Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersSeptember 29, 2017

The situation in Hurricane Maria-ravaged Puerto Rico is so bleak that the military response needs to shift from talk to all-out action today or “drastic measures” will have to be taken, Florida’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson declared in Orlando Wednesday. “This is a disaster of gargantuan proportions,” Nelson said. Speaking at the Acacia Puerto […]

Scott PowersSeptember 28, 2017

After flying to Puerto Rico, visiting the ports, and touring some of the island by air, Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday evening that Florida is ready and in good position to help, though many of Puerto Rico’s challenges are distinct from Florida’s experiences, being an island with limited roads, many washed out from Hurricane Maria’s […]

Mitch PerrySeptember 28, 2017

Screen-Shot-2017-09-28-at-1.38.50-PM.png

There’s a serious logistics problem in Puerto Rico right now, and Marco Rubio says the only ones who can break through effectively is the U.S. military. Florida’s junior U.S. senator says that a significant number of containers are sitting at the Port of San Juan have not been transported to other parts of the island, because of a […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 28, 2017

As Rahm Emanuel once said: “Never let a serious crisis go to waste.” Bill Nelson may be taking that advice to heart. This week, Florida’s senior U.S. Senator sent out a fundraising email featuring Hurricane Irma, the Category 3 storm that devastated much of Nelson’s own state. “As Irma approached, I quickly called on the […]

Associated PressSeptember 28, 2017

First, Hurricane Maria knocked out power and water to Puerto Rico. Then diesel fuel, gas and water became scarce. Now, it’s money. The aftermath of the powerful storm has resulted in a near-total shutdown of the U.S. territory’s economy that could last for weeks and has many people running seriously low on cash and worrying […]

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 […]

Scott PowersSeptember 26, 2017

Puerto_Rico_Hurricane_Maria.JPG_t1200.jpg

Three state senators from Orlando, Linda Stewart, Victor Torres and Randolph Bracy have sent a letter to Florida’s U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson to do all they can to help the people of Puerto Rico. Both Rubio, a Republican, and Nelson, a Democrat, have been highly active on that front. Rubio is sending […]

Associated PressSeptember 25, 2017

Margarita Aponte and her relatives cleared the road in front of her house with two oxen, then drove an hour from her devastated hometown in central Puerto Rico to the old telegraph building in the capital of San Juan. There, thousands of Puerto Ricans gathered for a chance at a resource nearly as precious as […]

Terry RoenSeptember 25, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott activated 400 members of the Florida National Guard Monday to help Key West residents remove debris and clean out flood damage. Scott said the activation will help “families get into their homes faster so they can make needed repairs and get back to their normal lives.” “We know the Florida Keys were […]

Associated PressSeptember 25, 2017

Puerto Rico’s nonvoting representative in the U.S. Congress said Sunday that Hurricane Maria’s destruction has set the island back decades, even as authorities worked to assess the extent of the damage. “The devastation in Puerto Rico has set us back nearly 20 to 30 years,” said Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez. “I can’t deny […]

Tag: Hurricane Maria
Pam Bondi. Image via AP.

Bill Nelson: Puerto Rico response must ramp up now or drastic measures coming

Rick Scott says Florida is willing and in good shape to help Puerto Rico

Marco Rubio calls on Defense Department to ramp up Puerto Rico response

Republicans question Bill Nelson over fundraising from Hurricane Irma

Now even money is running out in hurricane-hit Puerto Rico

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

Linda Stewart, Victor Torres, Randolph Bracy urging U.S. senators to help Puerto Rico

Puerto Ricans hunt for precious Wi-Fi and cell signals

Governor sends National Guard to help Keys residents

Official: Hurricane Maria set Puerto Rico back decades