Politics
Delegation for 10.9.26: Killer storm — farm aid — Medicare fight — pumps and pearls — AI guardrails
IT WILL KILL YOU
Hurricane Isaias appears on track to make landfall late today, two years after Hurricane Milton, the last hurricane to make landfall in Florida, reached shore. Already recognized by the National Hurricane Center as a Category 3 storm, forecasters predict Isaias to strike anywhere from the Bay-Gulf County line to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Sen. Rick Scott has urged Panhandle residents to have a plan and heed evacuation orders. He received a briefing in Pensacola alongside Rep. Jimmy Patronis and local officials and stressed that residents should take the storm seriously.
“Hurricane Isaias will be a big and serious storm. Do not underestimate it or ignore it. I talked with President (Donald) Trump yesterday, and we’ll be making sure the federal government shows up so Florida can fully recover from this storm — but first we need every person to do their part to stay alive,” Scott said.
“We’re expecting landfall late Friday night or very early on Saturday morning. We could see up to 10 inches of rain, there’s a big risk of tornadoes, and we’re expecting 5-7 feet of storm surge across the Emerald Coast and Big Bend. You cannot survive 5 to 7 feet of storm surge — IT WILL KILL YOU.”
More recent updates have put storm surge as high as 9 feet.
As a two-term Governor, Scott oversaw the response to several major storms. Patronis, whose District is the most likely part of Florida to endure storm conditions, served as Chief Financial Officer statewide through nine different storms. He stressed to Florida Politics the importance of property owners having current documentation of their home’s condition before a storm hits.
“Once you file a claim, what does the insurance company do? They send an adjuster out. Let’s just call it for what it is. It’s an investigator,” Patronis said.
“That investigator is coming out to document what the insurance company is financially obligated to pay for. Well, if you’ve got photographic evidence this is what my house looked like on Tuesday before the storm hit, and this is what it looks like today, this really helps things.”
He also warned about the dangers of saltwater and electric vehicles, including scooters that have proliferated along the Gulf Coast. “If your electric scooter or vehicle is in an area vulnerable to flooding or storm surge, move it to higher ground before the storm arrives. There are a lot of lithium-ion batteries around our tourist destinations, and they can pose a huge fire risk if exposed to saltwater. Get them out of harm’s way before the storm hits,” he said.
Sen. Ashley Moody, for her part, encouraged people to stock up on supplies, including seven days of food and water. She also said people should know their local shelters and evacuation routes, and gather critical documents, including insurance and medical records, if needed.
“The window to finish preparations for Isaias is rapidly closing,” the Plant City Republican said. “I’m urging Floridians in the path of the storm to execute their storm prep plans and fortify their homes — and if local officials issue evacuation orders, please follow their directions. Together, we will weather the storm.”
Honor flight
Before heading back to Florida during Senate recess, Moody welcomed an Honor Flight of Florida veterans to the nation’s capital.
The Plant City Republican met with more than 60 veterans at the Lincoln Memorial and nearby National Military Monument, encouraging guests to call her by her first name.
“Florida is home to some of the bravest men and women who answered the call to serve our nation,” Moody said.
“We will ensure their service will never be forgotten. I am grateful to welcome these heroes to Washington and to personally thank them for all they have done for our country.”
The Florida Veterans Foundation awarded Villages Honor Flight $15,000 as part of its support for 10 Honor Flight hubs around the state. The Honor Flights bring veterans to Washington to visit a series of national monuments that recognize military service.
Moody, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said she will keep a focus on veterans issues, and earlier this year co-sponsored a Veterans Bill of Rights and the Major Richard Star Act.
To watch some highlights, please click the image below:
Farm aid
Four members of Florida’s House delegation are working across the aisle to provide relief specifically for the state’s agriculture industry.
Democratic Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Darren Soto introduced the Restore Agricultural Investment, Stability and Expansion (RAISE) Act with Republican Reps. Kat Cammack and Scott Franklin. The bill would give the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standing authority to issue block grants to American farmers and growers after natural disasters.
Wasserman Schultz, a Broward Democrat and co-Chair of the Florida congressional delegation, said the Sunshine State knows too well how rapidly farms need help after weather events wipe out hundreds of acres of crops at once.
“Congress needs to have the back of America’s farmers, and I’m proud to work across the aisle to make sure the crops and agricultural resources that fuel American families are protected from increasingly extreme weather threats, something our own citrus industry faces in Florida,” she said. “From timber to food on our tabletops, we need every tool at hand to help farmers recover from natural disasters.”
She serves as the prime sponsor of the bipartisan bill, but Franklin has urged Congress for years to grant the agency that authority.
“The devastating freeze Florida farmers faced this past February was another reminder of how quickly a natural disaster can threaten years of hard work,” the Lakeland Republican said.
“Our growers face hurricanes, freezes, droughts, floods and other disasters, and they need a reliable way to recover when disaster strikes. This bill gives USDA permanent authority to provide flexible block grants for high-value and specialty crop losses so assistance can reach producers faster. I’m pleased we secured this provision in the House-passed Farm Bill and will continue working with Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz to get it across the finish line.”
Advocates like Florida Citrus Mutual endorsed the effort.
“Florida’s citrus industry knows firsthand the devastating impacts of freezes, hurricanes and other disasters on crops. In times of disaster, America’s growers and farmers need timely support to recover and replant,” said Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The legislation seeks to give the United States Department of Agriculture tools to quickly deliver block grant assistance in the wake of disasters, helping Florida citrus and the greater agriculture industry recover and continue producing for America’s families.”
Cammack pushed for assistance to farmers after a cold front struck Florida farms in February. She said assistance should be streamlined.
“When extreme weather threatens our crops, as is often the case in the Sunshine State, we must be prepared to help our farmers recover and continue the important work of feeding our nation,” the Gainesville Republican said.
Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, said the impact of weather events on Florida farmers has worsened over time.
“In Central Florida, our farmers, ranchers, and growers have struggled after devastating hurricanes,” Soto said. “As these natural disasters get stronger, we must work to ensure that they have the resources to recover, maintain their livelihoods, and keep feeding America.”
College prep
Florida Gateway College secured a $3 million grant, the largest in the Columbia County school’s history, to construct its Building Construction Technology Center and launch trade programs across North Florida.
Cammack backed the school’s request for the dollars and participated in a ceremony at the Lake City campus celebrating the grant. She stood alongside FGC President Dr. Lawrence Barrett and state and local officials.
“North Central Florida is full of folks who build things with their hands, and they shouldn’t have to leave home to learn a trade. This center means they won’t have to,” said Cammack, a Gainesville Republican. “Florida Gateway put together a winning plan, and I was proud to back it. This is a federal investment done right, and I can’t wait to see the first class walk into that lab.”
Barrett said the funding would serve the entire community.
“This grant is a tremendous investment in our college, our students, and the future of North Central Florida,” he said. “The Building Construction program will create new opportunities for students to build skills, earn credentials, and pursue rewarding careers without having to leave the communities they call home. We’re grateful for the support that made this project possible, and we are excited to get to work.”
Remote monitoring advocacy
Republican Reps. Aaron Bean and María Elvira Salazar both signed a letter urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to back off a rule that could take effect in January and affect whether third-party companies can assist with remote monitoring of patients’ medical conditions.
“We urge CMS to work with remote monitoring stakeholders to develop targeted safeguards that address fraud, waste, and abuse without disrupting clinically appropriate care,” reads a bipartisan letter signed by 32 members of the House.
The regulation, proposed under CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, is part of an effort to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in U.S. healthcare. The rule would implement code changes to Medicare coverage. The new requirement would allow remote physiological and remote therapeutic monitoring only when provided directly by a medical provider’s staff to established patients.
CMS officials noted an Office of Inspector General report last year that showed Medicare payments for remote patient monitoring exceeded $500 million in 2024, warranting greater oversight and scrutiny. The new rule aims to curb suspicious billing.
But Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, said this proposal concerns him.
“Technological advancements have created new ways to improve healthcare, but these benefits are meaningless if patients in Northeast Florida cannot access them,” Bean said.
“In rural communities, beneficiaries often face long travel distances, transportation barriers, clinician shortages and limited access to follow-up care. Remote monitoring enables clinicians to track health data in real time between visits, detect worsening conditions earlier, and intervene before emergencies or hospitalizations happen. Instead of implementing broad restrictions that could disrupt care, CMS should work with providers, patient advocates and remote monitoring companies to develop targeted program integrity guardrails that crack down on bad actors while preserving access for Medicare beneficiaries who need remote monitoring services.”
Housing the homeless
Rep. Mike Haridopolos celebrated a nearly $9 million federal grant to build more housing options in Brevard County.
The Indian Harbour Beach Republican cheered the award, paid for as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care Builds program. It will go to the Brevard Homeless Coalition and local partners, who received the funding after the Congressman sent a letter of support.
“This is another huge win for Brevard County,” Haridopolos said. “Nearly $9 million is coming back home to help put a roof over the heads of some of our most vulnerable neighbors and give them a path toward stability. My team worked closely with local leaders and HUD to help get this across the finish line, and I’m proud to deliver results for the people of Florida’s 8th Congressional District.”
Amber Carroll, Executive Director of the Brevard Homeless Coalition, said the dollars from Washington will help address a local crisis.
“After more than two years and three applications, securing nearly $9 million for permanent supportive housing in Brevard County is an incredible victory for our community,” she said.
“We are especially grateful to Congressman Haridopolos and his team for staying engaged and advocating for this investment when the outcome was uncertain. This funding will help Carrfour Supportive Housing and our Continuum of Care expand much-needed housing opportunities in Titusville and Melbourne, bringing stability and hope to some of our most vulnerable residents.”
COPS dollars
Soto pulled in a seven-figure check, presented this week to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office for its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
“I am proud to announce that the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is receiving $1 million from the U.S. Department of Justice as a result of our FY26 Community Project Funding request. This funding is critical to ensuring the task force has the resources to protect Central Florida children from predatory behavior online,” the Kissimmee Democrat said.
He has regularly supported funding from Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs. These dollars come courtesy of the Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants and Discretionary Grants Program.
“Over the years, we have worked closely with local law enforcement on securing COPS grants and bringing down federal dollars to help keep our communities safe,” Soto said.
The Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is part of a network of 61 coordinated task forces representing more than 6,200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers across the country.
“The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office appreciates everything that Rep. Darren Soto has done to protect children, including his support of the ICAC Task Force,” reads a statement from the agency.
Blue economy
On the Gulf Coast, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced more than $953,000 for Eckerd College to advance environmental monitoring and marine research. The funding will support a one-year program focused on generating critical data needed to protect and preserve coastal resources in Tampa Bay and the West Florida Shelf.
“Florida’s way of life depends on healthy waters,” said Luna, a Pinellas Republican. “This funding gives Eckerd scientists and students the tools to better understand Tampa Bay and preserve it for generations to come.”
She stressed the economic importance of healthy waterways to the Tampa Bay region. Luna’s office estimated 1 in 10 jobs in the area is tied to local waterways.
Eckerd College President James Annarelli said the school’s marine research program has tackled algal blooms, biodiversity, and healthy fisheries, and that the funding will also ensure quality educational opportunities for undergraduates involved in faculty-led research.
“Our faculty and students are protecting and preserving these resources across our region through critical monitoring initiatives,” Annarelli said. “From microplastic pollution and red tide blooms to invasive invertebrate species and stone crab fisheries, the four monitoring initiatives to be supported by this Community Project Funding will make a lasting impact on ecosystem health and economic vitality in our region.”
Park upgrade
In Southwest Florida, Rep. Greg Steube said he will advocate for Punta Gorda’s plans to redevelop Trabue Park in Charlotte County. He sent a letter to National Park Service Comptroller Jessica Bowron supporting the municipality’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program application.
“Punta Gorda has worked hard to rebuild and strengthen its community following Hurricane Milton, and this project would give residents more opportunities to enjoy one of the city’s greatest assets: its waterfront,” said Steube, a Sarasota Republican.
He said the project could have economic impact beyond the park’s boundaries, helping revitalize Punta Gorda’s East Side community as an “asset that strengthens local economic resiliency and reinforces the area as a catalyst for long-term neighborhood revitalization and prosperity.”
The Tampa Free Press said the project could turn the 10-acre park into a community hub. The city has already identified matching funds to support the project.
Pumps, pearls and politics
In collaboration with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Gamma Zeta Omega chapter in Miami, Rep. Frederica Wilson hosted the top Democratic candidates for statewide office in Florida for fireside chats in front of Black women.
The event was part of the 10th annual Pumps, Pearls and Politics event hosted by the Miami-Dade Democrat. This year, she brought in national journalist and influencer Don Lemon to interview gubernatorial candidate David Jolly and Senate candidate Angie Nixon. She said the event was important for educating the public.
“Long before I served in Congress, I stood in classrooms filled with children whose futures depended on whether the people in power cared enough to act,” Wilson said.
“As a teacher, principal, and School Board member, I learned that every policy has a human face. It is the child who needs a better school, the mother struggling to pay her bills, the senior choosing between groceries and medicine. Those are the people who deserve answers. For 10 years, Pumps, Pearls and Politics has given our community a place to raise our voices and demand them. Florida’s future belongs to its people, and we must help shape it.”
But with an election less than a month away, the outreach event felt like a political rally, with applause meeting candidates on stage. Nixon suggested much of the energy came from a crowd that feels written off far too often, including Vice President JD Vance, who recently suggested Nixon should leave the country.
“What’s frustrating at times is that we’re kind of used to it in the South — the disrespect, being Black people, the microaggressions, and the slights, the ‘Oh, you speak so well’ or ‘you’re so articulate,’ the little slights here and there,” Nixon said. “But you know, he’ll be calling me Senator on Nov. 3.”
The event also brought on stage Oliver Gilbert, the candidate the retiring Congresswoman endorsed in this year’s race to succeed her in Congress.
Teeing up AI bills
How to best regulate artificial intelligence continued to be a leading topic of discussion in Washington, particularly in the Senate.
Sens. Gary Peters of Michigan and James Lankford of Oklahoma introduced bipartisan legislation intended to require the federal government to be more transparent about its use of AI. The Transparent Automated Governance (TAG) Act would “require federal agencies to notify individuals when they are interacting with or subject to critical decisions made using certain AI or other automated systems.”
The proposed bill would also “direct agencies to establish a redress process ensuring there is a human review of critical decisions made using AI systems that may negatively affect individuals.”
“We must always keep security, privacy, and any unintended consequences in mind before we turn any process or decision over to a computer,” said Lankford, who argued the bill would help the U.S. government improve “customer service” for citizens.
Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington unveiled a six-point proposal to make American AI development safer and more accountable. Her framework focuses on regular testing and auditing, protections for children and workers and global cooperation.
“America can lead the world in AI by building systems that are not only more capable, but safer and more secure,” said Cantwell, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
On this day
Oct. 9, 1781 — “Bombardment of Yorktown begins” via the National Park Service — British General Charles Cornwallis had his men construct a main line of defense around Yorktown, consisting of 10 small, enclosed forts (called redoubts), artillery batteries, and connecting trenches. The Americans and French marched from Williamsburg to Yorktown and began digging a trench 800 yards from the British defense line to begin a siege. By Oct. 9, the Allies’ trench was finished, and their artillery had been moved up. By Oct. 11, continuous fire had virtually knocked the British guns out of action.
Oct. 9, 1936 — “Hoover Dam begins transmitting electricity to Los Angeles” via History.com — Harnessing the power of the mighty Colorado River, Hoover Dam began sending electricity over transmission lines spanning 266 miles of mountains and deserts to run Los Angeles’ lights, radios, and stoves. Initially named Boulder Dam, work on the dam was begun under President Herbert Hoover’s administration but completed as a public works project during the Franklin Roosevelt administration (which renamed it for Hoover). When it was finished in 1935, the towering concrete-and-steel plug was the world’s tallest dam and a powerful symbol of the new federal dedication to large-scale reclamation projects designed to water the arid West.
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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol, with contributions by Fabrizio Gowdy.
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