Dear Neighbor,

The last two weeks have been trying in North Central Florida—first with the expected hurricane and then with the aftermath. After visiting all of our communities and hearing from emergency management officials, small business owners, residents, and leaders, one thing is clear: our district is strong and resilient. 

In Cedar Key and Horseshoe Beach, homes and businesses were washed away in just a couple of hours. Further inland, extreme wind and water damage ripped buildings from their foundations and flooded homes. Our agricultural producers—some of the hardest-hit after Idalia—saw fields flooded, crops demolished, and equipment damaged. Despite all of these challenges, we're so proud of how our neighbors worked to support each other. We have a long way to go, but we are stronger when we work together.

On Thursday, our teams were in Cedar Key and Horseshoe Beach alongside teams from the Small Business Administration, FEMA, and the Florida SBDC to help residents file claims and get the necessary support to get back on their feet. On Monday, we'll be in Yankeetown, with more mobile office hours throughout the coming weeks soon to be announced. We hope you'll join us in-person or reach out to our team in Gainesville at (352) 505-0838 or via email at kcammack.hurricane@mail.house.gov. 

Please read below to see more from these affected areas and to learn about resources available through the SBA, FEMA, and USDA to help folks recover. As always, our team is standing by to help. 

With all that's happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can read below about what we've been up to this week, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

For Freedom,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack                                                                                Proudly Representing Florida's Third Congressional District

Mobile Office Hours In Yankeetown Monday

On Monday, Team Kat will be in Yankeetown for another mobile office hours opportunity. Stop by to receive help with federal claims (SBA, USDA, FEMA) related to Hurricane Idalia. We will announce more mobile locations in Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee soon, and look forward to helping folks get claims readied and processed. If you have additional questions, please click the button below or give our team in Gainesville a call at (352) 505-0838.

The Devastation In Horseshoe Beach

It's been one week since Hurricane Idalia devastated North Central Florida, including Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County. Our hearts are broken for what we've lost but we're strong and we will rebuild. Over the last several days we've been on the ground in Horseshoe Beach and in our other small communities viewing the damage firsthand and helping connect folks with the resources they need to recover.

Service Academy Nominations Due September 29th

Nominations for our nation's Service Academies are now open, and we will soon announce the in-person Service Academy Day date and location for local students interested in applying! 

The deadline to submit the completed application is September 29th. With questions or for more information, please contact Dorothy by calling our Gainesville office at (352) 505-0838.

Introducing The Federal Disaster Responsibility Act

On Tuesday, I introduced the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act following the devastation from Hurricane Idalia. Senator Rick Scott introduced the Senate companion last week after we visited Cedar Key together. The bill will make sure Floridians and people across the country get back on their feet following natural disasters, including our farmers and ranchers—some of the folks hardest hit by this storm.

We will keep fighting to make sure our Floridians receive the help they need. Read more by clicking the button below.

Urging A Clean Supplemental Appropriations Bill For Hurricane Relief

Last Friday, I led a letter with my Florida delegation colleagues calling for a clean supplemental appropriations bill to replenish the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and help Americans recover from natural disasters nationwide in 2023. FEMA funds are dangerously low and with damage assessments ongoing following Hurricane Idalia in our district, we know FEMA funds will not be enough to support Idalia recovery efforts.

This funding should not be tied to additional funding for Ukraine and should be altogether separate to support the Americans affected by the storm.

FEMA Hosts Mobile Recovery Sites Across FL-03

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are now up and running in Florida's Third. If you're in Hamilton, Lafayette, or Dixie Counties, please see the above information about sites and operating hours. If you're in a neighboring county, please feel free to visit any of these sites for assistance. 

These sites will serve as one-stop-shops for all questions related to federal assistance and will help folks submit all necessary information in one place. If you have questions, please contact our Gainesville office at (352) 505-0838.

Resources For Our Florida Producers

Florida's agricultural producers were hit hard during Hurricane Idalia, and resources are available specifically for our agricultural community. See above for information from FEMA, SBA, USDA, FDACS, and others about funds and resources available to support recovery efforts.

Our team will be on the ground in Yankeetown next week (please see above) to assist with these claims and to provide more information on-site. We hope to see folks there or via email at kcammack.hurricane@mail.house.gov.

Gainesville Native Competes In The U.S. Open

Today Gainesville and UF's own Ben Shelton plays in the U.S. Open semifinal match against World No. 2 Novak Djokovic. Ben is the youngest American man to reach the semifinals since 1992.

We'll be cheering him on during his match! Go Gators and go Ben!

Congressional App Challenge 2023

The 2023 Congressional App Challenge is now open for middle and high school students in FL-03! Create an app for any platform in any coding language for a chance to have your work displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building!

Visit congressionalappchallenge.us for more information and to learn about deadlines, requirements, and rules. You can also reach out to Hallie in our Gainesville office at (352) 505-0838.

Previewing Biden's Trip To Maui

I joined Brian Brenberg to provide live updates from Horseshoe Beach as recovery efforts got underway this weekend. We discussed how Floridians are working hard to lend a hand and prioritize our communities hit hardest by the hurricane, while the Biden administration continues sending migrants across the southern border, supplying them with all the resources and funds necessary when Americans are hurting. Take a look at the clip by clicking the image above or the button below. 

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