Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with a request for close coordination with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on housing recovery efforts. This comes in response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which has left thousands of Floridians without power and many returning to uninhabitable or destroyed homes.

In his letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Senator Scott emphasized the importance of providing regular updates on housing recovery initiatives and temporary accommodation options for displaced residents. He highlighted the critical need for effective communication between federal, state, and local agencies during this crisis.

"I want to thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for their assistance with Hurricane Helene, which has devastated Florida and many other southern states," wrote Scott. "As you respond to this catastrophic disaster, I am writing to request that FEMA continue to prioritize clear and frequent communication with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and local communities in Florida regarding recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene."

Scott posed several questions aimed at ensuring efficient collaboration between FEMA and FDEM. These included inquiries about how FEMA is sharing information on federal recovery efforts, providing updates on housing assistance programs, establishing Disaster Recovery Centers, ensuring accessibility of FEMA representatives, and supporting Florida's temporary housing program.

"Florida's communities need clear guidance on how to access federal resources for housing recovery," Scott stated. He urged FEMA to coordinate closely with FDEM on public messaging regarding housing recovery to ensure consistency and clarity for affected residents.

Senator Scott also encouraged Floridians needing assistance with federal agencies during their recovery from Hurricane Helene to contact his office or visit relevant websites for additional resources and information.