Massive rebuilding efforts occurred across Florida after Hurricane Ian last week.
One effort that received significant attention was the state government’s fast response to rebuild a vital bridge that connects Pine Island with the rest of Florida.
The Pine Island Causeway Bridge, which was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, was rebuilt in just three days.
The immediate reconstruction of Pine Island Causeway Bridge was a testament to DeSantis’ leadership skills in the aftermath of the hurricane.
A reporter with the Associated Press attempted to “fact check” the story by showing a video of the bridge still under construction, saying that small motorboats were the only way to get on and off the island.
DeSantis and his communications team quickly routed the reporter.
Today, @AP tweeted out a *completely false* story about SWFL, fabricated by a “reporter” in Minneapolis who hasn’t gone near Florida since Hurricane Ian. After getting ratioed, AP deleted it. These are the self-appointed “fact checkers” who want to censor you for “disinformation”
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) October 7, 2022
“Today, @AP tweeted out a *completely false* story about SWFL, fabricated by a ‘reporter’ in Minneapolis who hasn’t gone near Florida since Hurricane Ian,” DeSantis Rapid Response Director Christina Pushaw tweeted Thursday night.
“After getting ratioed, AP deleted it. These are the self-appointed ‘fact checkers’ who want to censor you for ‘disinformation.”
The Associated Press later issued a correction and deleted their video on Twitter that erroneously showed construction on the bridge before it was installed.
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“A temporary bridge has been installed to reconnect Pine Island, the largest barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast, with the mainland.” The Associated Press said in their correction.
DeSantis Press Secretary Bryan Griffin said that their correction was not enough, as they did not admit that their timeline of when the bridge was constructed was incorrect.
Still not accurate, @AP. Florida National Guardsmen were also bringing supplies in by helicopter – First Lady even helped unload. No mention of completion timeline on bridge or all the state and local responders that came together around the clock to buildhttps://t.co/pjco4lSh46 pic.twitter.com/ZXgbQK7tJ9
— Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) October 7, 2022
“Florida National Guardsmen were also bringing supplies in by helicopter – First Lady [Casey DeSantis] even helped unload. No mention of completion timeline on bridge or all the state and local responders that came together around the clock to build,” Griffin said, sharing photos of the first lady on Pine Island on Monday.
Pushaw pulled no punches against the Associated Press, calling them “American Pravda” and saying that “propagandists” will get “zero access” in Florida.
“American Pravda: Your days of lying with impunity to attack conservatives and demoralize Americans by forcing absurd propaganda on us are over. We are now holding you accountable and will continue to do so. Zero access for propagandists, only debunking. Time to get used to it.”
American Pravda: Your days of lying with impunity to attack conservatives and demoralize Americans by forcing absurd propaganda on us are over. We are now holding you accountable and will continue to do so. Zero access for propagandists, only debunking. Time to get used to it. https://t.co/XIBs56u3rl
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) October 7, 2022
Additional stories you may want to read:
Extraordinary Leadership of Gov. DeSantis Shines Through Gloom of Hurricane Ian
DeSantis and Team Rebuild Bridge in Just Three Days!
