State green-lights free gas for residents after Hurricane Milton — but lines are long

Gov. Ron DeSantis gave the green light to open a network of free-fuel distribution depots in Southwest Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton — a Category 3 storm that left much of the area without power, including gas stations.

DeSantis made the announcement on Saturday in Bradenton during the opening of a gas distribution site at Tom Bennett Park, 280 Kay Road. That site is open daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering residents 10 gallons of gas for free.

“We’ve taken on a fuel mission,” DeSantis said. “We have the fuel, it’s en route.”

On Sunday morning, the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced another free-fuel distribution site at New College, 500 College Drive, Sarasota. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For now, the fuel distribution depots are only providing gas to the vehicles in line, not portable gas tanks, according to a statement from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Residents visiting these distribution sites will need to bring their patience, as well. The Bradenton Police Department shared a video on social media early Sunday morning showing off a line of over 100 vehicles waiting for gas at Tom Bennett Park.

Additionally, more full-service temporary fuel depots were expected to open Sunday in Port Charlotte and Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties.

Additional fuel distribution sites opened at the following locations:

• Central Lot – Parking Lot, 800 First Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

• Suncoast Technical College - North Port Branch , 4445 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

• East Bay Raceway, 6311 Burts Road, Tampa, FL 33619 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

• South Florida State College – Desoto Center , 2251 NE Turner Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

• Plant City Stadium , 1810 S Park Road, Plant City, FL 33563 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Charlotte Sports Park , 2300 El Jobean, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• St. Pete College Tarpon Springs , 600 E. Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

READ MORE: Which Florida counties are still without power after Hurricane Milton? Take a look

Gas could become more widely available in Bradenton, Sarasota and other parts of Southwest Florida affected by Hurricane Milton after the power flipped back on at SeaPort Manatee.

The port on the east side of Tampa Bay began sending tankers full of fuel from its terminals Sunday morning, according to a news release. As of 12:30 p.m., more than 40 tankers have hit the road to deliver gas.

“SeaPort Manatee is a critical gateway for supplying fuel stations throughout our region and beyond, with a flow of nearly 400 million gallons a year,” Carlos Buqueras, SeaPort Manatee’s executive director, said in a news release.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who serves as chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority, said local gas stations should begin receiving fuel quickly.

“I’m hoping by this afternoon, we’ll have more electricity and more stations open,” Van Ostenbridge said.

Incentives for debris cleanup

DeSantis also announced the approval of 100% federal reimbursements for debris cleanup for 90 days following the storm. The governor said he hoped this would incentivize local governments to work with debris contractors for rapid debris removal.

“Let’s get this debris moving,” DeSantis said. “If you wait and you take six months, you’re not going to get the reimbursement. So we’re very much urging you to take advantage of that. That is not the norm in these storms to be able to get 100% debris reimbursement for 90 days.”

Bradenton Herald staff writer Ryan Ballogg and Miami Herald staff writer Jay Weaver contributed to this report.