Staff Reports
Gov. Rick Scott is on his way to Pensacola to better position himself to respond to South Florida quickly once Hurricane Irma passes, reports the Pensacola News Journal.
A spokesman for the governor, McKinley Lewis, confirmed Scott was flying to Pensacola, which has one of the few airports in the state still open.
“It’s a good position for him to get to South Florida immediately following the storm passing that area,” Lewis said.
Earlier Sunday, President Donald Trump declared a major disaster for Florida in the wake Hurricane Irma at the request of Scott, which opens up more federal resources to aid in the response to the storm.
“It’s clear that the entire country is standing with Florida as Hurricane Irma batters our state right now,” Scott said in a press release. “I have heard from people all across the world that want to help and support Florida. It’s encouraging, and on behalf of all Floridians – we appreciate the support and constant collaboration.”
