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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) no-nonsense response to bureaucracy in the face of disaster had his administration literally ripping open gates.
“The Gov broke down the door and said you’re open now.”
After a rapid recovery from Hurricane Helene afforded the executive to deploy resources across nearby states through the launch of Operation Blue Ridge, the Sunshine State found itself preparing for the next storm, Hurricane Milton.
Bracing for impact included clearing debris and when one landfill site in Pinellas County opted to violate the governor’s order to remain open around the clock to facilitate the effort, a video shared by Florida’s Voice captured the moment authorities forced open the gates.
#BREAKING: Last night, DeSantis’ administration forcibly ripped open the gates to a Pinellas County landfill site because it was closed ahead of Hurricane Milton
DeSantis had ordered 24/7 availability for debris removal pic.twitter.com/KnrFL4L2Ja
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 7, 2024
On X, the outlet’s assistant news director Eric Daugherty reacted to the decision from the DeSantis administration by stating, “WOW: DeSantis’ administration was basically deciding to either rip open or DESTROY the gate of a Pinellas County landfill site because it was closed. He ordered sites to remain open 24/7 because of incoming Hurricane Milton. This guy is a doer.”
The post included a screenshot of a message from Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner, whose oversight includes Florida Highway Patrol, that read in part, “So I’ve authorized FHP to use our F-250 trucks and winches to rip the gate open, which is what is happening as I’m texting you. From there we will get DOT trucks in and relieve the pressure and capacity issues.”
“If the F-250s can’t open the gate then I’ve authorized the front loader to demolish the gates entirely. Will let you know the outcome. But we will get that front entrance open,” added Kerner.
WOW: DeSantis’ administration was basically deciding to either rip open or DESTROY the gate of a Pinellas County landfill site because it was closed. He ordered sites to remain open 24/7 because of incoming Hurricane Milton. This guy is a doer. https://t.co/BJ7aGz7ol1
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 7, 2024
During a press conference, Pinellas County Public Works Director Kelli Levy attempted to justify closing the dumping grounds by saying, “Our landfill has a limited lifespan. So if we were to accept all of this debris, we might not have any space left after this storm.”
She went on to cite federal regulations that would hurt their bottom line when it came time to collect reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as they were expected to document where debris originated.
“Commercial haulers have been showing up at these locations with multiple households worth of stuff and we can’t document where it came from,” said Levy.
During a Sunday update on Milton, DeSantis decried half-efforts from local officials in preparing for the storm and asserted, “This is not a 9 to 5 debris removal. You’re not gonna be able to get it done if you just do 9 to 5. So we need everybody doing 24/7. And we would also advise local governments to do what the state government is doing.”
The Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, FDOT, and FHP are all hands on deck to supplement local debris removal in preparation for Hurricane Milton.
Additionally, the Division of Emergency Management is coordinating with local emergency management directors to inform… pic.twitter.com/Ilt5t2lost
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 6, 2024
Among the reactions to America’s Governor making moves to keep his state thriving, the Frog Capital account on X cheered, “The person who shut down the Pinellas County Landfill ahead of the storm, just happens to be the founding member of the Tampa Bay Climate Science™ Advisory Panel..The Gov broke down the door and said you’re open now.”
The person who shut down the Pinellas County Landfill ahead of the storm, just happens to be the founding member of the Tampa Bay Climate Science™ Advisory Panel..
The Gov broke down the door and said you’re open now.https://t.co/Tcty0JDg7R— Frog Capital (@FrogNews) October 6, 2024
BOSS move. Shame on Pinellas County for disobeying the order.
— The Populist Mad Ox (@TheRealMadOx) October 7, 2024
Florida would be in shambles without you @GovRonDeSantis !!! You are the best governor in the country!!
— Newt (@newtxcalibur) October 6, 2024
The person who refused to open the gates is going to learn the concept of FAFO once the dust settles on this storm. DeSantis doesn’t allow insubordination to go unchecked.
— Roy (@TurfGuyz) October 7, 2024
Looking at you, Pinellas County Public Works Director Kelli Levy…
— Dan Goldwasser (@dgoldwas) October 6, 2024
Talking about a hands-on governor in @GovRonDeSantis
— William E. Lewis, Jr (@4BillLewis) October 7, 2024
When it comes to governance, he Never Backs Down.
— Neanne Derthal (@neanne_derthal) October 7, 2024
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