Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott visited Fort Myers, Florida, to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. During his visit, he conducted an aerial tour and received a briefing from Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno and local officials on response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott has maintained communication with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement, and emergency management teams across the state to ensure adequate resources are available for those affected by the hurricane.

Senator Scott emphasized the importance of safety during recovery efforts. He stated, “The number one thing I want to reiterate today is that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. Recovery begins right now, but you can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm.” He also discussed his conversation with President Biden regarding funding for FEMA, SBA, HUD, and USDA. "We need to have boots on the ground until Florida is fully recovered," he said.

He called for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reconvene the Senate following FEMA's and SBA's damage assessments to ensure full funding through a disaster supplemental appropriations bill. Senator Scott expressed his commitment to providing disaster aid and ensuring efficient debris removal guidance.

Despite the passing of the storm, Senator Scott warned about potential hazards such as downed trees and power lines. He urged residents to heed law enforcement advice before returning home. "Florida is strong; we are resilient," he remarked.

Prior to Hurricane Milton’s landfall, Senator Scott held daily calls with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) for updates and traveled along Florida’s Gulf Coast for briefings from various local authorities. His coordination efforts extended statewide with communications involving mayors, sheriffs, police chiefs, emergency management officials, energy companies as well as federal figures like FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaanand and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

In collaboration with Senator Marco Rubio, letters were sent to President Joe Biden supporting requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations from both the State of Florida and Seminole Tribe of Florida. These requests were approved by President Biden following receipt of these letters.

The senators also addressed concerns regarding potential obstructions at Port Tampa Bay in another letter advocating expedited federal measures essential for protecting Florida’s economy during recovery processes.

Senator Scott encourages Floridians needing assistance with federal agencies post-hurricanes Milton or Helene or seeking more information on response efforts through his website or via state emergency management channels.