After Hurricane Idalia hit parts of the Sunshine State last week, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., toured the area to see the impact and get updates on the recovery effort.
The senator and Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, who briefly served as Scott’s chief of staff during his first term as governor more than a decade ago, toured parts of that county.
“Hurricane Idalia hit Citrus County hard and while the folks here are facing significant damage to their homes and businesses, we’re also seeing the incredible efforts of law enforcement and local emergency management coming together and begin the road to recovery. Floridians are resilient, but disaster response and recovery is an all-hands-on-deck operation and I’m focused on making sure the federal government shows up and delivers for Florida families,” Scott said.
Scott said he was glad to see President Joe Biden approve Florida’s request to issue a major disaster declaration but said more help was needed.
“This federal declaration is a big deal and will help draw down important resources to support response and recovery efforts. I will continue to stay in constant contact with local, state and federal officials as we fully understand the storm’s impacts, and I’ll be fighting to pass my Federal Disaster Responsibility Act and make sure they have what they need from the federal government,” Scott said.
Scott and Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett toured parts of that county hit by the hurricane.
“The unprecedented flooding, destruction and devastation here in Taylor County from Hurricane Idalia is absolutely heartbreaking. The Nature Coast is full of beautiful places and wonderful people and our message to them is simple: we will rebuild, you will recover and you will not be forgotten,” Scott said.
Scott again said he would push the “Federal Disaster Responsibility Act” this week in Washington.
“The folks here in Taylor County have my word that I will be fighting to make sure they have what they need from the federal government and that we all keep showing up to help their recovery,” Scott said.
