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Scott PowersNovember 7, 2017

Saying more than 90,000 Puerto Ricans already have evacuated to Florida from Hurricane Maria’s devastation and far more are expected, U.S. Reps. Darren Soto, Stephanie Murphy, and Dennis Ross have co-signed a letter sent Monday to federal officials urging Florida get its full funding as a host state to support the migration. The letters to […]

Scott PowersNovember 1, 2017

Confusion and concern are mounting as Central Florida governments working with Puerto Rican and Virgin Island evacuees await direction from state and federal officials, leaders of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties warned Wednesday. In a letter Wednesday to Florida Division of Emergency Management Interim Director Wesley Maul and copied to FEMA Administrator William Long and […]

Associated PressOctober 16, 2017

Florida communities cleaning up and making repairs after Hurricane Irma may expect the U.S. government to reimburse their costs, but an analysis by The Associated Press shows the Federal Emergency Management Agency make take years to pay those bills — if it pays up at all. Dozens of requests for reimbursement from FEMA are still […]

Associated PressOctober 3, 2017

On the ground in Puerto Rico nearly two weeks after a hurricane ravaged the island, President Donald Trump heaped praise Tuesday on his administration’s relief workers and, more selectively, Puerto Rican officials after earlier dismissing critics of the federal response as “politically motivated ingrates.” Trump told officials and relief workers assembled in an airplane hangar […]

Associated PressOctober 2, 2017

In Puerto Rico’s hurricane-ravaged capital, it seems Carmen Yulin Cruz is everywhere these days: handing out bags of ice, wading through chest-deep floodwaters, hugging people in need of comfort. Cruz has long won attention across the island for her hands-on style of leadership in San Juan. But this week she rose to international prominence as […]

Associated PressSeptember 27, 2017

Relatives helped Maribel Valentin Espino find shelter when Hurricane Maria roared through her community in northern Puerto Rico. Neighbors formed volunteer brigades to cut fallen trees and clear twisty mountain roads after the storm had passed. Now, friends and a local cattle ranch provide the water they need to survive in the tropical heat. Valentin […]

Associated PressSeptember 18, 2017

Dealing with wrecked belongings and reports of toxic muck, residents of a tiny town where Florida’s Everglades meet the Gulf of Mexico cleared their homes Monday in scorching 92 F (33 C) heat with no air conditioning and no electricity except from a few generators. The isolated Everglades City community of about 400 people suffered […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 14, 2017

The group that calls itself the conservative alternative to AARP is calling on the federal government to investigate the deaths of eight South Florida nursing home residents who died after Hurricane Irma knocked out their power. Dan Weber, founder and CEO of the Association of Mature American Citizens, sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator […]

Scott PowersSeptember 13, 2017

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared six inland Central Florida counties to be eligible for individual assistance from the disaster declaration for Hurricane Irma, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto announced Wednesday The declaration came hours after Soto and four other Central Florida members of Congress sought federal designations for Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola, and Polk […]

Associated PressSeptember 10, 2017

In a 2017 hurricane season that has already seen two monster storms, Harvey and Irma, manufactured homes are turning out to be just a small fraction of the federal government’s plan to deal with displaced people, with only 1,700 trailers available. Where exactly the Federal Emergency Management Agency plans to send those trailers, Texas or […]

Tag: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Darren Soto, Stephanie Murphy, Dennis Ross push funding for Puerto Rico evacuees

Orange, Osceola, Seminole leaders urge Florida, FEMA to plan better for Puerto Rican refugees

3 appeals for hurricane aid pending in Florida since 2004

Donald Trump in Puerto Rico, lauds administration’s relief effort

San Juan mayor in hurricane spotlight after Donald Trump tweets

‘Nothing, nothing.’ Aid lags in hurricane-torn Puerto Rico

SW Florida residents clear sodden homes in scorching heat

Seniors group calls on feds to investigate nursing home deaths

FEMA declares Central Florida counties eligible for individual assistance

FEMA sees trailers only as last resort after Harvey, Irma