Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reconvene the Senate for a vote on a Hurricane Helene aid package once FEMA and local officials determine the funding needs. Senator Scott has been in regular contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement, and emergency management officials in communities affected by the hurricane.

Scott stated, “Since Category 4 Hurricane Helene made its devastating landfall in the Big Bend and caused massive and destructive storm surge along hundreds of miles of Florida’s Gulf Coast, I have been traveling to impacted communities to survey damage and coordinate resources between the local, state and federal governments. What I have seen, from the catastrophic damage in Cedar Key, to the massive destruction caused by unprecedented storm surge in communities from Fort Myers Beach to Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island and north to Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties is heartbreaking."

He added that reports of devastation in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and other areas are also troubling. Scott emphasized that while Floridians are resilient, recovery requires full support from all levels of government. He urged Majority Leader Schumer to reconvene the Senate once FEMA completes its assessments so that necessary disaster relief legislation can be passed.

Senator Scott has maintained daily communication with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) before Helene's landfall and with FEMA afterward for updates. He received briefings from officials in Bay, Franklin, Taylor, and Levy Counties prior to Helene's arrival. Post-landfall visits included Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, Levy, Manatee, Lee, and Sarasota Counties.

Following a letter from Senators Scott and Marco Rubio urging President Joe Biden for a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida on Saturday night, President Biden approved the request. This followed last week's approval of a pre-landfall emergency declaration for potentially impacted Florida counties at their request.

Senator Scott encourages Floridians needing assistance with federal agencies during recovery efforts to contact his office or visit his website for additional resources.