Duval Times

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio have formally requested President Joe Biden to approve a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Florida. The request comes as Hurricane Milton is predicted to intensify into a major hurricane, posing significant threats of severe weather and flooding across 51 counties in the state.

Senator Scott, alongside Attorney General Ashley Moody, Commissioner Wilton Simpson, CFO Jimmy Patronis, Sheriff Chad Chronister, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Congresswoman Laurel Lee, and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna attended a briefing at the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center in Tampa. They discussed preparation strategies with local law enforcement and emergency management officials. Senator Scott also received updates from National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan.

The letter addressed to President Biden states: “We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration in preparation for Hurricane Milton.” It highlights the anticipated strong winds, torrential rains, and storm surge that could severely impact Florida's Gulf coast. The area has recently faced challenges from Hurricane Helene.

The senators emphasized the need for federal resources to protect residents and property: “Ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians.”

Residents are urged by Senator Scott to prepare through his website and stay informed via official channels such as the National Hurricane Center and Florida Division of Emergency Management.