Duval Times

CEDAR KEY, Fla. – Senator Rick Scott visited Cedar Key to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and receive updates from Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Cedar Key Mayor Sue Colson, and local emergency management officials on recovery efforts. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with local leaders, sheriffs, and emergency management officials across the state affected by Hurricane Helene to ensure they have the necessary resources to help Floridians recover.

Senator Rick Scott stated: “This morning I had the opportunity to meet with Cedar Key Mayor Sue Colson and walk around the island with Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. They experienced incredible damage and storm surges like we’ve never seen before, and it’s heartbreaking to see so many homes and businesses destroyed by this storm. I am grateful for the mayor, sheriff, police, national guard, emergency management officials, and first responders for their work. Florida is resilient and while so many families face unimaginable losses, I will be with them every step of the way as they recover and fight for all federal resources needed to do so. Families should follow local authorities' instructions and stay safe while working to reopen roads, restore power, and allow families back into their homes. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that Floridians can overcome anything when we come together, and our state’s determination will ensure we rebuild stronger.”

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 updates on Hurricane Helene. Before Helene made landfall, Senator Scott received briefings from sheriffs and emergency managers in Bay County, Franklin County, Taylor County, and Levy County. Yesterday he was in Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Hernando County receiving updates on recovery efforts.

On Monday Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to approve Florida's request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for counties potentially impacted 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 information 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), or from Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.

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