Polk Times

Today, a call was made by Congressman Scott Franklin and the Florida delegation for President Biden to approve Governor DeSantis's request for a Major Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Milton. The hurricane caused extensive damage across Florida, leaving many in need of disaster assistance.

Congressman Franklin highlighted the severe impact: "Hurricane Milton was a massive storm, causing severe damage as it made its way across Florida, leaving many in urgent need of disaster assistance." He noted that even before the hurricane's landfall, parts of his district experienced significant impacts from tornadoes. Two days after the storm hit, hundreds of thousands remain without power.

Congressman Vern Buchanan described the situation: "Just weeks after Hurricane Helene barreled across Florida and up the East Coast, Hurricane Milton ripped through my district and much of the state, claiming at least 16 lives and causing still untold damage to peoples’ homes, businesses and property." He emphasized the necessity of federal support to aid recovery efforts.

The delegation's letter stresses that consecutive hurricanes have severely affected Florida communities. Hurricane Milton, a strong category 3 storm at landfall, led to widespread destruction due to storm surge, flooding, wind damage, and numerous tornadoes. The aftermath has resulted in dozens of fatalities with numbers potentially rising.

A Major Disaster Declaration would provide access to crucial federal resources such as FEMA’s individual assistance programs.