Their home was destroyed, and like many Americans, they turned to their insurance provider for relief — and were relieved when their $30,000 claim was quickly approved. But that relief quickly turned to frustration.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.

President Donald Trump proposed shifting disaster recovery responsibilities from FEMA to state governors, aiming to phase out FEMA after the current hurricane season. This plan raises questions about its local impacts. State Rep. Jenna Persons Mulicka expressed her anticipation for more details on the proposal.

State leaders say FEMA reform will cut red tape, but critics warn it could cripple Florida’s disaster response and leave vulnerable communities behind.

NOAA predicted an above average hurricane season with at least 3 major hurricanes. This as DHS Secretary Kristi Noem approved a request to keep over 2,000 FEMA employees who were set to leave after President Trump said he could do away with the department.

More than 78,000 flood claims were submitted in Florida during this period. In Southwest Florida, Charlotte County led with 4,885 claims, followed by Lee County with 4,344 and Collier with 1,063. Punta Gorda had the highest number of claims by city at 1,311, with Sanibel close behind at 1,175.

The Florida Public Radio Emergency Alert Network is introducing an AI-driven technology for transmitting government alerts and advisories via broadcast signals to its tool kit of public safety communications.

Lawmakers in Tallahassee got to this point following a protracted and bumpy session, during which legislative leaders clashed over spending levels and tax cuts.