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Suncoast Parkway could be extended to Florida-Georgia state line to help with hurricane evacuations

Lawmakers proposing new laws after Hurricane Irma
Suncoast Parkway could be extended to Florida-Georgia state line to help with hurricane evacuations
Posted at 10:09 AM, Dec 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-04 10:09:19-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida legislators may vote to extend a major toll road and create gasoline fuel farms in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

A Florida House committee on Monday will discuss a long series of recommendations that state legislators have submitted. Legislators came up with the list after holding several hearings over the last two months.

Hurricane Irma ripped through Florida in September and is blamed for at least 70 deaths.

One top Republican is recommending that the state extend the Suncoast Parkway north from Citrus County to the Georgia state line to help with evacuations.

Other ideas include creating fuel farms and leasing a cruise ship to help with evacuations from the Florida Keys. Legislators will also discuss tax breaks for those hurricane-damaged homes.