West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has called on President Joe Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida following the landfall of Hurricane Debby on August 5, 2024. The request comes in response to significant damage caused by the hurricane, including flash flooding, heavy rainfall, and multiple fatalities.

The White House had previously approved an Emergency Declaration for the state due to Hurricane Debby. However, Rep. Steube emphasized the need for expanded federal support through a Major Disaster Declaration to facilitate access to critical recovery resources.

“The extreme damage from Debby— including flash flooding, significant rainfall, and multiple fatalities— requires expanded federal support. Floridians need Individual Assistance to access critical recovery resources, particularly for those who were underinsured for the damage brought by Debby. A Major Disaster Declaration is essential for a full recovery,” said Rep. Steube.

In his letter addressed to President Biden, Rep. Steube highlighted the necessity of upgrading the emergency declaration to a major disaster declaration:

"I write to you to express the extreme need in the State of Florida and particularly my district for you to upgrade your presidential declaration for Hurricane Debby from an emergency declaration to major disaster declaration so that Floridians can get Individual Assistance as a result of damages incurred from this disaster," he wrote.

Rep. Steube noted that Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane and has had devastating effects on Florida with up to 30 inches of rain in some areas causing flash flooding and resulting in multiple deaths. Many residents have been evacuated and face returning home only to find their properties lost or damaged.

"My constituents are in need of Individual Assistance which may include the Individuals and Households Program, Crisis Counseling Program, Disaster Case Management, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Disaster Legal Services, and Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program," added Rep. Steube.

He concluded his letter by urging President Biden to expedite this request within all applicable laws and regulations: "I respectfully ask that you expedite this request within all applicable laws and regulations and that you take all available steps to provide Floridians the relief they desperately need."