PERRY, Fla. (WFLA) — Governor Ron DeSantis speaks on the recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene in Dekle Beach on Saturday. DeSantis was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, FEMA Director Deanna Criswell, and Major General John D. Haas, Adjutant General of Florida.

As his administration responds to widespread destruction in Florida’s Gulf coast and Big Bend regions, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Saturday that at least 11 deaths in the state were related to Hurricane Helene.

The fund is a component of the Volunteer Florida Foundation and supports recovery initiatives including Activate Hope. The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster.