Bradenton, FL - Governor DeSantis announces free gas distribution depots to aid Florida's recovery from Hurricane Milton.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the opening of a network of free gas distribution depots across the region.
The first site opened Saturday at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton, offering residents 10 gallons of gas per vehicle.
More depots followed suit on Sunday, including locations in Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Arcadia.
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.)
These sites operate daily from 7 am to 7 pm, with additional locations open from 10 am to 7 pm.
The news comes as power returns to SeaPort Manatee, a critical fuel distribution hub on Tampa Bay's eastern side.
With tankers refueled and departing the port as of Sunday morning, residents can expect gas stations to receive deliveries and reopen soon.
Local officials anticipate stations will be operational by this afternoon.
In another move to expedite recovery, Governor DeSantis secured 100% federal reimbursement for debris cleanup for the next 90 days.
This incentive aims to encourage local governments to quickly contract debris removal services.
While patience is still needed, the combined efforts of free gas distribution, restored power at SeaPort Manatee, and increased debris removal resources promise a brighter outlook for Southwest Florida's recovery.