Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott recently visited Volusia and Lake counties to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. He was accompanied by Congressman Michael Waltz and received updates from Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell regarding ongoing high-water rescue missions. Senator Scott conducted aerial and boat tours of the affected areas to evaluate the extent of the destruction.

Throughout the hurricane's aftermath, Senator Scott has maintained communication with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement, and emergency management personnel across Florida. His aim is to ensure that necessary resources are available for response efforts and recovery. He urged residents needing assistance from federal agencies such as FEMA or the SBA to contact his office.

On Thursday, Senator Scott discussed hurricane response and recovery with President Joe Biden. He emphasized the need for full funding for FEMA, SBA, HUD, and USDA disaster aid. The senator also communicated with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzmán about these issues.

Earlier this week, Senator Scott visited several other counties including Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee, and Charlotte to assess damage firsthand. Alongside Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Vern Buchanan, he co-authored a bipartisan letter urging President Biden to swiftly approve Florida's request for a Major Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Milton's impact. The president approved this request allowing residents in 34 designated counties to apply for FEMA assistance.

Senator Scott stated: “Although Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it affected nearly all of Florida. The flood damage in Lake and Volusia counties is devastating.” He noted ongoing emergency rescue missions due to rising river levels causing floods in communities like Astor.

He also called upon Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reconvene the Senate once damage assessments are complete to fund disaster response efforts fully through supplemental appropriations bills.

The senator reiterated safety precautions: "Everyone must remain vigilant... Floridians are strong; we will recover." For assistance with federal agencies post-hurricanes Milton or Helene or more information on Florida’s Emergency Management Division efforts visit www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework or floridadisaster.org.