On Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., sent a letter to President Donald Trump in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request to issue a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Sumter Counties in expectation of Eta.
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Mr. President:
We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Sumter Counties in expectation of Hurricane Eta. The current forecast predicts the storm will soon impact many Florida communities. We request you promptly approve Florida’s request to guarantee the distribution of necessary federal resources.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been particularly challenging due to the number and severity of storms, as well as the unique difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. All the while, Floridians work to recover and rebuild from the effects of natural disasters from this season and years prior. Federal resources will be critical to ensuring effective preparation and response to Hurricane Eta. As such, we urge you to approve the State of Florida’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration that will provide the assistance necessary to ensure the safety of Floridians and the protection of property.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with your administration to ensure Florida has the resources necessary to prepare for and respond to this potentially devastating hurricane.
