Biden tours Florida sites hit by hurricane
President Joe Biden arrived Wednesday afternoon in Fort Myers, Florida, to survey damage inflicted by Hurricane Ian, get a briefing on the response and recovery efforts, and meet with people impacted by the storm.
“I wanted to tell you in person that we’re thinking of you and we’re not leaving. We’re not leaving until this gets done. I promise you that,” the president said in Fort Myers.
After arriving in Florida, Biden and first lady Jill Biden boarded Marine One to survey storm-ravaged areas via helicopter. The Bidens then went to Fisherman’s Wharf, where they were greeted by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his spouse, Casey DeSantis.
The group moved into the wharf, where Biden, DeSantis and their wives spoke with affected residents.
Biden said the recovery will take months or years. “The only thing I can assure you is that the federal government will be here until it’s finished,” he said.
While in Florida, Biden announced a doubling of the time – to 60 days from 30 days – that the federal government will pick up 100% of costs for search and rescue, sheltering, feeding and other emergency measures to save lives, the White House said Wednesday.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell said that there isn’t yet a cost estimate for the previously authorized or newly expanded assistance.
The Florida trip came two days after Biden visited Puerto Rico to inspect damage inflicted by Hurricane Fiona.
A total of 105 deaths from the hurricane had been reported as of Wednesday morning.