DeSantis lifted tolls in Milton-affected areas through Oct. 14 | Fact check
By BrieAnna J. Frank, USA TODAY,
6 hours ago
The claim: Florida was charging tolls on Hurricane Milton evacuation routes as of Oct. 8
An Oct. 8 X post ( direct link , archive link ) shows a map of two possible traffic routes leading north out of Tampa, Florida. One route includes a notice indicating the tolls would cost $6.38.
“Why ... are tolls still in place on an evacuation route,” reads the caption on the post.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended tolls in more than a dozen counties in the path of Hurricane Milton starting on Oct. 7. The order lifted tolls for seven days.
Toll suspension may be extended, governor's office says
But contrary to the social media posts, evacuees didn't have to worry about toll fees.
DeSantis announced tolls would be lifted in areas in Milton’s path starting on Oct. 7 at 10:30 a.m. The suspension order included thoroughfares in the following counties: Broward, Collier, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Osceola, Orange, Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Polk.
The suspension was set to expire on Oct. 14, but it “may be extended as needed depending on evolving conditions,” DeSantis’ news release said. It went on to say motorists should check FL511.com for up-to-date traffic conditions and road closures.
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