Sunshine Sentinel

Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to be a Major Hurricane, is predicted to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast by Wednesday, August 30th. Ensuring the state has access to sufficient federal resources is imperative for a robust governmental response before, during, and after the storm.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Governor DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for 33 of Florida’s counties due to Tropical Storm Idalia.

• “In addition to strong winds and heavy rain, this approaching storm is expected to bring severe storm surge and flooding.  While Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, this storm approaches less than a year after Hurricane Ian brought widespread damage, and from which the state is still recovering. 
• “Ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property, and our communities.”

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 33 of Florida’s counties due to Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and impact Florida in the coming days. 

Currently, Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast by Wednesday morning.  In addition to strong winds and heavy rain, this approaching storm is expected to bring severe storm surge and flooding.  While Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, this storm approaches less than a year after Hurricane Ian brought widespread damage, and from which the state is still recovering.   

Ensuring that the state has access to the federal resources it needs is imperative to protecting Floridians, property, and our communities.  As such, we request that you promptly approve Governor DeSantis’ request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. 

Sincerely,

Original source can be found here.