FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: October 11, 2024
CONTACT: Melvin Soto, melvin.soto@mail.house.gov

ST. PETERSBURG, FL—Today, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R, FL-13) signed a bipartisan letter alongside the entire Florida congressional delegation urging President Joe Biden to approve Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida. The Category 3 storm made landfall less than 30 miles south of Pinellas County on October 9, 2024, resulting in significant damage across the state, including deadly tornadoes, with at least 16 reported lives lost and widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

“Florida has been hit hard. Our communities need immediate federal help to recover from this catastrophe,” said Congresswoman Luna. “I am working with my colleagues from Florida on both sides of the aisle to ensure we get the resources necessary to help families and businesses across Pinellas County and our great state rebuild after this devastating hurricane.”

The bipartisan letter to President Biden stresses the urgent need for federal assistance in the wake of Hurricane Milton, the third hurricane to hit the Sunshine State in three months. The storm follows Hurricane Helene, which claimed 25 Floridian lives two weeks ago, adding to the severe toll on Florida’s coastal communities.

In the letter, the Florida delegation emphasized the critical importance of swift federal action: “The full support of the federal government is critical in helping save lives and getting our communities and constituents back on their feet.”

If approved, the Major Disaster Declaration would unlock crucial federal aid, including resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fast-track relief and recovery efforts across the state.

You can read the letter here: https://luna.house.gov/Hurricane-Milton-Disaster-Declaration-Letter. 

Website: luna.house.gov | X: @RepLuna | Instagram: @RepLuna 

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