MIAMI — Gov. Ron DeSantis gave the green light to open a network of free-fuel distribution depots in Southwest Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton — a Category 3 storm that left much of the area without power, including gas stations.

DeSantis made the announcement on Saturday in Bradenton during the opening of a gas distribution site at Tom Bennett Park, 280 Kay Road. That site is open daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering residents 10 gallons of gas for free.

“We’ve taken on a fuel mission,” DeSantis said. “We have the fuel, it’s en route.”

On Sunday morning, the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced another free-fuel distribution site at New College, 500 College Drive, Sarasota. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For now, the fuel distribution depots are only providing gas to the vehicles in line, not portable gas tanks, according to a statement from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Residents visiting these distribution sites will need to bring their patience, as well. The Bradenton Police Department shared a video on social media early Sunday morning showing off a line of over 100 vehicles waiting for gas at Tom Bennett Park.

Additionally, more full-service temporary fuel depots were expected to open Sunday in Port Charlotte and Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties.

Additional fuel distribution sites opened at the following locations:

•Central Lot – Parking Lot,800 First Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

•Suncoast Technical College - North Port Branch, 4445 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

•East Bay Raceway,6311 Burts Road, Tampa, FL 33619 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

•South Florida State College – Desoto Center, 2251 NE Turner Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

•Plant City Stadium, 1810 S Park Road, Plant City, FL 33563 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

•Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

•St. Pete College Tarpon Springs, 600 E. Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

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