Duval Times

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. – Senator Rick Scott visited St. Pete Beach today to host a press conference as part of his Hurricane Preparedness Tour. He was joined by Representatives Laurel Lee, Anna Paulina Luna, and local leaders. This week, Senator Scott is traveling across the state urging Florida families to prepare for the 2024 Hurricane Season, which begins on Saturday, June 1.

Throughout the week, Senator Scott will emphasize the importance of hurricane preparedness and meet with local elected leaders, law enforcement, emergency management officials, and business owners. The tour began this morning in Florida’s panhandle.

Senator Scott continues to advocate for federal support for Floridians still recovering from past storms and stresses the need for readiness in case of future disasters. Earlier this month, he sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell voicing concerns about the impending exhaustion of the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). Reports indicate that FEMA expects the DRF to run out of funds by August 2024 and may need immediate needs funding 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. Ian and Idalia reminded us that severe weather can approach and change course so quickly.”

He continued, “Just days before landfall, Ian shifted and was heading right here for Tampa Bay before shifting back south. The Tampa Bay Area got lucky with that storm, but we cannot count on that to happen again. We have to take every storm seriously.”

Scott emphasized the importance of preparation even without a direct hit: “Even without a direct hit, communities still see massive flooding, road closures and storm surge. There’s no reason ANY of us should take the risk of being complacent and unprepared.”

He advised families to stock disaster supply kits with essential items such as first aid kits, radios, flashlights, batteries, and other necessities during the sales-tax-free period from June 1st through June 14th.

“As I always say,” concluded Scott, “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.

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