Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, accompanied by Congressman Michael Waltz, visited Volusia and Lake Counties to assess the response to Hurricane Milton. They received briefings from Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell on ongoing rescue missions. Senator Scott toured the affected areas by air and boat to evaluate the damage.

Senator Scott has been in regular contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement, and emergency management personnel across Florida to ensure adequate resources are available for recovery efforts. He urged those needing assistance with federal agencies like FEMA or the SBA to reach out to his office.

On Thursday, Senator Scott spoke with President Joe Biden about ensuring FEMA, SBA, HUD, and USDA are adequately funded for disaster relief. He also communicated with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. Earlier this week, he visited Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee, and Charlotte counties for similar assessments.

In a bipartisan effort with Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Vern Buchanan, Senator Scott joined the Florida congressional delegation in urging President Biden to approve Florida's Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request after Hurricane Milton's impact. Following their appeal, President Biden approved the request. Residents in 34 counties can apply for FEMA assistance via DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).

Senator Rick Scott stated: "Although Hurricane Milton made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida, this storm was massive and impacted nearly the entire state of Florida." He highlighted the severe flooding in Lake and Volusia counties and emphasized collaboration among various government levels for recovery efforts.

He added: "I spoke to President Biden on Thursday about the response and recovery... I told the president that I am completely focused on making sure that FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster recovery." He also called on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reconvene the Senate once damage assessments are complete.

Ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall, Senator Scott maintained daily communication with NHC for updates. He traveled along Florida’s Gulf Coast receiving briefings from local authorities while urging residents to stay safe. Additionally, he coordinated with state leaders and federal officials such as FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaanand U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Senators Scott and Rubio previously wrote letters supporting pre-landfall emergency declarations requested by Florida's state government and Seminole Tribe of Florida; both were approved by President Biden. The senators also requested expedited federal actions regarding potential obstructions at Port Tampa Bay due to its significance in supplying petroleum products to Florida.

For further information or assistance related to Hurricanes Milton or Helene recovery efforts through federal agencies like FEMA or SBA visit www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework.