DeSantis Declares Emergency Amid Longshoremen Strike

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in response to a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which is disrupting operations at key ports including Port Miami and Port Everglades. To address these supply chain issues exacerbated by Hurricane Helene's destruction, DeSantis has ordered the deployment of the Florida National Guard and State Guard to maintain order and potentially resume port operations. Additionally, the governor has waived tolls and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles to expedite the transport of goods. With the death toll from Hurricane Helene surpassing 200, DeSantis criticized the Biden administration for not intervening to resolve the strike, which he termed 'unacceptable'. He also issued executive orders aimed at supporting recovery efforts and ensuring that election activities remain unaffected. The ongoing situation highlights the critical role of Florida's ports in the supply chain and post-disaster recovery.