Florida Deploys 16,000 Lineworkers for Storm Response

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that 16,000 lineworkers are staged across Florida to respond to storm damage, with crews positioned from Boca Grande to Manasota Key and beyond.

DeSantis said search and rescue operations will take priority after the storm passes, followed by power restoration and road clearing by the Florida Department of Transportation. Waterborne rescues may be necessary in interior northwest Florida if flooding makes roads impassable.

Power restoration speed will depend on damage severity. Downed power lines typically take less time to repair than damaged substations. The state can establish distribution points for fuel, food, and water if needed.

Englewood residents and others in the Suncoast region should complete storm preparations now, the governor's office said.