NOT Republican Governor Ron DeSantis who SHOULD be looking for FEMA $$$ from HIS Presiden FOR HIS State?..
Or?…
Maybe DeSantis won’t?
He seems to to think HIS state don’t need anything from HIS Federal Government in Washington D.C.
Up until Friday afternoon, it was widely expected 2024 political rivals Biden and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would appear together as they have before during times of crisis, including after the deadly Surfside condo collapse in 2021 and last year when Hurricane Ian demolished seaside communities along Florida’s gulf coast. But Friday evening, DeSantis’ office surprised the White House when it announced the Republican had no plans to meet with the president, citing “security preparations” that would disrupt recovery efforts.
While the governor was a no-show Saturday, Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott, who has long sniped with DeSantis, met with Biden when he arrived in Live Oak, where he repeatedly complimented the administration’s efforts.
“Thank you for being here,” Scott said, shaking Biden’s hand while donning an embroidered “45” hat, a reference to Scott being Florida’s 45th governor.
He also praised Biden and his FEMA leadership, saying the president “did a great job” preparing resources ahead of the hurricane and getting relief out fast.
“I want to thank the Senator, and I mean it sincerely,” Biden replied, adding that he’d told Scott the federal help would remain “as long as it takes.”
Biden and the first lady visited the storm-ravaged region Saturday, where they received an aerial tour of communities struck by the storm and participated in a briefing with federal personnel, local officials and first responders. Biden then toured the Live Oak community and met with residents who were impacted by Hurricane Idalia, a devastating storm that struck Florida earlier this week and left more than 6,000 homes damaged and at least one person dead….
…
White House officials on Saturday reiterated that the trip was planned in close coordination with FEMA and state and local leaders to avoid impact on ongoing response operations. The president was accompanied by Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The location of Biden’s visit was mutually agreed upon by both the White House and the governor’s office, Criswell said, adding that DeSantis did not tell the FEMA administrator that he wouldn’t be meeting with Biden before his office went public with a statement. She said that she understands ongoing concerns about some of the rural coastal areas she visited with DeSantis on Thursday that still have limited access but that both sides agreed the president could visit Live Oak due to “limited impact.”
Note….
The DeSantis ‘security’ excuse was Bull Shit….
The President made the stop in Florida anyways without the Governor. and with the help of Florida officals…..
image…Sen. Rick Scott praised President Joe Biden and his FEMA leadership, saying the president “did a great job” preparing resources ahead of the hurricane and getting relief out fast. | Julio Cortez/AP Photo