Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, accompanied by Attorney General Ashley Moody, Commissioner Wilton Simpson, CFO Jimmy Patronis, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, and Congresswomen Laurel Lee and Anna Paulina Luna, attended a briefing at the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center in Tampa. The meeting was focused on preparation efforts for Tropical Storm Milton. Earlier in the day, Senator Scott received an update from Dr. Michael Brennan of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which predicts that Tropical Storm Milton could make landfall as a major hurricane along Florida’s Gulf Coast later this week.

Senator Scott emphasized the urgency of evacuation if advised by local officials: “Today in Tampa...we have one clear message: if local officials ask you to evacuate, GET OUT IMMEDIATELY." He warned that Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a category 3 hurricane and could cause storm surges, flooding, torrential rain, and power outages across Florida. Reflecting on past experiences with Hurricane Helene, he noted that even storms far off the coast had significant impacts on the Tampa Bay area.

Expressing concern about debris removal along the Gulf Coast, Senator Scott stated: "I'm very concerned about debris removal here and along the Gulf Coast because anything loose on the ground can become a projectile into homes and businesses." He called for coordinated efforts between state, local, and federal leaders to expedite debris clearance and assured support for reimbursement through FEMA.

Senator Scott urged Floridians to prepare for the storm by visiting his website or checking updates from the National Hurricane Center and Florida Division of Emergency Management. For those affected by Hurricane Helene needing federal assistance or other issues, he encouraged contacting his office directly.