ORLANDO, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency for Volusia, Sumter, Lake and Seminole counties on Friday morning after strong storms pounded Central Florida overnight, and U.S. Rep. Ric Keller, R-Fla., said he's already working on securing federal funds for victims.

"The White House has already pledged to do everything they can to help. We'll make sure we get the funds needed from the federal government," Keller told Local 6 News.

At least one tornado ripped through the region. Hundreds of homes and a church were destroyed.

A Lake County spokesman said 11 deaths were reported in Paisley and three in Lady Lake.

"I have been working the phones (Friday) morning with the heads of the emergency operations centers in both Lake County and Orange County. They tell me the top priority right now is saving lives, so we've arranged for the Orange County Urban Search and Rescue team from the fire department to immediately go to Lake County," Keller said.

Authorities have blocked access to neighborhoods because of downed power lines and possible gas line ruptures.

Damage also was severe in The Villages retirement community.

In Volusia County, another 69 homes were damaged in New Smyrna Beach and ten people were transported to hospitals countywide with injuries.

"It's a tragic situation ... a terrible tragedy," Keller said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently denied funding to victims of the Christmas Day tornadoes that ripped through Central Florida.

Watch Local 6 News for continuing coverage on this story.