Gov. Ron DeSantis gives an update Friday afternoon on Florida’s response after Hurricane Helene passed through the state.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two people died in Florida as Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm in the Big Bend region late Thursday night, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday. RELATED | Helene lashes the South with wind and sheets of rain. Millions are without power

FWC is in or heading to coastal counties with shallow water boats; Florida's emergency management chief Kevin Guthrie told reporters there were over 1,500 search and rescue personnel in the highly affected areas. And he asked Floridians to refrain from going to – or back to – these areas until local authorities say it’s safe to return.