Duval Times

MELBOURNE, Fla. – On May 30, 2024, Senator Rick Scott visited Melbourne to host a press conference as part of his Hurricane Preparedness Tour. He was joined by Congressman Bill Posey and local leaders. This week, Senator Scott traveled the state urging Florida families to prepare for the 2024 hurricane season, which begins on Saturday, June 1. During his statewide tour, Senator Scott emphasized the importance of hurricane preparedness and met with local elected leaders, law enforcement, emergency management officials, and business owners. In addition to Melbourne, he visited Mexico Beach in Florida’s panhandle, St. Pete Beach, Hialeah, and Ft. Myers.

Senator Scott continues to advocate for federal support for Floridians still recovering from past storms and preparing for future ones. 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). The DRF must be fully funded to respond effectively following natural disasters. 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.

Senator Rick Scott stated: “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. I cannot tell you how many Floridians I have talked to that barely survived hurricanes and wish they would have done more to be prepared. I've also talked to heartbroken families that lost a loved one who didn't take these storms seriously."

He added: "I know so many families are still working to recover and get back to their homes and businesses. Some of our communities got lucky with these storms, but you cannot count on that again—you have to take this seriously, especially in areas here prone to flooding."

"We never want to see a disaster hit," he continued. "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."

Florida families and businesses can visit www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness for resources on making a disaster preparedness plan.

###