Gov. Scott: Florida Stands Ready to Help Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria
Asks Florida State Colleges and Universities to Offer In-State Tuition to Students from Puerto Rico
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott reaffirmed Florida’s commitment to supporting Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The Governor has notified the Florida National Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to be on standby for deployment following an official request for assistance from Puerto Rico, and the Florida National Guard is already actively assisting Puerto Rico with organizing and submitting relief requests. Governor Scott is asking Florida state colleges and universities to allow students displaced by the storm in Puerto Rico to be offered in-state tuition. Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long today and with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello before the storm made landfall last week to let them know that Florida stands ready to assist in any way possible throughout the recovery process.
Governor Scott said, “The heartbreak that our friends in Puerto Rico are enduring following this devastating storm is unimaginable and our prayers are with every family who calls this beautiful island their home. This morning, I spoke with Brock Long to let him know that Florida stands ready to assist Puerto Rico in any way we can. Today, I directed the Florida National Guard and FWC to be prepared for deployment as soon as we receive a formal request for assistance from Puerto Rico. I am also asking all Florida state colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition to any student who was displaced from their home in Puerto Rico to make sure we are doing everything we can to help these families.
“We know how important it is to share resources with our friends and neighbors during these times, and I was able to speak with Governor Rossello last week to tell him that Florida will provide whatever resources are needed to help families in Puerto Rico rebuild. Last week, I also had the opportunity to meet with Puerto Rican evacuees at Florida International University’s shelter and I was moved by their stories of strength and their determination to quickly return to and repair their homes. Their resilience after this tragedy is an inspiration to us all and Florida is proud to stand with Puerto Rico during this challenging time.”
