Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott visited Polk and Hillsborough Counties to engage with Florida's agricultural community regarding recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He emphasized the need for federal support in the aftermath of these natural disasters. Accompanying him were notable figures including Florida Department of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Senators Jay Collins and Danny Burgess, and other local leaders.

Senator Scott has been vocal in urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to secure disaster relief funding. In collaboration with his Florida delegation colleagues, he sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting Florida's request for a Disaster Declaration post-Hurricane Helene. "Our farmers, ranchers and growers are the backbone of Florida," said Senator Scott. He highlighted ongoing conversations with President Biden and USDA Secretary Vilsack about immediate assistance needs through state block grants.

Recently, Senator Scott introduced legislation proposing $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. This move follows discussions with President Biden about enhancing disaster response funding at SBA and USDA levels. “Floridians are strong,” remarked Senator Scott, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring federal support aligns with state recovery efforts.

In addition to Hurricane Helene's aftermath, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio proposed legislation aimed at replenishing FEMA’s rapidly depleting Disaster Relief Fund by $20 billion due to widespread damage from recent hurricanes across multiple states.

Leading up to Hurricane Milton's impact, Senator Scott maintained close communication with local authorities across affected counties. He met with President Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell for updates on response strategies while advocating for pre-landfall emergency declarations which were approved by the president.

For further information or assistance related to federal agency interactions post-hurricanes Milton and Helene, Floridians are encouraged to visit Senator Scott’s official website or consult resources from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.