Port strike – Pictured: FL Gov. Ron DeSantis – Courtesy: Gov. Ron DeSantis
The Florida State Guard and National Guard will be sent to ports impacted by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike, according to a statement made by Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday.
Guard members would be sent to ports impacted by the strike “to maintain order and, where possible, resume operations at ports which are otherwise shut down,” the governor said in an X/Twitter post.
In the tweet, DeSantis stated, “It is unacceptable to disrupt the distribution of food, equipment, and supplies as the Southeast U.S. recovers from Hurricane Helene.” “In order to feed their families and rebuild their homes and businesses, Floridians need a steady, dependable supply of resources and building materials.”
In an attempt to expedite the movement of products impeded by the strike, DeSantis stated in the tweet that the Florida Highway Patrol will oversee traffic flow from all Florida seaports as needed. He noted that upon request, the Highway Patrol will escort commercial motor vehicles.
According to DeSantis, “Florida is taking decisive action, unlike the federal government, to ensure that our economy continues to function and that victims of Hurricane Helene will have access to what they need to rebuild.”
In order to expedite the transportation of goods and save operating expenses, the governor also directed the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend the collection of tolls and fees in addition to the size and weight restrictions for commercial vehicles.
The ongoing ILA strike is affecting four ports in Florida: Port Everglades, Port Miami, Port Tampa Bay, and Jaxport (Jacksonville). It is currently in its third day.
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Mike has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. He once owned his own agency and has worked with some of the largest brands in the world.
