Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday sent a formal request to the U.S. Department of Commerce seeking assistance for the fishing industry after last week’s Hurricane Idalia.
Without putting a dollar figure on the potential damage, DeSantis said in a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo that the commercial and residential fishing communities in North Florida’s Big Bend region were “greatly affected” by the Category 3 hurricane.
“Florida’s Big Bend is an important cornerstone of the state’s fishery,” DeSantis said in the letter. “This region includes over 600 fishermen, 160 fishery wholesalers and retailers, 240 aquaculture shellfish farmers, and 450 for-hire charter captains, all of which play important commercial fishery roles.”
In the news: Florida Gov. DeSantis To Seek Aid For Fishing Industry
A news release from the governor’s office said Idalia, in part, caused boat facilities to be lost and halted commercial and charter fishing operations.
“Additionally, tourism for fishing in the area will be impacted while the community rebuilds,” the news release said.
Idalia made landfall Aug. 30 in the Keaton Beach area of Taylor County after coming up the Gulf of Mexico.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps