Duval Times

Today, Senator Rick Scott led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in sending a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' request for a Major Disaster Declaration in Florida's panhandle. The request comes in the wake of the recent catastrophic storms that affected the northern portion of the state.

In the letter, the lawmakers highlight the devastating impact of the storms, which left tens of thousands without power and displaced individuals from their homes. The preliminary damage assessments indicate that hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed, many of which were constructed before the implementation of modern building codes and mitigation measures.

Governor DeSantis has requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida, specifically asking for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for Bay, Jackson, and Walton Counties, as well as Hazard Mitigation statewide. The lawmakers emphasize the need for federal assistance to ensure that Floridians fully recover from the storms.

"We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' request for a Major Disaster Declaration due to the January 9, 2024 tornadoes in North Florida," the lawmakers state in their letter. "Ensuring the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protect Floridians, their property, and their communities."

The lawmakers urge President Biden to approve the State of Florida's request for a Major Disaster Declaration and the specific requests for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation. They emphasize the importance of providing the necessary assistance to ensure the safety of the state.

The letter is signed by Senator Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio, and members of the Florida Delegation in the House of Representatives, including Representatives Carlos Gimenez, Kat Cammack, Maria Elvira Salazar, Michael Waltz, Bill Posey, Cory Mills, Anna Paulina Luna, Gus Bilirakis, Aaron Bean, Neal Dunn, Daniel Webster, Jared Moskowitz, Darren Soto, Scott Franklin, and Mario Diaz-Balart.

This united effort from lawmakers highlights the urgency and importance of providing federal assistance to help Florida recover from the recent storms. The state needs access to resources to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and communities.

The full text of the letter can be found [HERE](link to the letter).

The lawmakers express their gratitude to President Biden for his prompt attention to this matter and his consideration of Florida's request for a Major Disaster Declaration.