As Hurricane Isaias Threatens Florida, Sen. Ashley Moody Must Answer for FEMA Cuts and Disaster Preparedness Failures

Florida survivors question Moody's response to federal disaster cuts, disrupted mitigation funding and delays that leave families vulnerable to the next storm

FLORIDA — As Hurricane Isaias approaches the Florida Panhandle, Senator Ashley Moody faces a critical test of her leadership. FEMA's reduced workforce, disrupted disaster mitigation funding and persistent delays in flood protection have raised urgent questions about whether Florida is prepared for another major hurricane, and what Moody has done to confront those risks.

Since 2005, the share of owner-occupied homes with no property insurance in Florida has more than doubled, from 7.4% to 19.4% in 2023. 8 in 9 Escambia homes, a county likely to suffer severe damages in the wake of Hurricane Isaias, carry no flood insurance. And Florida lost $292 million in mitigation funding when the BRIC program was cut. In this context, Floridians are asking if Senator Moody has really done everything possible to make us safer and more prepared for a major storm like Isaias.

The following statement can be attributed to Victricia Simmons, Executive Director of Florida Rising: 

"Senator Ashley Moody cannot claim victory on disaster recovery while leaving unanswered questions about Florida's readiness for the next hurricane.

"FEMA has lost experienced personnel. Critical mitigation funding has been disrupted. Florida homeowners are still waiting for help protecting their homes from flooding. And now another hurricane is approaching.

"Where is Senator Moody's urgency? Where are her demands for accountability? And what has she done to ensure these federal decisions don't leave Florida families paying the price?

Floridians deserve a senator who will demand answers about FEMA's capacity, fight to restore access to mitigation funding and insist that disaster preparedness comes before political loyalty.

"Hurricanes are inevitable. Government failures are not. Senator Moody has a responsibility to put Florida families first, challenge decisions that threaten their safety and ensure the federal government is ready when disaster strikes.

"Florida families shouldn't have to lose everything before their senator makes disaster preparedness a priority."

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