Florida’s 3rd Congressional District suffered “astronomical” damage to its agricultural industry, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) told Fox News Digital this week while discussing how the region was impacted by Hurricane Helene, noting that the destruction was “like a bomb went off.” 

“You cannot imagine the amount of agricultural damage inland,” Cammack said, “as well as the aquaculture industry on the coast, in addition to what people are used to seeing in these storms, which is primary residential damage and commercial damage.”

Hurricane Milton hit Florida in October after Hurricane Helene slammed the state in September. 

Cammack indicated that Helene caused more damage to her district than Milton.

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“So, places like Alachua County, Columbia County and all the way up to the Florida-Georgia line, it looked like a bomb went off because so many structures collapsed … and sustained damage from the wind,” Cammack said.

She praised Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, calling his leadership “unmatched,” and described him as a “rock star when it comes to emergency response and handling these storms with a no-nonsense approach.” 

“There’s no politics when it comes to how Governor DeSantis handles these storms,” she said. “Where we run into problems is actually, of course, the federal level.” 

“USDA has been nonexistent in terms of the help or assistance that they have provided for agricultural producers,” the congresswoman stated. She said “the fact that we have major agricultural damage and little to no help from USDA, it’s been awful.” She added that “SBA has been a little better.”

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A photo of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath was provided to Fox News Digital by the office of Rep. Kat Cammack. (Office of Congresswoman Kat Cammack)

A USDA spokesperson called Cammack’s assertions false in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

“Unfortunately, the Congresswoman’s claims couldn’t be further from the truth,” the spokesperson said. “To make knowingly false, politically motivated claims in a time of need is unconscionable, since misinformation will only make it harder for us to help people and may prevent farmers from seeking the recovery assistance USDA can offer them.

“In close coordination with FEMA and other federal agencies, USDA has been a partner in the intensive, whole-of-government response underway after Hurricanes Milton and Helene,” the statement continued. “This week we announced initial indemnity payments to producers under hurricane and tropical storm crop insurance policies, including for farmers in Florida, to help their operations and communities recover. Through their local USDA office or online, farmers can also choose from a multitude of disaster programs designed for lost crops and livestock or damaged farmland—they can choose which program is right for them. As farmers submit more claims, the amount of assistance we provide will continue to increase. USDA staff live and work in virtually every county, and those staff have been working to provide farmers with every possible resource we can offer.

“These efforts are only a portion of USDA’s wide-ranging response, which includes also helping rural communities restore critical infrastructure like water and power, alleviating grocery expenses through expanded use of SNAP while people get back on their feet, and more,” the spokesperson concluded. “We know that some members want to see block grants for states, but the reality is that the power to fund and authorize block grants is up to Congress, not USDA, so Rep. Cammack should consider directing her plea to fellow lawmakers.”

REP. KAT CAMMACK: WE’RE LIVING IN THE AGE OF ‘ANGER-TAINMENT’ AND ‘VIRTUE-SIGNALING’

Rep. Kat Cammack speaks with Fox News Digital about the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Fox News Digital)

However, Cammack fired back at the federal agency.

“For the past five storms, Florida producers have repeatedly asked for strike teams from USDA to help producers navigate the disaster recovery programs, both on calls and in letters. USDA, with its workforce of nearly 100,000 employees, has not sent additional personnel to the disaster areas to support producers’ needs. The agency offered ‘virtual jump teams’ to assist producers, many of whom live in areas with insufficient broadband access to receive such support,” she said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“Further,” the lawmaker added, “in the aftermath of the storm, over 200 farmers and ranchers gathered to give me feedback about the USDA response post-storm. Not a single person had been assisted by the USDA — not one.” 

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“This Administration has shown a pattern of accusing citizens of spreading ‘misinformation’ when the narrative doesn’t support their agenda, instead of recognizing legitimate concerns from citizens petitioning their government. That is a shame. As a Representative, it is my duty to take my constituents’ concerns directly to the government, whether it is convenient for them or not. I will never hesitate to push the stagnant federal bureaucracy to support my constituents, whether at USDA or any other federal agency,” Cammack continued. 

“USDA should prioritize reacting and responding to producers’ concerns over preserving its public image. It is exceptionally telling that FOX News was able to get a response back from USDA quicker than my constituents have been able to under this Administration,” she concluded.

Cammack has served in the House since 2021 and is currently seeking re-election.

HOLLYWOOD – King Tides are making a return to South Florida for the next few days. When king tides hit, some streets are underwater in Hollywood’s Southlake neighborhood. 

“I used to drive a sports car but I had to switch to an SUV so I could get in and out of my house,” homeowner Doris Edelman said. 

Edelman, who has lived here for 50 years, told CBS News Miami while today’s not too bad, sometimes she’s stuck at home. 

“When the tide is high and the street is about 8 inches deep i’ts very difficult to get in and out of the street and sometime you can’t go out at all. You have to wait until the tide subsides,” she said.  

On Hollywood Beach, there’s some ponding water but many streets that normally flood remained clear. It was the same thing in the Las Olas Isles in Fort Lauderdale with a little water, but mostly clear streets. The city’s been raising seawalls and installing back flow valves to stop water from coming up through storm drains. 

In Fort Lauderdale, parking will be available for free at two locations through Tuesday: Riverwalk Center Garage and Las Olas Garage.

At Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables, Monday morning high tide overtook the parking lot. 

“It’s kind of crazy when it comes in everything starts flooding and it makes it a bit more difficult to get out,” Avery Blasdale said.

 She is a kite surfer, and winds and king tides can make the sport a bit more difficult. 

“It becomes a little dangerous,” Paula Ambrosio from Aventura Sports said. We are not able to operate businesses usually.  We have to put a stop on lessons. We’re not able to rent and do our business.”

As for what’s ahead, CBS Miami NEXT weather meteorologist Dave Warren said to expect stronger king tides Saturday.

“The highest tide you have the full moon cycle where each day the tide get a little higher, a little higher then it peaks. That highest tide is forecast to be Friday morning in Broward and Miami-Dade,” Warren said.  

This round of king tides is expected to last throughout the weekend.

If you’re in Florida and dealing with the aftermath of a disaster like Hurricane Milton, applying for disaster food stamps (also known as Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP) is a crucial step. Thankfully, applying for disaster food stamps online is simple and can make a world of difference when access to food is limited. Here’s what you need to know about how to apply for disaster food stamps online in Florida.

First, it’s important to know that the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) manages the D-SNAP program. The program provides temporary food assistance to people impacted by natural disasters like hurricanes. If you’re already enrolled in SNAP, your benefits might automatically adjust, but if you’re new to the system, you’ll need to apply separately.

To apply for disaster food stamps online, head over to the DCF’s ACCESS Florida website. This is the central hub for applying for food assistance, and it makes things easier with step-by-step guidance. You can start by creating an account on the ACCESS portal, where you’ll provide personal information, verify your identity, and list your household’s income and assets.

“Having a tool like the ACCESS Florida website to apply for disaster food stamps online saves a ton of time and allows families to focus on recovery,” says one disaster relief expert.

How to apply for disaster food stamps online

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, for example, certain counties in Florida have been approved to offer disaster food stamps to eligible households. Counties like Pasco, Pinellas, and Volusia, among others, are currently included. So if you live in one of these areas, you can check your eligibility and apply online quickly.

You’ll need to have some important details ready when you apply, like your current address, income, and social security number. You might also be asked about any damages or losses you’ve faced due to the disaster. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and if approved, you’ll receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works just like a debit card, making it easier to purchase groceries.

During emergencies, benefits like these can be a game-changer. You can even use disaster food stamps to buy hot foods, which is usually not allowed under normal SNAP rules. This special provision is in place to support families who might not have access to cooking facilities or electricity.

In short, applying for disaster food stamps online in Florida is an accessible and efficient way to get the help you need. Be sure to check the DCF’s ACCESS Florida website for updates and any deadlines for your county!