Duval Times

VENICE, Fla. – Senator Rick Scott visited Venice in Sarasota County to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Accompanied by Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, Scott participated in an aerial tour of the affected areas. He also received a briefing from Sheriff Hoffman and local emergency management officials on response and recovery efforts.

Scott has been in continuous contact with federal officials, local leaders, sheriffs, and emergency management personnel across the state to ensure necessary resources are available for recovery efforts. He urged those needing assistance from federal agencies such as FEMA or the SBA to reach out to his office.

Senator Scott commented: “The county of Sarasota has experienced significant storm surges affecting people throughout the county. Some of the damage I saw during the aerial tour with Sheriff Kurt Hoffman today was devastating. Flooding remains prevalent as we wait for waters to recede, so please listen to your local officials and stay safe.”

He added: “My heart is with all Floridians affected by this storm. I am working daily with local, state, and federal officials like FEMA and the SBA to coordinate resources and direct assistance where needed. I am grateful for the work of sheriffs, the National Guard, emergency management officials, and first responders.”

Scott emphasized Floridians' resilience: “Many families face unimaginable losses, but I will stand with them every step of the way during recovery. Follow local authorities' instructions and stay safe while storm surge continues to recede. My team and I are ready to help through our nine offices across the state.”

Senator Scott has maintained communication with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and FEMA for updates on Hurricane Helene. Before landfall, he received briefings from sheriffs and emergency managers in Bay, Franklin, Taylor, and Levy counties urging residents to heed warnings and prepare.

Since Helene's landfall, Scott has visited Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, Levy, Manatee, and Lee counties for further briefings on local response measures.

Following a letter from Senators Scott and Marco Rubio urging President Joe Biden to approve a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida swiftly after Hurricane Helene's impact on Saturday night; President Biden granted this request.

Senator Scott advises Floridians needing assistance from federal agencies like FEMA or SBA during their recovery from Hurricane Helene to contact his office at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework. Additional resources can be found at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-season-resources or through Florida’s Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.

###