Duval Times

Hurricane Helene has caused severe damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast after making landfall as a Category 4 storm. The affected areas need resources to begin recovery.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) have sent a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to approve the State of Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.

“Unfortunately, Helene’s effects will continue to impact the state for some time, and the full extent of damage will not be known for several days as response and recovery efforts get underway. However, approving this declaration request will allow Floridians to be better prepared for the recovery phase. As such, we urge you to approve the State of Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in its entirety.”

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. President,

We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration due to Hurricane Helene, which caused catastrophic damage to much of Florida’s Gulf Coast as it made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend coastline as a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday evening. Hurricane Helene’s devastating wind speeds, extreme storm surge, and heavy rainfall severely impacted substantial portions of the state, with significant flooding, massive power outages, and widespread damage that will take a strong partnership to recover and rebuild.

Unfortunately, Helene’s effects will continue to impact the state for some time, and the full extent of damage will not be known for several days as response and recovery efforts get underway. However, approving this declaration request will allow Floridians to be better prepared for the recovery phase. As such, we urge you to approve the State of Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in its entirety.

Floridians are incredibly resilient, and with cooperation from all levels of government, we will rebuild stronger than ever. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,