DeSantis issues state of emergency after Colonial Pipeline cyberattack

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday issued a state of emergency, saying the disruption of the Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline poses a severe threat to the state of Florida.

DeSantis said in the order that he’s concerned a gas shortage could cause problems for Florida’s economy and significantly impact everyone.

The governor also relaxed truck weight restrictions in Florida to allow more fuel on the road as demand for gas surges.

READ: Why Florida drivers may be able to avoid gas price spike after country’s largest pipeline shuts down

Less than a week ago, the Colonial Pipeline was hacked, and the FBI thinks a Russian gang is to blame.

The pipeline, carrying 100 million gallons of fuel per day from New Jersey to Texas, has been shut down while officials investigate.

Across the country, more than 1,000 stations have run out of gas. Many are still putting limits on how much drivers can buy.

READ: Florida facing mounting litigation over new voting, anti-riot laws

Since it’s so close to our state, many people are flocking to fill up their tanks, just in case.

Videos showing that demand have started to pop up all over social media. Already, we’ve seen a few stations without fuel.

READ: Semi-truck overturns, shutting down all lanes of I-4 westbound before Michigan St.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried took to Twitter to remind Floridians of three things: Don’t panic-buy gas, don’t hoard gas and don’t form long lines at the gas stations.

Attorney General Ashley Moody tweeted Tuesday evening she is expanding Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline in response to the declared state of emergency related to the cyberattack. The number is 866-966-7226.

Cox Media Group