Gov. DeSantis delivers free gas to Florida amid Hurricane Milton fallout

Florida will give away millions of gallons of free gas after the Sunshine State was battered by Hurricane Milton, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Saturday.

Fuel is already being delivered to three locations, said the governor, who added more spots, including the Port of Tampa later Saturday, Politico reported.

The news comes after locals lined up for fuel and DeSantis faced criticism over shortages after two storms hit Florida — the first, Hurricane Helen, made landfall on Sept. 26.

Residents in need can get up to 10 gallons of fuel for free from designated distribution centers already set up in Plant City, Bradenton and St. Petersburg, DeSantis said. Additional sites have been slated for a possible third location in Tampa, Sarasota and Pinellas counties, the news site reported.

Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the handout was for those “struggling financially” and said those who can afford gas should continue to go to the gas station, as it will be a faster option.

About a third of Florida's gas stations had run out of fuel by Friday afternoon, the outlet reported, citing fuel tracking site GasBuddy.

State troopers are being deployed to help tanker trucks deliver gas, and dozens of distribution sites have been established in 14 counties to help locals get food, water, ice and tarps.

Guthrie said he hoped the feds would approve several programs to help locals find new housing or rehabilitate their current housing.

The governor told media at a fuel depot set up in Plant City: “We just want people to be able to get what they need.”

Category 5 Milton hit the state's Gulf Coast on Wednesday and was accompanied by dozens of tornadoes, heavy rain and high-speed winds — all of which contributed to power outages for more than 4 million people and at least 17 deaths.

According to state reports, more than 1.5 million people had still not had power restored as of Saturday afternoon.