3/4/2019

First Lady Casey DeSantis Tours Northwest Florida and Hosts Hurricane Michael Recovery Listening Session

Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis toured Northwest Florida areas affected by Hurricane Michael and hosted a recovery listening session at Lynn Haven Elementary School. Joined by Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz and Katie Patronis, a Panama City resident and wife of CFO Jimmy Patronis, First Lady DeSantis heard directly from government officials, business leaders and community members concerning the ongoing recovery efforts.

First Lady DeSantis and Director Moskowitz, along with Bay District Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt, also met with students and teachers who were impacted by Hurricane Michael from the Lynn Haven area.

“Today I had the opportunity to hear from those directly impacted by Hurricane Michael, including our students,” said First Lady DeSantis. “Each person’s story and perspective is important. Although Michael made landfall over four months ago, the long-term recovery efforts and community impacts will continue far into the future. To all those affected by the storm, know that Ron and I hear you and we will never stop fighting for Northwest Florida.”

“The Division of Emergency Management continues to work with all communities affected by Hurricane Michael,” said Director Moskowitz. “I want to thank First Lady DeSantis for her support and commitment to assisting in the long-term recovery efforts in the Panhandle. The resilience of the area is made even clearer by the lockstep coordination with local, state and federal partners.”

 

Photo Credit: Governor Ron DeSantis Press Office

Please see the below statements from community leaders and state and local officials on the First Lady’s visit to the Panhandle:

“The Panhandle is our home and Jimmy and I will do all we can to advocate for the area as we continue the recovery process,” said Katie Patronis. “I want to thank the First Lady for visiting Bay County and for her commitment to supporting the rebuilding of Northwest Florida. We are in this together.”

“We appreciate First Lady DeSantis and Director Moskowitz’s visit today,” said State Senator George Gainer. “As we continue to coordinate on long-term recovery strategies and enter the legislative session, I want to thank the DeSantis/Nuñez Administration for their support and visit to help increase the awareness of the needs of our area, which is my highest priority.”

“The needs of my hometown remain my top priority as we enter the 2019 Legislative Session,” said State Representative Jay Trumbull. “Today was another opportunity to show how great the needs truly are for Northwest Florida. Thank you, First Lady DeSantis, for shining the light on that need.”

“I want thank the First Lady for allowing me to provide additional insight into the long-term impacts to both Bay and the surrounding counties, especially the impacts to the agriculture and timber industry,” said State Representative Brad Drake.

“The persistence and speed of the DeSantis administration has and continues to be vital to our recovery efforts,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. “As we continue to recover, know that the safety and security of our community is my top priority.”

“I want to thank the First Lady for visiting the Panhandle today,” said Bay County Tax Collector Chuck Perdue. “Today was an opportunity for community leaders to work together to seek ways to assist in the long-term recovery efforts for our area. The impacts to property is high and I look forward to continuing to advocate for aid to our community.”

“Thank you to First Lady DeSantis and Director Moskowitz for visiting the Bay District School system today,” said Bay County Superintendent of Schools Bill Husfelt. “Although our schools continue to experience challenges, the support we are receiving from our state partners continue to provide hope for the future leaders of our community: our kids.”

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