Gov. Scott: Florida Stands With Puerto Rico

Press Release

While visiting volunteers collecting relief supplies for Puerto Rico, Governor Rick Scott today outlined the action he's taken to streamline aid from Florida to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. Governor Scott spoke with Governor Rosselló before Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, once yesterday and again today, to offer Florida's support. The Governor also spoke today with Puerto Rico Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón to offer Florida's support. During today's calls, the Puerto Rican dignitaries identified the need for supplies to be quickly shipped to the island. The Governor has called on Florida port directors to prioritize and expedite the shipment of goods from across the country quickly to Puerto Rico.

Governor Scott said, "Florida stands ready to assist and support Puerto Rico. Before the storm impacted Puerto Rico, we began to identify ways that Florida can help and today we are working to expedite the delivery of goods and services to the island. Today I spoke with Governor Rosselló and Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón to let them know they have our support, and I have reached out to Florida port directors to ask them to help expediate resources to Puerto Rico through the many shipping and cargo businesses that use their facilities. Some of our Florida ports have told me that they are standing ready to help move supplies through their facilities as quickly as possible.

"Even as Florida works to fully recover from Hurricane Irma, our state still has the capability to support our neighbors and friends in their time of need. I have directed the Florida National Guard and FWC to be prepared for deployment as soon as we receive a formal request for assistance from Puerto Rico, and we already have an airman from the Florida Air National Guard on the ground in Puerto Rico coordinating air operations. We will continue to do all we can to make sure Puerto Rico has all the resources they need to rebuild and recover."

Governor Scott and the State of Florida have been in constant contact with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and the Puerto Rican government to offer support as they respond and recover from Hurricane Maria. Last week, Governor Scott visited Florida International University which is sheltering over 100 individuals from Puerto Rico and other nations in the Caribbean. Yesterday, Governor Scott directed the Florida National Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to stand ready to assist Puerto Rico as soon as the government identifies their specific needs.

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