Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott visited the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center to receive updates from Sheriff Chris Nocco, local law enforcement leaders, and emergency management officials on the response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

Senator Rick Scott stated: "I want to thank the emergency management officials, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, and first responders for working through the night to ensure Florida families have what they need to stay safe as we begin recovering from Hurricane Helene. Nearly all of Florida's Gulf Coast experienced heavy rains and storm surges that caused power outages and damage to many homes. Make sure to listen to local authorities. There are still many downed power lines and hazards like standing water, so stay alert. Your local leaders are aware of this and have already sent first responders to start providing everyone with the help they need. I am here to emphasize that Floridians can count on me as their federal partner, and I will continue working with FEMA on Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts. As I always say, you can rebuild your home, but you cannot rebuild your life. I urge families to follow local authorities' instructions and stay safe. If there is one thing I know, it is that Floridians are resilient, and together we will get through this."

This week, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and has been in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the latest updates on Hurricane Helene. Before Helene made landfall, Senator Scott received information from sheriffs and emergency management officials in Bay, Franklin, Taylor, and Levy counties.

On Monday, Senator Scott and Senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to approve Florida's request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for counties likely to be affected by the storm. Following this letter, President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida on Tuesday afternoon.

Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness for preparation tips today. For the latest news on Hurricane Helene from the National Hurricane Center visit nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic X (formerly known as Twitter), and from Florida’s Division of Emergency Management visit floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.

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