Rick Scott connects local governments, constituents to FEMA resources following Helene
Sen. Rick Scott assesses damage in Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Helene. Image via X.

Rick Scott in Fort Myers Beahc
A host of federal resources is available to those recovering from Hurricane Helene.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s Office said it will work closely to connect services between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida governments, adding that much of the state will need assistance as the full devastation of Hurricane Helene comes into view.

“This was a major storm, and it demands a well-coordinated response and recovery effort,” the Naples Republican wrote in an email blast to constituents. “Just as I have for the past week, I am continuing to be in constant communication with our mayors, law enforcement, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), utilities, business and community leaders and state and local officials to make sure we are getting them the help they need to assist families.”

Florida’s congressional delegation in the aftermath of the storm will be focused on providing county governments with access to FEMA as well as with direct assistance to constituents.

Scott’s Office has also provided a list of federal resources available, as President Joe Biden has declared much of Florida a major federal disaster area. For those with internet access, the office has pointed to online portals for FEMA services, food mapping, the National Flood Insurance Program and general guides on recovering after a natural disaster.

Scott has traveled much of the Big Bend in the areas that took direct hits from the Category 4 Hurricane late Thursday and early Friday, as well as coastal communities that suffered flooding well after the storm passed.

“On Saturday, I stopped by Cedar Key in Levy County to meet with Sheriff Bobby McCallum, and Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to meet with Sheriff Rick Wells,” Scott said.

“In both communities I spoke with local law enforcement and emergency management officials to check in and assess the damage left behind by Hurricane Helene. Since Wednesday, I have also visited Hillsborough, Bay, Franklin, Taylor, Levy, Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties, and I will continue to travel throughout the Gulf Coast to meet with emergency management officials and assess damage. My offices around the state are here to help Floridians every step of the way. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal issue or agency, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.”

Jacob Ogles

Jacob Ogles has covered politics in Florida since 2000 for regional outlets including SRQ Magazine in Sarasota, The News-Press in Fort Myers and The Daily Commercial in Leesburg. His work has appeared nationally in The Advocate, Wired and other publications. Events like SRQ’s Where The Votes Are workshops made Ogles one of Southwest Florida’s most respected political analysts, and outlets like WWSB ABC 7 and WSRQ Sarasota have featured his insights. He can be reached at [email protected].


11 comments

  • Ron DeMoron

    September 30, 2024 at 1:52 pm

    Just a friendly reminder that Ron DeSantis and Florida Republican’s are in the pocket of the insurance industry, and passed a law that makes it a lot harder to sue your insurance company if they drag their feet or refuse to honor the claim you’re entitled too.

    If you’re not a billionaire, and and you’re a Republican, you’re a sucker.

    Stop voting against your own interests.

    Reply

    • A day without Libturds

      September 30, 2024 at 2:40 pm

      You are pro inflation, pro rape, pro illegal crime. Just another blue cultist buffoon.

      Reply

      • Ron DeMoron

        September 30, 2024 at 2:53 pm

        Pro Illegal Crime? Is there legal crime that i’m unaware of?
        Pro rape? No i’m not a Trump supporter. So of course I’m not Pro Rape. You are aware of what Trump did to Katie Johnson when she was just 13, right?

        Reply

  • Cat 5 Helene

    September 30, 2024 at 1:58 pm

    Lots of damage housing,will be damaged again by the Tropical Storm Leslie,next week as it barrel into Florida,i actually saw a double low pressure in Gulf this week on some model

    Reply

    • A day without Libturds

      September 30, 2024 at 2:42 pm

      You flunked English. Come back when you get your GED stupid Libturd freak!

      Reply

      • Cat 5 Helene

        September 30, 2024 at 2:57 pm

        Better educated about Florida than you and I do not live in Florida,with your climate denial Florida Chief Meteorologist Amy Godsend and Climate Denial Governor ,who looking out for Florida weather ,not them Google Amy Godsend Climate Desantis Google Amy Godsend Hurricane Oil Slick

        Reply

  • Cat 5 Helene

    September 30, 2024 at 2:03 pm

    What Rick Scott sold Floridian out for find out here Google Rick Scott Opensecret

    Reply

  • Tom

    September 30, 2024 at 2:30 pm

    Saw him around here yesterday with Byron Donalds, who seems to have got his lips unsealed from trumps backside for long enough to actually pretend he cares and our fearless police chief Carmine Marceno who seems to be facing a lot of questions about why he hired no-show rent-a-cops then gave one of them a pay raise to cover the payments on his fathers new mercedes while driving around in a ferrari which he paid for after a big win at the casino. Quite the crew we have here. Now we just wait for the insurance costs to go up, again.

    Reply

  • Adolf Biden

    September 30, 2024 at 2:43 pm

    Where is Biden? Doing nothing as always.

    Reply

    • Ocean Joe

      September 30, 2024 at 4:12 pm

      He signed some emergency disaster declaration on Sunday that will expedite funding to damaged areas without complaining or whining like Trump used to do. Menwhile, Trump was giving some insane rambling mumbo jumbo speech about how he’s going to fix everything, which you will lap up like a mud puddle.

      Reply

    • Tom

      September 30, 2024 at 4:18 pm

      Staying out of the way so the people who are actually helping, can do their job. Your point?

      Reply

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