brim to stay in your county," says Scott.

Scott says if you're concerned that you don't have a way to evacuate due to fuel shortages, he recommends calling your local emergency management hotline or the Florida Emergency Hotline at 1-800-342-3557 immediately.

mobile apps

Everything you love about wokv.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!