Eye of the Storm - Action Alert, August 4, 2025
- beachesactivistmov
- Aug 10
- 4 min read
Eye of the Storm: Be Prepared?
FL Senator Rick Scott is very concerned about our preparations for the 2025 hurricane season. Despite a slow start, forecasters are warning that the worst is yet to come. Scott has reason to worry.
In his newsletters and on his website, Scott touts the state's resilience and offers a seasonal guide, complete with a video featuring the Weather Channel's Jim Cantore. His most recent constituent email lauds the state's new law --- effective August 1st --- that permanently eliminates sales tax on "hurricane list essentials." Buy your bottled water and batteries tax-free!
Conspicuously absent, however, is any mention of his complicity in the administration's efforts to kneecap critical governmental agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that are key to providing information on storms and responding to their aftermath. The administration plans to entirely dismantle FEMA by January 2026, leaving states responsible for storm recovery. Additionally, the agency recently announced plans to spend funds for the construction of immigrant detention sites, like Florida's internment camp in the Everglades, which has its own set of hurricane preparedness issues. Piling on, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced efforts to walk back its recognition and regulations to manage climate change, a primary contributor to recent increases in extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, in Florida, the state legislature --- which voted to eliminate the sales tax on essential hurricane items --- has yet to effectively address the state's property insurance crisis and mysteriously dropped its investigation of shady actions by property insurance companies. Then there's SB 180. But WE need to be prepared! Act now to push back on this hypocrisy:
Demand action to protect FEMA from elimination, and restore full funding and staffing for federal agencies responsible for weather forecasting and climate research. Let Sen. Scott know hurricane preparedness requires more than bottled water and batteries. Click here for a cut & paste message.
Tell Gov. DeSantis (850.717.9337) to close the Everglades immigrant detention site immediately. The state has no business diverting emergency management funds to support Trump's cruel and inhumane mass deportation program. The state cannot guarantee the safety of immigrants at this facility if a hurricane hits South Florida.
Submit comments by Thursday, August 7th, opposing the EPA's proposal to weaken carbon pollution standards, which will contribute to climate change and endanger the health of millions of Americans.
Get the facts on how cuts to NOAA and FEMA are putting Florida communities at risk and what we can do about it by participating in this ZOOM discussion sponsored by the CLEO Institute on Wednesday, August 6th at 11 a.m. The virtual meeting will feature John Morales, South Florida’s longest-serving broadcast meteorologist and hurricane expert, and Dr. Neha Pathak, a medical doctor specializing in environmental health.
Town Hall Features Yarborough & Michael
Beaches Watch will host a Town Hall with Florida State Senator Clay Yarborough and State Rep. Kiyan Michael on Thursday, August 7th, at 7 p.m. at the Beaches Library. The two lawmakers represent the Beaches in the state legislature. For a useful snapshot of how Yarborough and Michael voted on some of the key bills considered during the 2025 session, check out this summary by legislative watchdog Rachel Grage. A reminder to park in the north parking lot and enter through the NORTH library entrance.
Indivisible Leaders To Discuss State Strategy
Join FL Indivisibles for a conversation with national leaders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg on Monday, August 18, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. The two co-founders and co-executive directors will respond to questions submitted by members across the state. Please submit your questions here by Friday, August 8th. Following the session, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. you are invited to stay on the call for a facilitated discussion of state strategies for pushing back on the Trump/DeSantis/MAGA agenda. RSVP for the ZOOM call here.
Help Re-enroll Voters in VBM!
As of January 1st, more than 1.2 million Democrats have been removed from Florida’s Vote-by-Mail rolls as a result of a new state law requiring voters who wish to vote by mail to re-submit their VBM request for every election cycle. Next weekend (August 9 - 10th), the FL Democratic Party is hosting a two-day phone bank to contact voters who had a mail ballot in 2024 but haven’t yet re-enrolled—helping them take the steps to stay on track for future elections. Voters who participate in mail-in voting consistently have higher turnout rates compared to other voters. Register here to participate from your home on a day and time convenient for you! The 2026 mid-term elections are 486 days away!
Order Your BAM T-Shirt Now!
New BAM t-shirts are here! Email us and we'll send you information on sizes, payment options and delivery. What better way to show your support for the movement and to let people know progressives are alive and well, and RESISTING at the Beach. Get yours for a donation of $25.
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