Duval Times

MEXICO BEACH, Fla. – Senator Rick Scott commenced his hurricane preparedness tour in Florida’s panhandle today, urging families to prepare for the 2024 Hurricane Season, which begins on Saturday, June 1. Throughout this week, Senator Scott will travel across Florida to stress the importance of hurricane readiness and meet with local elected leaders, law enforcement, emergency management officials, and business owners.

Senator Scott continues advocating for Washington's support for Floridians still recovering from past storms and emphasizes the need for federal assistance in future disasters. Earlier this month, he sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell expressing concerns about the impending depletion of the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). Reports indicate that FEMA expects the DRF to run out of funds by August 2024 and may need to activate an immediate needs funding designation as early as June.

“With the 2024 Hurricane Season beginning soon, I am traveling around Florida to send one very clear message: now is the time for every family to make a plan and get prepared,” said Senator Scott. “In previous hurricane seasons, we saw terrible devastation and flooding in communities across Florida, including here in Mexico Beach. The years since Hurricane Michael have not faded its impact on this community and still serve as an important reminder that we all need to be prepared."

Scott continued, "After Michael, I know many here wondered how Mexico Beach would ever recover. Well, here’s what I say to that… Never doubt the panhandle. Folks here know how to get things done. We never want to see a disaster hit, but now is a great opportunity for you and your family to stock your disaster supply kits with vital supplies like a first aid kit, a radio, flashlights, batteries, and other necessities—and you can buy hurricane supplies sales-tax-free from June 1st through June 14th, so take advantage of that. As I always say, you can rebuild your home but you can’t rebuild your life. Don’t put your family and loved ones at risk. Don’t wait to take action. Get prepared today.”

Florida families and businesses are encouraged to visit www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness for resources on making disaster preparedness plans and ensuring safety before, during, and after storms.

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