Marathon, FL - Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) visited the Florida Keys to meet with Monroe County officials to discuss continued recovery efforts following Hurricane Irma, to tour the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, to discuss coral reef restoration, and to join the Turtle Hospital in releasing a rehabilitated sea turtle on Sombrero Beach.
 
“The Keys community has made progress since Hurricane Irma, and I remain committed to ensuring that the Keys receives the federal support necessary to rebuild,” Rubio said. “I am continuing my fight for Florida in Congress to ensure the safety and recovery of communities grappling with hurricane-related hardship. Ultimately, the stunning ecology of the Keys is the foundation for Monroe County’s success now and in the future. I will keep championing accelerated progress towards improving coastal water quality and restoring our fragile coral reefs as an economic imperative for residents and small businesses throughout the Florida Keys.”
 
Last Congress, Rubio secured funds for Hurricane Irma recovery efforts in the Florida Keys. In April of last year, Rubio toured communities impacted by canal debris and hosted a roundtable in Marathon. Last September, Rubio joined now-Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez to discuss continued recovery efforts and future hurricane preparedness with Monroe County officials.  
 
Also in September, Rubio co-authored an op-ed on coral reef restoration with Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.  As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Rubio secured key funding in the Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bills to restore coral reefs in South Florida.
      

Senator Rubio surveys canal debris clean up progress in Marathon

Senator Rubio helps release a rehabilitated sea turtle at Sombrero Beach