The Florida governor has faced criticism for touring in Ohio while his state is underwater.
Governor Ron DeSantis is nowhere to be found as flash floods wreak havoc on Fort Lauderdale and large swaths of Southern Florida.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, who declared a state of emergency in the city on Wednesday, told reporters that he is perplexed that the state’s governor has not attempted to contact him about the escalating disaster.
“Governor DeSantis has not yet called,” Trantalis stated during a press conference on Thursday. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but he’s very interested in what’s happening here, and we’re happy to work with his office.”
State agencies, according to the mayor, have provided assistance and services.
Fort Lauderdale, FL had record-breaking flooding last night.
Fort Lauderdale Mayor: “Governor DeSantis has not yet called.”
Where is Ron DeSantis?
He's in Ohio.pic.twitter.com/A6FUpFradr
— Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) April 13, 2023
Trump supporters have blasted DeSantis for leaving town. “Fort Lauderdale is underwater, and DeSantis is campaigning in Ohio right now instead of taking care of the people suffering in his state,” Donald Trump Jr. tweeted.
DeSantis Press Secretary Brian Griffin told Florida’s Voice that the flooding only got worse after DeSantis left on Wednesday. “He returns today,” Griffin explained. “However, the entire state emergency apparatus is already in action, working to understand and support the needs of SE Florida at the governor’s direction.”
So, where had DeSantis gone? In Ohio, he’s promoting his new book and tweeting out promotional videos of his various Midwest exploits. DeSantis delivered the keynote address at the Summit County Lincoln Day breakfast in Akron, Ohio, where he praised his record and efforts to reshape policy in Florida in a conservative image.
Learning, character, faith, and freedom define Hillsdale. Thank you to President Arnn and all the staff and students who hosted me.
The battle against the woke agenda is critical to the future of our nation. We must continue to hold the line and never, ever back down. pic.twitter.com/jdAcQwoOlE
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) April 13, 2023
While airports in Florida close and residents try to survive torrential downpours, the governor is busy fighting the “woke agenda” at universities on the other side of the country, presumably in preparation for his expected presidential campaign.
During his unsuccessful campaign to unseat DeSantis as governor, Democrat Charlie Crist questioned DeSantis’ commitment to Florida. During a debate, he even pressed DeSantis on whether he would commit to serving a full four-year term. DeSantis, however, refused.
