“While we are making progress you will see lines and outages,” said Governor Rick Scott.
The governor was in Palm Beach County, addressing storm concerns, and talking about how fuel availability is a top priority in the state. He said he wants to know where the bottlenecks are in getting fuel through traffic directly to gas stations.
“For gas stations in evacuation zones, we need you to stay open for as long as possible,” he said. “We will arrange police escorts so your employees can get out safely.”
Governor Scott said he’s working to waive federal rules and regulations to get fuel through ports, roads and to stations. He said escorts of tankers are underway right now.
Emergency officials acknowledge the back up seen playing out on our highways, but say it’s not safe to hit the roads if you’re ordered to evacuate.
“I cannot Stress enough that when you are going to evacuate, stay within Palm Beach county,” said Bill Johnson, Palm Beach County’s emergency management director. “The roads are congested, the gas stations have long lines, it’s going to be hard to get fuel. The last place you want to be is stuck on the interstate during the storm.”
Governor Scott stressed if you don’t plan on leaving, only get the gas you need so that others don’t run out. He also encouraged the use of the app, Gas Buddy to find out which gas stations have fuel available right now.
