"LIVE OAK, Florida - President Joe Biden traveled to Florida on Saturday to survey the destruction from Hurricane Idalia and comfort victims of the storm, but he did not meet with Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential presidential rival, who opted not to come.

Biden, who praised DeSantis during the visit, said he was not disappointed by the Republican governor's absence and said DeSantis had helped plan the trip.

DeSantis' spokesperson said on Friday the governor had no plans to meet Biden, saying "the security preparations alone that would go into setting up such a meeting would shut down ongoing recovery efforts.""

Jeff Mason reports for Reuters September 3, 2023. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"DeSantis Voted Against Sandy Aid A Decade Ago. Now His State Needs The Help." (E&E News) [3]

"Biden Lauds Desantis As Two Leaders Work To Boost Idalia Recovery Efforts" (McClatchy) [4]