Florida
Florida Democrat demands new FEMA funding: “Sounding the alarm for months”
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Florida, U.S. Democratic Congressman Jared Moskowitz has revisited his call for immediate action to bolster Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources.
“As the only former emergency management director in Congress, I have been sounding the alarm for months that this would be a problem if we just left for recess without properly funding FEMA during the height of hurricane season,” Moskowitz, representative from Florida, said in a recent release.
Moskowitz, who served as Florida’s director of emergency management from 2019 to 2021 and later as Broward County commissioner before his election to Congress, brings a unique perspective to the ongoing debate over disaster funding. He further emphasized his readiness to act: “I stand ready to return to Washington to immediately ensure FEMA has the resources to help the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.”
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Thursday night, pummeling Florida’s Big Bend region with winds of up to 140 mph and delivering catastrophic flooding and storm surge. The storm’s impact extends beyond Florida, affecting multiple states.
The timing of Helene’s landfall has thrown the issue of FEMA funding into sharp relief. Just one day before the hurricane struck, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to extend FEMA funding through December 20. But the agency still grapples with a multibillion-dollar deficit, even after implementing new spending restrictions last month.
Moskowitz praised President Joe Biden’s immediate response to the crisis, stating, “Thank you to President Biden for sending all available resources to the impacted states.” He was also quick to criticize Congress over its failure to act sooner. “Congress should have been proactive on this issue,” Moskowitz said, highlighting the ongoing debate over disaster preparedness and funding allocation.
The congressman’s statement reflects a growing frustration with the political gridlock that often surrounds disaster relief efforts. “Congress must show that it can still deliver for the American people in their hour of greatest need,” Moskowitz added.
During his tenure as Florida’s emergency management director, Moskowitz oversaw the state’s response to various crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm that devastated portions of his state in 2018.
Notable among the dissenting voices over disaster relief funding is U.S. Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, who voted against the recent stopgap measure to fund the government and provide additional disaster assistance. Gaetz’s vote, cast just a day before Hurricane Helene made landfall in his home state, has drawn criticism and raised questions about the priorities of lawmakers in disaster-prone regions.
This wasn’t the first time Gaetz has voted against a continuing resolution that included disaster relief funding. In 2022, just days after Hurricane Ian ravaged Florida, the GOP lawmaker was among several Republicans to vote against a stopgap measure that would continue funding the government and provide billions of dollars in extra disaster assistance.
Despite his most recent vote, Gaetz promised Floridians that they would still have support for Helene damage, according to a report by ABC 3.
Newsweek contacted Moskowitz and Gaetz’s office via email on Monday for comment.
Moskowitz’s statement concluded with a final call to action: “So, let’s get back to work and pass a bipartisan, long-term solution with no poison pills or politicking involved.”
Florida State put forth its most disappointing performance of the season on Saturday night as the Seminoles were ran over in Dallas to the tune of a 42-16 loss. It was one of the largest margins of defeat that FSU has faced in years under head coach Mike Norvell as a highly anticipated campaign in Tallahassee continues to go down the drain.
Nothing will get easier from here as Florida State enters the toughest part of its 2024 schedule, starting with a home game against Clemson. The Tigers will certainly be looking for revenge after falling to FSU for the first time in nine years last season.
READ MORE: FSU Football Freshman Scores First TD vs. SMU Mustangs
On Monday, the Seminoles released their updated depth chart prior to the contest against Clemson. Florida State made a few changes to the two-deep to note on.
The most significant change is that redshirt freshman quarterback Brock Glenn is now listed as a co-starter with DJ Uiagalelei. Glenn entered Saturday’s loss late in the game following a pick-six from Uiagalelei. At the time, trainers were spotted checking out Uiagalelei’s hand and Norvell commented on the injury after the game. It remains to be seen if the veteran will miss time.
Outside of that, redshirt senior Kentron Poitier is now a co-starter with Hykeem Williams at one of the three wide receiver spots. Deuce Spann is no longer on the depth chart Plus, Landen Thomas and Brian Courtney have been elevated to co-starters with Kyle Morlock at tight end. Jackson West is no longer listed at the position.
To round out the switches on offense, redshirt junior Bryson Estes is listed as a co-starter with Keiondre Jones at left guard while redshirt freshman Andre’ Otto is now a co-starter with TJ Ferguson at the other guard spot. Robert Scott is now a co-backup at left tackle with Lucas Simmons and Richie Leonard IV is no longer on the two deep.
On defense, redshirt freshman Edwin Joseph is now the co-starter with veteran Kevin Knowles II at the nickel position. Earl Little Jr. moves ahead of Davonte Brown at free safety.
The only other change was true freshman Lawayne McCoy becoming the lone starter at punt returner.
Check out the full depth chart below.
Quarterback:
1. DJ Uiagalelei, RS Sr. OR Brock Glenn, RS Fr.
3. Luke Kromenhoek, Fr.
Running Back:
1. Kam Davis, Fr.
2. Caziah Holmes, RS Sr.
Tailback:
1. Lawrance Toafili, RS Sr.
2. Samuel Singleton, RS Fr. OR Micahi Danzy, Fr.
Wide Receiver:
1. Malik Benson, Sr. OR Jalen Brown, RS Fr.
2. Lawayne McCoy, Fr.
Wide Receiver:
1. Hykeem Williams, So. OR Kentron Poitier, RS Sr.
2. Elijah Moore, Fr.
Slot Wide Receiver:
1. Ja’Khi Douglas, RS Sr.
2. Darion Williamson, RS Sr.
Tight End:
1. Kyle Morlock, RS Sr. OR Brian Courtney, Jr. OR Landen Thomas, Fr.
Left Tackle:
1. Darius Washington, RS Sr.
2. Robert Scott, RS Sr. OR Lucas Simmons, RS Fr.
Left Guard:
1. Keiondre Jones, RS Sr. OR Bryson Estes, RS Jr.
2. Bryson Estes, RS Jr.
Center:
1. Maurice Smith, RS Sr.
2. Jacob Rizy, Sr.
Right Guard:
1. TJ Ferguson, RS Jr. OR Andre Otto, RS Fr.
Right Tackle:
1. Jeremiah Byers, RS Sr.
3. Jaylen Early, RS So.
Defensive End:
1. Patrick Payton, RS Jr.
2. Sione Lolohea, RS Sr.
Defensive Tackle:
1. Joshua Farmer, RS Jr.
2. KJ Sampson, RS Fr. OR Tomiwa Durojaiye, RS So.
Defensive Tackle:
1. Darrell Jackson, RS Jr.
2. Daniel Lyons, RS So. OR Grady Kelly, RS Jr.
Defensive End:
1. Marvin Jones Jr., Jr.
2. Byron Turner Jr., RS Jr.
Linebacker:
1. DJ Lundy, RS Sr.
2. Omar Graham Jr., RS So. OR Justin Cryer, So.
Linebacker:
1. Cam Riley, RS Sr. OR Blake Nichelson, So
2. DeMarco Ward, RS Fr.
Cornerback:
1. Azareye’h Thomas, Jr.
2. Charles Lester III, Fr.
Cornerback:
1. Fentrell Cypress, RS Sr.
2. Quindarrius Jones, So.
3. Cai Bates, Fr.
Nickel Cornerback:
1. Kevin Knowles, Sr. or Edwin Joseph, RS Fr.
2. Ja’Bril Rawls, RS Fr.
Buck Safety:
1. Shyheim Brown, RS Jr.
2. KJ Kirkland, RS Fr.
Free Safety:
1. Conrad Hussey, So.
2. Earl Little Jr., RS So.
3. Davonte Brown, RS Sr.
Kicker:
1. Ryan Fitzgerald, RS Sr.
2. Jake Weinberg, Fr.
Punter:
1. Alex Mastromanno, RS Sr.
2. Mac Chiumento, RS So.
Holder:
1. Alex Mastromanno, RS Sr.
2. Mac Chiumento, RS So.
Long Snapper:
1. Mason Arnold, RS Jr.
2. Peyton Naylor, RS Fr.
Kick Returner:
1. Deuce Spann, RS Sr.
2. Samuel Singleton, RS Fr.
Kick Returner:
1. Kam Davis, FR or Caziah Holmes, RS Sr.
Punt Returner:
1. Lawayne McCoy, Fr.
2. Malik Benson, Sr.
READ MORE: FSU Star Safety Reportedly Missed Memphis Loss Due To July DUI Arrest
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Swampcast discusses Florida football bye week, Florida basketball
The Sun’s Kevin Brockway and David Whitley discuss state of Florida football during bye week and start of Florida basketball practice,
ORLANDO – The answer to Florida’s immediate football worries has become clear. Somehow, get Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter into Gator uniforms by this Saturday.
They wore Colorado uniforms over the weekend and ruined UCF’s big coming out party. The same UCF that loomed as a uniquely existential threat to Florida football and Billy Napier.
“We didn’t get it done,” coach Gus Malzahn said. “We got outcoached and outplayed.”
Outcoached by Coach Prime? Outplayed by a 13½-point underdog?
“It hurts,” quarterback K.J. Jefferson said.
The strange thing is that by losing 48-21 to Deion U., the Knights could be even more of a threat to Florida’s ego and Napier’s job security.
It would have been bad enough to lose to an unbeaten and ranked UCF team. Imagine if the freshly humiliated Knights stick it to the Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
“We’re going to beat them good,” Jackson Morse said.
Of course, he said that about five hours before the Colorado kickoff. Morse was one of millions of UCF fans who showed up for Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff show on campus.
There weren’t really millions. It just felt that way, and they weren’t just thinking about the Buffaloes.
Beating Colorado with Fox Nation watching would have heralded UCF’s arrival as Big 12 power and playoff contender. That would have been nice, but nothing gets the black-and-gold blood flowing like beating the Gators.
“I have friends who are Florida alumni that I would love to be able to mock,” Jack Dolan said.
He and his wife, Pat, have been Knights fans for 30-plus years. They remember when Gator fans considered UCF an instate version of Tennessee Tech.
A lot still do, despite the fact UCF won the 2017 national championship. Sort of. The Knights have a banner at FBC Mortgage Stadium to prove it.
Nobody in Gainesville recognizes that accomplishment, which helps fuel UCF’s case of Little Brother Syndrome. You know, Little Bro feels he should be considered a worthy rival, but Big Bro barely notices he’s alive.
It played out in scheduling. UCF wanted a home-and-home series, but Florida wouldn’t do that for non-Power Five schools.
That triggered years of social media mockery and sniping. UCF finally agreed to play twice in Gainesville (2024 and 2033) and once in Orlando (2030).
The contract was signed in 2021. UF had gone to three straight New Year’s Day bowls and Dan Mullen was considered a genius.
The Knights were coming off a six-win season, and Malzahn had just been rescued from the Auburn scrap heap.
“I’ll play out in the parking lot,” Malzahn said. “I just want to play them and beat them.”
That came sooner than anyone imagined. Florida’s program unraveled and Mullen was fired. The Gators accepted a Gasparilla Bowl bid against UCF.
Anyone remember Greg Knox?
He was the interim coach who lost to Tennessee Tech 29-17. Watching from the Raymond James Stadium sideline that night was Florida’s prized new hire.
“We’ve got an incredible challenge in front of us,” Napier said. “But we’re excited.”
Three years later, the excitement is gone. The challenge definitely is not.
From an X-and-O standpoint, Saturday doesn’t look quite as challenging. Not after Shedeur Sanders tossed three touchdown passes against UCF and Hunter struck a Heisman pose to the deflated crowd.
“This week, we’ll find out truly who we are,” Malzahn said.
We pretty much know who the Gators are.
On the field, it doesn’t appear they are much better off than the last time they played UCF. At least then, Florida fans could point to a program in transitional disarray.
“Now,” Pat Dorsey said, “there are no excuses.”
Especially after Deion rolled into Orlando and made UCF look like Little Brother.
If Big Brother can’t do the same in Gainesville, the mocking may never end.
David Whitley is The Gainesville Sun’s sports columnist. Contact him at dwhitley@gannett.com. Follow him on X @DavidEWhitley
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