PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Today, Senator Rick Scott visited the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center where he joined local officials to assess damage caused by major Hurricane Ian. Prior to visiting Charlotte County, this morning Senator Scott was in Fort Myers visiting the Lee County Emergency Operations Center where he also met with local and state officials to survey the catastrophic damage impacting the area.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The devastation in Port Charlotte, North Port, and Punta Gorda is brutal. Ian brought catastrophic winds and storm surge, leaving roads, homes and small businesses destroyed. For so many, this is a life-changing event, and it will take a combined effort to rebuild. I want to thank Charlotte County law enforcement, first responders, volunteers and everyone else who is coming together to support the families who have been impacted by Ian. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, I’m working to make sure that the federal government is working with state and local officials to get resources deployed quickly. I’m thankful that the same partners who helped in the recovery efforts I oversaw when I was governor are already heeding the call and responding. Floridians are all hurting in Ian’s aftermath, but we will recover.”

See Senator Scott's Hurricane Preparedness Information webpage HERE. Senator Scott urges Floridians impacted by the storm to remain indoors until local officials determine conditions are safe. Stay up-to-date with information from your local Emergency Management officials. Impacted Floridians should not return home until the area is declared to be safe by local officials. Read more from FEMA about returning home HERE.

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