DeSantis suspends tolls for Idalia Tuesday morning: ‘Go to a safe area now.’

(This is pretty traditional for Florida. But DeSantis has done it quicker than other Governors in the past. It’s just the right thing to do.)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended tolls, in effect Tuesday morning, along the west coast of Florida to help with evacuations as Hurricane Idalia approaches.
“By waiving tolls, we are easing the burden on families in the path of this storm,” DeSantis said Monday night.
The governor urged those under evacuation orders to leave for a safe area immediately. The Florida Department of Transportation and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise will suspend tolls from Aug. 29 to Sept. 5 at noon.
“The Department is committed to ensuring travelers can get where they need to go as safely and efficiently as possible. Suspending tolls in the greater Tampa Bay region ensures families can head south and east with ease to get out of the storm’s direct path,” said Jared Perdue, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation.
Facilities with suspended tolls include:
Hillsborough County
• I-4 Connector
• Selmon Expressway (S.R. 618)
• Veterans Expressway (S.R. 589)
• Suncoast Parkway (S.R. 589)
Citrus, Hernando & Pasco Counties
• Suncoast Parkway (S.R. 589)
Lake and Sumter Counties & Portions of Orange County
• Turnpike Mainline (I-75 to I-4)
Pinellas County
• Pinellas Bayway (S.R. 679)
• Sunshine Skyway Bridge (U.S. 19)
FDOT has also issued an Emergency Order to expand weight and size requirements for vehicles transporting emergency equipment.