'I Don't Think The Gipper Ever Saw Florida Respond': DeSantis Uses Reagan Quote To Discuss Milton

 

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore/CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

DeSantis Quotes Reagan in Praising Florida's Response to Hurricane Milton

Sarasota, FL – At a press briefing on Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) invoked a famous quote from President Ronald Reagan to emphasize the effectiveness of Florida's response to Hurricane Milton. With applause from emergency workers in the background, DeSantis expressed gratitude for their hard work and rapid efforts in restoring services following the devastating storm.

Referring to Reagan's iconic line—“The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government, and I’m here to help”—DeSantis underscored that while the quote often holds true, it didn’t apply to Florida’s handling of Hurricane Milton. He stated, “I don’t think the Gipper ever saw Florida respond to a natural disaster, because we get after it and we actually do make a difference.”

Rapid Response Amidst Crisis

The governor praised the state’s emergency response teams, especially their speed in restoring power and services across Florida. DeSantis noted that more than four million homes and businesses had power restored in record time, which, according to him, has "never been done that quickly." He acknowledged that the weather had been unbearable for many, with extreme heat making air conditioning crucial for recovery. However, he shared some positive news, predicting a drop in temperatures over the next two days, a much-needed relief for residents and first responders working tirelessly in recovery efforts.

Teamwork Across Florida

DeSantis took the opportunity to thank local officials and first responders, mentioning counties like Pasco, which were hit hard by the storm. He highlighted the strong culture of collaboration and resilience in Florida’s emergency response systems, emphasizing that this dedication helped get communities back on their feet quickly. He remarked, “We really believe in rapid restoration of services, getting the debris cleared, and helping people return to normalcy as soon as possible. That’s the kind of difference we’re making here in Florida.”

Prepared for the Worst, Delivering the Best

Governor DeSantis ended the press conference by reiterating that although there is still much work to be done in areas affected by Hurricane Milton, the coordinated efforts of local governments and state teams have been crucial in minimizing further harm. He expressed confidence that Florida’s commitment to quick action and recovery has made a significant difference in the aftermath of the storm.

As the press briefing came to a close, DeSantis appeared ready to field questions from the media but was met with continued applause and appreciation for his leadership throughout the hurricane's wreckage.

"We’ve still got more work ahead of us," DeSantis concluded, "but we’re proud to be making a difference every day."

FAQs: Florida’s Response to Hurricane Milton

Q1: What was the main message of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s press briefing?
A1: Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s effective and rapid response to Hurricane Milton, emphasizing the state's ability to restore power and services in record time. He also quoted President Ronald Reagan to show how Florida defies the stereotype of slow government response during natural disasters.

Q2: What quote from Ronald Reagan did Gov. DeSantis reference, and how did he apply it to Florida’s response?
A2: DeSantis referenced Reagan’s quote, “The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” He used the quote to contrast Florida’s proactive and effective response, stating that Reagan never saw Florida’s emergency teams in action because they "get after it" and make a real difference.

Q3: How quickly were power and services restored after Hurricane Milton?
A3: DeSantis mentioned that more than four million homes and businesses had their power restored, achieving what he called "the fastest restoration in history" after a major hurricane.

Q4: How has the weather impacted recovery efforts?
A4: The extreme heat following the hurricane made air conditioning critical for many residents. However, DeSantis noted that temperatures were expected to drop, offering relief to both residents and recovery workers.

Q5: What was DeSantis’s message to local officials and first responders?
A5: DeSantis thanked local officials and emergency teams for their dedication and hard work, stating that their efforts have played a major role in helping communities recover quickly. He specifically praised counties like Pasco for their resilience.

Q6: What is Florida’s plan for ongoing recovery efforts?
A6: Gov. DeSantis stated that while a lot has already been accomplished, there is still more work to do. The state plans to continue focusing on rapid restoration of services, clearing debris, and helping residents return to normal life as soon as possible.

Q7: How has the public reacted to Florida’s response to Hurricane Milton?
A7: The governor received applause from first responders and residents for his leadership and Florida’s efficient response. The public response has been largely positive due to the fast restoration of services and the coordinated recovery efforts.

Q8: How does Florida’s disaster response differ from other states?
A8: Gov. DeSantis emphasized that Florida’s response teams are uniquely effective in quickly mobilizing and restoring essential services. He attributed this to the state’s strong culture of preparedness and teamwork among local governments and state agencies.