Duval Times

DOVER, Fla. – Senator Rick Scott visited Polk and Hillsborough counties to meet with Florida's farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders about recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The visit aimed to reinforce his commitment to ensuring federal support for the community. He was joined by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Senators Jay Collins and Danny Burgess, State Representative Lawrence McClure, Plant City Mayor Nathan Kilton, Vice Mayor Jason Jones, Hillsborough County Commissioners Christine Miller and Josh Wostal, Executive Director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association Kenneth Parker, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Mike Joyner, and Strawberry Ranch owner Adam Young.

Senator Scott is advocating for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to fund disaster relief. Following Hurricane Helene, he led a bipartisan group from Florida in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting Florida's request for a disaster declaration. "Our farmers, ranchers and growers are the backbone of Florida," said Senator Scott. He emphasized that federal response has left many Floridians with unmet needs since Hurricane Ian in 2022.

He announced legislation proposing $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and urged Schumer to reconvene the Senate for full funding of other disaster aid functions through SBA and USDA block grants. "Floridians are strong," he added.

After hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton caused severe damage across states, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio introduced legislation to replenish FEMA's DRF with $20 billion to aid state recovery efforts.

In preparation for Hurricane Milton’s impact, Senator Scott maintained contact with state leaders and local officials across various counties including St. Lucie and Volusia among others. He met with President Joe Biden regarding hurricane response efforts.

Before Milton made landfall, Senator Scott received updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) while traveling along Florida’s Gulf Coast urging safety preparedness among families.

Senators Scott and Rubio wrote letters supporting emergency declarations before Hurricane Milton hit; both were approved by President Biden following their requests.

Senator Scott encourages Floridians seeking assistance after Hurricanes Milton or Helene to visit his website or consult resources provided by the Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.