Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently shed light on the challenges faced by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees as they work tirelessly to assist those impacted by two major hurricanes. Buttigieg expressed concern over the misinformation circulating, particularly stemming from former President Donald Trump, which has been affecting the federal response efforts.
During a visit to FEMA headquarters, Buttigieg commended the dedication, discipline, and teamwork exhibited by the agency's staff. Despite their professionalism, he noted that many employees are feeling unsettled by the prevalence of online vitriol and false information, emphasizing that such misinformation hinders the effectiveness of response operations.
Buttigieg highlighted the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local authorities in restoring critical infrastructure, including radars, towers, and beacons essential for air travel. Approximately half of the affected airports are either operational or in the process of reopening, with plans to resume operations at Tampa airport imminently.
Moreover, over 100 crews are actively engaged in inspecting and repairing roads, bridges, and interstate highways across Florida to facilitate transportation and access for residents. While Port Tampa Bay requires further work before full reopening, efforts are underway to expedite the process, given its significance in supplying fuel and energy statewide.
The Coast Guard recently announced the reopening of Port Tampa with certain restrictions on vessel movements. While several ports in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have resumed operations, some, including St. Petersburg and Fort Myers, remain closed as recovery efforts continue.
