Press Release – Bembry Seeks Assistance for Counties Burdened by Mosquito Infestation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Leonard Bembry PHONE: (850) 488-7870
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Bembry Seeks Assistance for Counties Burdened by Mosquito Infestation Wants governor to take immediate action on potential health risk
TALLHASSEE, FL – Today State Representative Leonard Bembry (D – Madison) requested Governor Rick Scott expedite assistance for those counties dealing with the severe mosquito infestation in the wake of Tropical Storm Debby.
“Our counties need help in battling against this explosion of the mosquito population brought on by the storm,” said Bembry. “With the risk of disease posed, it is important we act quickly.” In a letter to Governor Scott on Tuesday, Representative Bembry requested Governor Rick Scott expedite the appropriations from the General Revenue for the 25% match required in order to obtain the 75% FEMA funds in the most rapid manner possible.
These funds allow county government and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to work with mosquito control contractors to bring this potentially very serious situation under control as soon as the budget allocation is made. Representative Bembry requested General Revenue funds to be used since this is an immediate statewide public health issue and the mosquitoes are hampering the disaster recovery effort. The mosquitoes can carry and transmit several serious diseases including Encephalitis and West Nile and others while the chemicals used do not pose any health risks to people or animals.
On Tuesday twenty counties in Florida received a Disaster Declaration making them eligible for additional funds to combat the growing problem. Those counties include Baker, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Hamilton and Hernando. Also, Jefferson, Lafayette, Liberty, Manatee, Nassau, Pasco, Sarasota, Suwannee, Union and Wakulla. Additionally, there are two counties – Taylor and Madison – in House District 10 in dire need of assistance which were not included on the FEMA approved list.
Representative Bembry intends to continue monitoring this situation until we have proper solutions to the potential problems we face. “As a State Representative it is imperative we work for our counties to protect the people and improve the quality of their lives.” stated Representative Bembry.
Anyone in need of more information on this issue may contact our Tallahassee office at 850-488-7870, Madison office at 850-973-5630, or Chiefland office at 352-493-6848.
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Leonard L. Bembry State Representative House District 10
