Governor DeSantis also announced an additional $2.8 million in matching funds for debris removal in Mexico Beach
Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long visited local communities in the Florida Panhandle that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael. Stops included Panama City, Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe.
Governor DeSantis and Administrator Long, along with Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz, also received a full briefing on recovery efforts at the Calhoun County Emergency Operations Center.
“Today marks my second trip to the Panhandle since taking office. Hurricane Michael may be gone but the emergency remains,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We thank Administrator Long for recognizing the recovery effort is far from over. We will continue to work diligently with our federal, state and local partners to support Florida families as they rebuild.”
“I am also pleased to announce that we are providing $2.8 million in matching funds for debris removal in Mexico Beach. Mexico Beach is ground zero for hurricane recovery and we will never stop fighting for Floridians that need our support.”
Photo Credit: Governor Ron DeSantis Press Office
Please see the below statements from state and local officials on the Governor’s visit to the Panhandle:
“After meeting with federal, state and local leadership today, I am so grateful for Governor DeSantis’ commitment to Hurricane Michael recovery by visiting the area twice during his first week in office. The Panhandle has been forever changed by the devastation, and while we are making great progress, we must continue our work to rebuild these communities better and stronger than before,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
“With this being the Governor’s second visit to the area already, he has shown my constituents and I that Hurricane Michael recovery is at the top of his priority list. We appreciate him continuing to shine a light on the Panhandle and look forward to working with him further during this recovery process,” said State Senator George Gainer.
“Our Community has sustained one of the most significant disasters in recent history. I am proud of the fact that we have worked diligently to recover on our own, knowing there is much to do. I appreciate Governor DeSantis making this recovery a top priority of his administration. We thank him for visiting twice within his first week in office and appreciate knowing that he is fully committed to helping Northwest Florida families in the Panhandle recover,” said State Representative Jay Trumbull.
“I just want to thank the Governor and his staff. They were here last week, we told them what we needed and things are already starting to happen so we are very appreciative of that. Thank you again for putting things in motion. It was a great meeting last week and I was glad to have him back today,” said Mexico Beach City Administrator Tanya Castro.
“I’m pleased to see officials from all levels of government focused on this critical issue and I commend Governor DeSantis for his persistence on recovery efforts. The Governor is someone who understands the challenges this community is facing and just how catastrophic this hurricane was. I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure we move forward with all aspects of recovery,” said Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki.
“Governor DeSantis’ visit today shows that he is fully committed to helping those in the Panhandle recover from Hurricane Michael. The City of Callaway appreciates his and Administrator Long’s support in this effort,” said Callaway Mayor Pamn Henderson.
“We greatly appreciate Governor DeSantis’ visit with Administrator Long today. Having already been here twice since he was sworn in, it’s clear that he is a problem solver looking for solutions to bring Bay County back stronger than ever,” said Bay County Commissioner Philip “Griff” Griffitts.
