Duval Times

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast in the coming days as a hurricane. Ensuring Florida has access to sufficient federal resources is imperative for a robust governmental response before, during, and after the storm.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Florida Governor DeSantis’ request for an emergency declaration for 61 of Florida’s counties ahead of Tropical Storm Debby.

“While Florida is no stranger to severe weather and storms, ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property and our communities. As such, we request that you promptly approve Governor DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration.”

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for 61 Florida counties due to Tropical Storm Debby. This storm is forecast to strengthen and bring heavy rainfall and flooding, gusty winds, and life-threatening inundation from storm surge along portions of Florida’s west coast in the coming days.

While Florida is no stranger to severe weather and storms, ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property, and our communities. As such, we request that you promptly approve Governor DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,