WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Neal Dunn (Florida-02) sent a letter to President Biden supporting Governor DeSantis’ request for a Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration for the State of Florida as a tropical cyclone heading for the Florida Panhandle strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Based on updated forecasts and modeling, the state of Florida is bracing for what could potentially be a very powerful storm,” said Congressman Dunn. “We strongly urge consideration of a pre-landfall emergency declaration to enable the state to respond to expected heavy winds, rain, flooding, storm surge, and tornado activity. Governor DeSantis is specifically requesting debris removal and emergency protective measures, including federal assistance for 41 counties across the state. We respectfully ask, within all applicable rules and regulations, that President Biden urgently review and respond to Florda’s request and issue an order swiftly.”

Governor DeSantis’ request for assistance includes a request for federal assistance under the Public Assistance program for: Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington Counties.

Congressman Dunn was joined by the entire Florida Delegation in his letter to President Biden.

Read the full letter to President Biden here.