DeSantis offers free gas amid widespread shortages in Florida after Milton | 12 Oct 2024 | Florida is handing out free gas as the state struggles to recover from Hurricane Milton, a move announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis amid scenes of long lines for gasoline in the areas hit by the deadly storm. The state's Republican governor announced that three sites opened on Saturday, with more to come in cities on the Gulf Coast. The state's emergency management director also said millions of gallons of fuel would be unloaded later in the day from the port in Tampa. DeSantis announced that those in need of gasoline could get up to 10 gallons for free from fuel distribution sites set up in Plant City, Bradenton and St. Petersburg and there were plans to add one in Tampa, Sarasota and potentially another location in Pinellas County.