Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall, Governor Ron DeSantis has requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to support Florida's response and recovery efforts. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and members...
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Photos: Rubio Joins U.S. Coast Guard Post-Hurricane Milton
Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall in Florida, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined the U.S. Coast Guard to survey impacted areas across the State. Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office. Senator Rubio joins the U.S. Coast Guard for a flyover...
Next Week: Rubio Staff Hosts Mobile Office Hours
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office will host in-person Mobile Office Hours next week to assist constituents with federal casework issues in their respective local communities. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of Senator Rubio’s...
Rubio, Scott Support Seminole Tribe’s Request for Pre-landfall Emergency Declaration for Milton
Major Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida, bringing with it devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. The Seminole Tribe of Florida should have access to the federal resources required for emergency response and recovery preparations on...
Rubio, Scott to POTUS: Prepare for Hurricane Impacts to Port of Tampa Bay
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to potentially hinder or obstruct the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida’s petroleum products. It’s crucial for the federal government to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida’s economy...
Rubio, Scott Support Florida’s Request for Pre-landfall Emergency Declaration Ahead of Hurricane Milton
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to impact Florida with devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. After just being hit by Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial for the State of Florida to have the support of the federal government. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio...
Rubio Secures Provisions To Improve Florida Water Projects, Everglades Restoration
The Senate-passed Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (H.R.7776) contains critical provisions to strengthen Florida’s water resources infrastructure.
- “These are important projects that will restore the Everglades, improve coastal storm resilience, and improve Florida’s ports. New Army Corps research programs will also help our coastal communities prepare for and mitigate harmful algal blooms.
- “I appreciate my colleagues’ support for these projects, and I will continue to fight for Florida throughout the conference process.” – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
Want more? A detailed list of Florida-related WRDA 2022 provisions secured by Senators Rubio and Rick Scott is below:
Project Authorizations:
- Florida Keys, Monroe County, FL Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project
- Okaloosa County, FL Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project
- Pinellas County, FL Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project
- Indian River Lagoon-South (CERP) Post-Authorization Change Report
Expedited Project Documents – Congress urges the expedited completion of ongoing feasibility studies for:
- Port Everglades Post Authorization Change Report
- Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project (LOWRP)
- Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP)
Policy Changes & Improvements:
- Central Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) Cost-Share Reform – to preserve the integrity of the CERP balance sheet and protect the program from delays.
- South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) Task Force Reform
- Explicit Authorization of a Comprehensive Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Flood Control Project Restudy
Related … Everglades restoration has been one of Rubio’s top priorities since he took office. In 2021, the New York Times editorial board characterized Rubio as “the national park’s most vigorous champion in the Senate.”