Biden touches down in Florida, where he’ll get Hurricane Ian briefing from political rival DeSantis

President Biden arrived in Florida Wednesday to meet with political rival Gov. Ron DeSantis and assess the damage caused by Hurricane Ian.

Biden is being accompanied by first lady Jill Biden and is visiting hard-hit Fort Myers to “reaffirm his commitment to supporting the people of Florida as they recover and rebuild from the devastating storm,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday.

BIDEN-DESANTIS FLORIDA MEETING PREVIEWS POSSIBLE 2024 CONTEST

DeSantis was not at the Fort Myers airport to greet Biden, who was seen shaking hands with Republican Rep. Byron Donalds on the tarmac.

Also there to greet Biden were Lee County Chairman Cecil Pendergrass, Cape Coral Fire Department Chief Ryan Lamb, FEMA official Harvey Muns, Fort Myers Beach official Colleen Brooks and four firefighters.

Biden kicked off the visit with an aerial tour of Fort Myers.

He is also set to thank local, state and federal officials who worked to provide life-saving support for the millions of Floridians affected by the mammoth hurricane. 

People continue to face power outages, lingering flood levels and continued rescue missions as people look to return to their communities. 

Biden on Wednesday extended the federal emergency relief he first enacted on Sept. 29 “at 100 percent of the total eligible costs” by an additional 30 days – making the direct federal assistance package available for 60 days. 

The relief package will provide funding for “debris removal and emergency protective measures.”

Biden will be briefed by DeSantis and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and other state and local officials before be delivers remarks to the people of Florida Wednesday afternoon. 

Check back on this developing story.