Duval Times

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government following the severe weather and tornadoes that affected 10 counties on May 10, 2024. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) have expressed their support for this request in a letter to President Joe Biden.

"In light of the extraordinary scope of the destruction and the extent of outstanding clean-up and recovery efforts, federal assistance is needed to ensure Floridians fully recover. As such, we urge you to approve the State of Florida’s request, subject to all applicable laws and regulations, which will provide the assistance necessary to ensure the safety of our state," stated Rubio and Scott in their letter.

The full text of their letter follows:

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration due to severe weather, including tornadoes, the state experienced on May 10, 2024.

Tornadoes, estimated to be multiple EF-2 that touched down, as well as straight-line winds, have left Floridians in ten counties with severe damage. Preliminary assessments indicate hundreds of homes are damaged or destroyed. Based on those assessments, Governor DeSantis has requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida and specifically requested Public Assistance for Baker, Gadsden, Hamilton, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwanee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties along with Hazard Mitigation statewide. The Governor has also requested Individual Assistance for Leon County which experienced 115 miles per hour winds and resulting damage. Leon County estimates 500 power poles were broken, 91 transformers damaged, and one substation offline. Unfortunately, the state has confirmed two lives were lost as a result of the May 10 tornadoes.

In light of the extraordinary scope of the destruction and the extent of outstanding clean-up and recovery efforts federal assistance is needed to ensure Floridians fully recover. As such we urge you to approve the State of Florida’s request subject to all applicable laws and regulations which will provide assistance necessary to ensure safety in our state.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

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