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State Restoring Fuel Supplies in Wake of Hurricane Frances

--More than 125 million gallons of fuel to be distributed in next 48 hours--

TALLAHASSEE — As emergency crews begin clean up operations across South and Central Florida in the wake of Hurricane Frances, Florida officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are implementing a statewide plan to ensure fuel is available for recovery workers and affected communities.

“We are getting fuel where it is needed most,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Companies are coordinating efforts to refuel affected areas quickly, efficiently and cooperatively.”

More than 125 million gallons of fuel will be delivered to the state over the next 48 hours as tankers enter the reopened ports. Over the last 24 hours at Port Everglades alone, more than 6.5 million gallons of fuel has been distributed to tanker trucks. On an average day, consumers in Florida use 26.5 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel.

Governor Jeb Bush yesterday signed an Executive Order directing DEP to coordinate fuel replenishment operations and ensure that supplies reach retailers across the state for the public. To accelerate recovery operations, State and federal officials are also securing adequate supplies of fuel for first responders, emergency managers and clean up crews as a priority.

The Executive Order allows companies to share information with DEP, without violating anti-trust laws, and ensure fuel is supplied to retail gas stations along major corridors and metropolitan areas. The seven-day order is allowing a free flow of communication with the six largest fuel suppliers to accelerate the refueling of retail gas stations in the priority counties of St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Polk, Volusia and Palm Beach.

“By coordinating communications and directing fuel delivery to impacted areas, we are ensuring an adequate supply of fuel and accelerating recovery so that citizens can return to their homes,” said Secretary Castille. “Establishing a thoughtful process between fuel companies will make certain that there is no need for rationing and no area without fuel.”

Of the state’s three major ports, Port Everglades has already reopened to ships and is filling tanker trucks. The Port of Tampa is currently closed to all incoming traffic and will reopen once power is restored. The Port of Jacksonville is operating intermittently, as bands of the storm passes through the area.

Florida’s emergency managers are urging evacuated residents to check with local emergency operation centers before getting on the roads to return home. High winds, heavy rains and hurricane debris continue to make driving conditions dangerous throughout the state.