(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Brown made the following statement:

"My heart goes out to the families who have lost their homes and property during this tragedy.  This is a trying time for the people of Central Florida, and my thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering and recuperating from the storm.

I want to thank everyone who has been working day and night to assist the storm victims.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been doing a quality job in this endeavor.  FEMA, along with local Florida Emergency Management officials, has been working hard to conduct search and rescue operations, and provide logistical support on the ground to those in need.  My Washington office has been in close contact with FEMA and is closely monitoring the federal response to this tragic storm," said the Congresswoman.

Congresswoman Brown will be in Volusia County today to visit the State Emergency Response Center in Daytona Beach, and conduct meetings with FEMA representatives to discuss ways to combat the damage caused by the recent storms and flooding in the Volusia County area, and estimate potential FEMA monetary assistance.

The Congresswoman continued: "my congressional offices will continue to work in close coordination with FEMA, the governor's office, and local officials to continue to move forward in the recovery effort and to get assistance to the people of Volusia County as soon as possible."

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STORM TIMELINE FACT SHEET:

As of Wednesday, May 20th, 12 inches of rain had fallen in two days; and a tornado touched down as streets and schools in Volusia County were flooded.

On Friday May 22nd, Governor Crist declared a state of emergency for Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Putnam, Seminole, Brevard and Volusia counties due to the severe weather and flooding.  He also spoke with FEMA director Craig Fugate regarding the situation.

Late at night, on Sunday, May 24th – one full week after the torrential rain had begun - during the Memorial Day weekend, Governor Crist (via Major Phil May, regional administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency) requested the declaration of federal aid from President Barack Obama.  By the time the federal aid was requested, as much as 21 inches of rain had already drenched the entire area, causing an estimated $55.1 million in losses and damaging 1,500 structures.

In discussions Congresswoman Brown had with FEMA officials, she was told that the request was not received until late Sunday night.  Once received, it was expedited to the highest levels, and routed immediately to the Department of Homeland Security and to President Obama’s office.  The Congresswoman was assured by federal officials that a decision would be forthcoming this week.  Furthermore, although officials are processing the Governor’s request, because it was submitted only on behalf of Volusia County, FEMA has gone ahead and put its emergency teams on the ground to evaluate and assess the needs of other counties that may be in need of federal assistance as well.