Gov. Scott : Goal Is To 'Keep Everybody Alive' In Florida Keys After Irma
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Governor Rick Scott and other state officials traveled to the Florida Keys Friday.
The governor and the group are meeting with local officials during Irma recovery efforts.
'The goal is to be helpful," said Scott. "We are all in this together and we're going to do everything we can to get the Keys and this entire state back," said Governor Scott.
The group met throughout the day - first in Key West City Hall and in the afternoon at Monroe County Emergency Management Center in Marathon.
"It's pretty devastating. I am surprised that anybody survived," said Gov. Scott referring to those who stayed in the Florida Keys during Hurricane Irma.
A major concern in the area and the state as a whole is power - something the governor addressed.
"We have restored power to 4.8 million people so far in the state. We have about 18 percent of citizens in our state without power," said Scott while in Key West earlier in the day.
Related: Mariners Hospital Opens As Lower Keys Recovers With No Power, Water
The other concern is getting fuel into the state. The governor said they have worked hard to get the state's ports open.
"We're getting fuel back," said Scott. "In Collier County, we're still having issues with fuel but that is getting better."
Meantime, there are several food and water distribution centers across the Florida Keys as those items are scarce at the moment.
The American Red Cross is reportedly setting up shelters in the Florida Keys.
"The goal is one to keep everybody alive and then do anything we can to rescue anybody in need and then work our tail off to restore everything to what we all would like to live in," said Scott.
For residents eager to return, a comprehensive reentry plan is set to be announced on Saturday.
