Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott recently visited Fort Myers, Florida, to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. During his visit, he conducted an aerial survey and received updates from Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, county officials, and local emergency management leaders on the response and recovery efforts.

Scott has been in regular contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement, and emergency management personnel across the state affected by Hurricane Milton. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that necessary resources are available for response and recovery. "Lo primero que quiero reiterar hoy es que todos deben permanecer atentos y mantenerse a salvo," said Senator Scott. He also highlighted discussions with President Biden regarding funding for FEMA, SBA, HUD, and USDA.

Senator Scott called for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reconvene the Senate after damage assessments are completed to fully fund responding agencies through a supplemental disaster appropriations bill. "Lucharé para entregar ayuda para desastres a nuestro estado y garantizar una guía de remoción de escombros para nuestras comunidades locales," he stated.

Scott warned of ongoing dangers post-storm and advised residents to follow authorities' guidance on safety measures. He stressed the need for proper generator use and cautioned against driving through water or touching downed power lines.

Before Hurricane Milton made landfall, Scott engaged in daily communications with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and traveled along Florida's Gulf Coast to meet with sheriffs and emergency management officials in Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Lee counties. He worked to ensure communities had necessary resources in anticipation of the storm's impact.

In collaboration with Senator Marco Rubio, Scott wrote letters to President Biden supporting Florida's emergency declaration requests prior to Milton's landfall. These requests were approved following their correspondence. The senators also urged federal agencies to expedite plans addressing potential obstructions at Tampa Bay port due to its significance in Florida's petroleum supply chain.

Senator Scott encourages Floridians seeking assistance from federal agencies like FEMA or SBA following Hurricanes Milton and Helene to visit his website or contact Florida's Division of Emergency Management for more information.