Staff Reports
After the recent hurricane snarled its way through the East Coast of Florida, Congressman Mike Waltz is hard at work assessing the damage in his district. The storm, identified as Hurricane Milton, left a significant mark, leading to severe flooding and destruction in many areas, particularly in Volusia County and Lake County. The St. Johns River has been experiencing record-breaking water levels, with flood waters expected to peak in the coming days, creating a pressing need for robust support and assistance for those affected.
As the waters continued to rise, Congressman Waltz took the opportunity to tour some of the hardest-hit locations alongside Senator Rick Scott. The destruction was extensive, but Waltz pointed out that one group wasn’t getting enough attention: the farmers. These vital members of the community, who are also the backbone of Florida’s economy, are dealing with serious flooding that is destroying crops and isolating livestock. Agriculture, which ranks as the second-largest industry in Florida after tourism, is currently in jeopardy.
A significant concern raised by Waltz is the delay in aid from the USDA under President Biden’s administration. While President Trump had established a system that allowed quicker access to funds for farmers in dire need, Waltz argues that the current administration is slow to release necessary funds. With around 30% of the nation’s food supply coming from Florida during the winter months, the urgency could not be clearer. Time is of the essence for those farmers waiting for support to revive their operations.
Now, with discussions surrounding FEMA funding underway, the Congressman highlighted the challenges faced by local governments. Although Congress has passed measures to increase FEMA’s budget, obtaining timely assistance remains a struggle. It can take years for FEMA to reimburse counties after natural disasters. Many local jurisdictions are small and have limited budgets, forcing them to deplete their funds to tackle immediate needs. Once the storm passes, the response often turns into a lengthy bureaucratic ordeal that remains frustrating.
Meanwhile, political tensions have surfaced amidst the crisis. Vice President Kamala Harris previously criticized Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, which only added to the conflict surrounding the response to the hurricane. Waltz remarked that this situation should not be used as a political tool. With communities still in desperate need of aid—many suffering without clean water or basic supplies—political differences must take a backseat to assist those in need.
In the wake of this disaster, Congressman Waltz emphasized the importance of community support rather than relying solely on government solutions. He encouraged Americans to contribute to the Florida Disaster Fund, which supports private aid efforts. Local businesses and organizations have also stepped in, demonstrating the power of communal aid. Initiatives like the ones by Elon Musk and Starlink to provide communication in isolated areas show how collaborative efforts can help restore order in times of chaos. The road to recovery may be long and challenging, but with communities and leaders united, hope persists.
