President Biden Approves Emergency Declaration for Florida
President Joe Biden speaks on updated guidance on face mask mandates and COVID-19 response, in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON (FNN) – President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared an emergency in the State of Florida, authorizing Federal assistance to support State, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions caused by Tropical Storm Debby beginning on August 1, 2024.
Key Points:
- Federal Aid Activation: FEMA is authorized to coordinate disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency and to provide necessary assistance to save lives, protect property, and ensure public health and safety.
- Funding Details: Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures will be funded at 75 percent by the Federal government. This includes direct Federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care, evacuation, and shelter support.
- Counties Covered: The aid will cover numerous counties in Florida, including but not limited to Alachua, Baker, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Wakulla.
- Additional Coverage: Counties such as Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, DeSoto, Escambia, Flagler, Gadsden, Glades, Hardee, Highlands, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Polk, Santa Rosa, Seminole, St. Johns, Volusia, Walton, and Washington will receive direct Federal assistance at 75 percent Federal funding.
- Coordination: John E. Brogan of FEMA has been appointed to oversee Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.