Florida Attorney General Urges Caution Ahead of Hurricane Idalia
With Hurricane Idalia on the horizon, Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, has given a stern warning to both newcomers to the state and potential opportunists. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Moody emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness among the state’s growing population, many of whom have never encountered a storm of this magnitude before.
Moody, who comes from a long line of Floridians and has experienced multiple storms, appealed to the sensibilities of those unfamiliar with the dangers of hurricanes. She stressed, “Please heed the warnings.” Having seen the aftermath of previous hurricanes, she urged people not to take the storm lightly and to be well-prepared.
Preventing Price Gouging and Looting
Moody also took the opportunity to address concerns about potential price gouging during the storm. She stated her commitment to prosecuting anyone trying to exploit the situation for profit. Additionally, she sent a clear message to potential looters, assuring that Florida is a “law and order state” that will not tolerate criminal activities.
The Attorney General underlined the importance of unity during challenging times, urging everyone to support one another and not let bad actors take advantage of the situation. She expressed her gratitude for Governor DeSantis’s strong stance on enforcing the law.
Report Suspicious Activity and Price Gouging
As Floridians rushed to evacuate, Moody urged them to be vigilant about price gouging and to report any suspicious activities. People who suspect price gouging at hotels, gas stations, or on essential commodities can call the state hotline at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM, use the NO SCAM app, or visit http://MyFloridaLegal.com.
Hurricane Preparations and Response
With Hurricane Idalia projected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 49 of Florida’s 67 counties. As the storm approached, DeSantis announced that more than 25,000 linemen were already in the state, with the number expected to increase to over 30,000 by the end of the day.
DeSantis also highlighted the coordinated effort between local municipalities and utility companies to swiftly restore power in the aftermath of the storm, which was predicted to bring downed power lines and debris to the Big Bend area.
At least 5,500 National Guardsmen were deployed across the state to provide assistance during the emergency.
Strong Enforcement Against Looting
Moody, in collaboration with sheriffs and emergency operations managers, reiterated her commitment to prevent looting in evacuated areas. She stressed that those caught engaging in such activities would face consequences, including higher bonds and a more stringent release process.
State of Emergency Counties
The 49 counties placed under a state of emergency include: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also extended help by deploying Texas A&M Task Force 1 to Florida to aid in emergency response efforts.
Stay safe, be vigilant, and heed official warnings to ensure the safety of yourself and others during this challenging time.