**Florida Responds to Hurricane Helene, Extends Aid to North Carolina**

While touring the hurricane damage in Florida’s Big Bend area, Governor Ron DeSantis revealed that President Joe Biden had called him on Sunday. However, the Governor was unable to take the call as he was in a helicopter surveying the impacted regions. DeSantis emphasized the importance of focusing federal resources on North Carolina, noting that Florida had the situation under control.

"We have what we need... Most of the effort should be in western North Carolina right now because you still have active rescues that need to take place," DeSantis stated at a Monday news conference. He announced that Florida is sending rescue teams to North Carolina, an area where many Floridians own second homes. "We’re going to be bringing people to safety," he added, highlighting that air missions were necessary due to the isolation of some areas.

In response, DeSantis has initiated Operation Blue Ridge to airlift stranded Floridians from North Carolina. This multi-state agency effort includes the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida State Guard, Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force, and a Law Enforcement Strike Team. The Florida National Guard has already dispatched two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and eight crew members to assist.

Hurricane Helene has had a devastating impact, with at least 116 fatalities nationwide, including 13 in Florida and an estimated 70 in the Carolinas. Florida has engaged in extensive rescue missions and is working diligently to restore power and clear roads. DeSantis praised the state's response efforts and announced the reopening of all state and locally owned bridges after thorough inspections.

Feeding South Florida has dispatched seven 36-foot trailers loaded with food and water to affected areas, providing crucial supplies to those in need. The Florida Disaster Fund, managed by Volunteer Florida, continues to offer financial assistance to impacted communities. Donations to support recovery efforts can be made through FloridaDisasterFund.org.

Following the Biden administration's approval of Florida's disaster declaration, residents and businesses in affected areas can apply for assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov or by contacting FEMA directly. As of Monday, about 86,696 customers remain without power, while over 2.3 million accounts have seen electricity restored.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium suffered catastrophic damage from over 4 feet of floodwater, necessitating the relocation of two rehabilitating manatees to ZooTampa and sea turtles to a nature center in Boca Raton. Despite significant losses to their life support systems and equipment, all resident animals are reported safe, with some relocated within the facility for security.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued warnings about potential scams and price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Helene. "As Floridians are recovering... it is important to remain vigilant for scams and price gouging," Moody cautioned, urging residents to verify the legitimacy of services before committing to contracts and to consult resources like "Scams at a Glance: After the Storm" for further guidance.