Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott visited Sarasota County to receive a briefing from local officials and emergency management regarding the preparations for Major Hurricane Milton. During his visit, he emphasized the urgency of evacuating if instructed by local authorities. "I have one clear message for families in Sarasota and along the Gulf Coast; it's this: if local officials ask you to evacuate, GET OUT IMMEDIATELY," said Senator Scott.

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall as a major storm in the Tampa Bay Area, bringing significant storm surge and flooding risks. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts up to 15 feet of storm surge from north of Tampa to Sarasota and up to 18 inches of rain. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in most counties within the Tampa Bay region.

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio addressed President Joe Biden in a letter, urging federal agencies to expedite response plans due to potential disruptions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which handles over 40% of Florida's petroleum products. The President has approved a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Florida following their request.

Senator Scott joined several state officials, including Attorney General Ashley Moody and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, at an emergency operations center in Tampa for further briefings on preparation efforts. He continues receiving updates from NHC Director Dr. Michael Brennan.

Floridians are encouraged by Senator Scott to prepare using resources available on his website and stay informed through official channels such as the NHC and Florida Division of Emergency Management.