As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida is facing a significant fuel shortage crisis. Governor Ron DeSantis has confirmed that over a million gallons of gasoline and diesel are staged across the state for post-storm use. However, due to excessive demand, many gas stations have run out of fuel. Nearly 43.06% of gas stations in highly populated areas like Tampa and St. Petersburg, and 17.4% statewide, have reported fuel shortages.
With rigorous evacuation efforts, the Florida Highway Patrol has facilitated tanker escorts to deliver nearly a million gallons from multiple ports. The Florida evacuation is in full swing as residents seek safety from the hurricane’s wrath. Fuel shortages have led to long lines at stations, and delays on highways, as road shoulder lanes are opened to aid evacuating traffic. Residents in Tampa Bay, one of the most affected areas, have flocked to public shelters.
Key Takeaways
- 17.4% of Florida’s gas stations are without fuel.
- Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed over a million gallons of fuel staged across the state for post-storm use.
- Florida Highway Patrol facilitated tanker escorts during the evacuation.
- Tampa Bay-area shelters are accommodating thousands of evacuees.
- Fuel shortages cause long lines and slower travel speeds on highways.
Current Fuel Supply Status in Florida
As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida, the state’s already tenuous fuel situation is exacerbated by the storm’s impending arrival. Among the 67 counties, 51 are under a state of emergency declared by Governor Ron DeSantis. The hurricane’s approach has caused a significant surge in gasoline demand, leading to rapid depletion at many Florida gas stations.
High Demand Causes Rapid Depletion
With millions of residents evacuating, gasoline scarcity in Florida has reached critical levels. This high demand has led to 16% of gas stations running out of fuel, equivalent to approximately 1,200 out of the state’s 7,900 stations. Furthermore, tanker deliveries to key ports like Tampa are delayed due to the storm, aggravating the Florida fuel shortage.
Government Efforts and Fuel Dispatches
The Florida government has been proactive in addressing the gasoline scarcity in Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis’s office has coordinated efforts to deliver an additional 1.2 million gallons of gasoline and diesel to support the fuel supply during this emergency. The Florida Highway Patrol has also facilitated the escort of 27 fuel trucks to stations within the impacted areas.
Fuel Staging and Supply Updates
The Department of Transportation has initiated Emergency Shoulder Use plans on major evacuation routes, and tolls have been waived on specific expressways to ease evacuations. Despite these efforts, residents face long lines and limited fuel options at many Central Florida gas stations. Fuel staging areas are continuously receiving supplies, but the rapid pace of consumption poses a significant challenge. The state is set to receive an additional 1.5 million gallons of diesel and gasoline, aiming to mitigate the shortage at Florida gas stations running out of fuel.
| County | State of Emergency | Fuel Trucks Dispatched |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Yes | 5 |
| Orange | Yes | 7 |
| Hillsborough | Yes | 4 |
| Pinellas | Yes | 3 |
Impact on Major Cities: Tampa, Jacksonville, and More
Hurricane Milton has significantly affected major urban centers in Florida, leading to acute fuel shortages and logistical challenges. The extent of the impact varies across cities, with Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville facing distinct challenges amid this crisis.
Tampa/St. Petersburg: Highest Shortages
In the Tampa Bay area, the urgency of the situation is palpable. With 5.5 million residents and additional evacuations from Sarasota and Fort Myers, the region has been hard-hit by fuel shortages. Reports indicate that 43.06% of gas stations in Tampa/St. Petersburg are dry, exacerbating Tampa gas shortages during one of the largest evacuations in Florida’s history. Roads saw traffic levels spike to 150% of normal, with authorities waiving tolls and opening highway shoulders to facilitate movement. With mandatory evacuations ordered in various counties, residents scramble to secure fuel for safe evacuation.
Orlando and Surrounding Areas
Orlando, a hub of tourist activity and home to a significant population, is also grappling with fuel insufficiency. Fuel shortages in Orlando/Daytona Beach stand at 14.68%, complicating efforts to address the Orlando evacuation challenges. As evacuations continue, logistics and refueling remain critical. Evacuation orders varied by county, impacting both residents and tourists alike. Notably, Polk County, south of Orlando, opened 19 shelters accommodating nearly 3,000 evacuees, highlighting the area’s preparedness despite fuel challenges.
Jacksonville: Supply Chain Updates
Although Jacksonville faces relatively lower fuel shortages, the city is not without its hurdles. With only 1.55% of stations out of fuel, residents still reported empty pumps due to high demand. The lack of Jacksonville fuel crisis is generally attributed to efficient supply chain updates and government interventions. While mandatory evacuation orders were not issued, residents in mobile homes or low-lying areas were advised to consider evacuation. These measures helped mitigate the impact of fuel shortages, ensuring smoother logistical operations amid the ongoing crisis.
| City | Percentage of Stations Without Fuel |
|---|---|
| Tampa/St. Petersburg | 43.06% |
| Orlando/Daytona Beach | 14.68% |
| Jacksonville | 1.55% |
Florida Gas Stations Struggle to Meet Demand
As Hurricane Milton edges closer to Florida, gas stations are facing unprecedented demand, leading to significant fuel shortages. Gas station impact during Hurricane Milton is evident, with reports showing that 16.5% of gas stations in Florida were out of fuel as of Tuesday afternoon. This marks a stark contrast from the previous day when only 3.5% of stations reported fuel shortages. The Tampa-St. Petersburg area is the hardest hit, with over 43% of gas stations running dry by late Tuesday morning, and the number rising to 47% by the evening.
Statements from Gov. Ron DeSantis
Governor Ron DeSantis has provided assurances that the state is doing everything possible to manage the crisis. He emphasized that there is no fuel shortage but acknowledged the logistical challenges brought about by the hurricane. According to DeSantis, troopers escorted 27 fuel trucks to stations in Florida on a single night, with approximately 268,000 gallons of diesel and 110,000 gallons of gasoline already available, supplemented by an additional 1.2 million gallons en route. The governor’s statements underscore the state’s proactive approach to fuel truck logistics amidst the hurricane, aiming to maintain a steady supply and mitigate the gas station impact during Hurricane Milton.
Road and Highway Conditions
Florida highway congestion has been significantly impacted by the mass evacuations. State officials have taken measures to ease the bottlenecks by opening shoulder lanes and waiving tolls. Despite these efforts, traffic remains a substantial hurdle, complicating the efficient distribution of fuel. The congestion is partly due to the predicted storm surge of 10-15 feet along Florida’s western coast, prompting mandatory evacuations in several towns. The National Hurricane Center reported that as of Tuesday, Hurricane Milton was 300 miles southeast of Tampa, with its eye expected to hit between Tampa and Sarasota.
Fuel Truck Escorts and Logistics
Fuel truck logistics amidst the hurricane have become a critical focus. The state has coordinated escorts for fuel trucks to ensure safe and timely delivery to the most affected areas. Notably, suppliers are continually moving fuel to stations to address shortages during peak demand. By mobilizing 1.2 million gallons of diesel and gasoline, officials are striving to keep up with the elevated demand brought on by the approaching hurricane. These logistical efforts are crucial to maintaining the balance between supply and Florida highway congestion, ensuring that residents have access to necessary fuel despite the challenging conditions.
Florida gas stations are running out of fuel as people flee Hurricane Milton
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the intensity of the gas station crisis in Florida is reaching unprecedented levels. Official reports have highlighted that approximately 17.4% of gas stations across the state were out of fuel as of Tuesday evening. The situation is particularly dire in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, where data from GasBuddy indicates that more than 46% of stations had no gasoline by Tuesday. This severe shortage exacerbates the urgency for evacuations in Florida, particularly as forecasters warn of a potential 10- to 15-foot storm surge, the highest ever predicted for Tampa Bay.
The hurricane Milton aftermath is already being felt as residents struggle to find fuel to evacuate safely. Despite ongoing fuel deliveries and truck escorts coordinated by state officials, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, the demand far outpaces the supply. The Tampa International Airport, which has ceased operations, is not available as a shelter, adding to the stress. Similarly, the Orlando International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest, suspended operations on Wednesday morning. The closure of major theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld further signals the severity of the situation, urging residents to evacuate promptly.
In addition to extreme fuel shortages in the Tampa/St. Petersburg region, significant supply gaps are observed throughout the state. Nearly 60% of gas stations in Pinellas County and over a third in areas like Fort Myers, Naples, and Gainesville report running out of fuel. Even a quarter of gas stations in the Orlando/Daytona Beach area face similar challenges. The heavy traffic and gas shortages have left residents in places like Sarasota, about 35 miles south of Tampa, unable to evacuate promptly, heightening concerns for safety and preparedness ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.