Photo courtesy Rep. Buchanan's office: Vern Buchanan surveys Manatee storm damage.

Sarasota took a 130-mph punch to the chin when Hurricane Milton made landfall just off Siesta Key on Wednesday. Now, the region’s federal representatives must advocate for relief while acting as a watchdog on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s activities in the area.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, received an aerial tour of the region two days after the storm hit, and saw the impacts of storm surge and heavy winds in Sarasota and Manatee counties. That’s especially hard after feeling indirect but potent effects from Hurricanes Debby and Helene mere weeks ago.

“It is truly devastating to see homes in such disrepair, knocked on their sides, roofs ripped off and sand and debris everywhere,” Buchanan said in a statement. “While power is out for much of the area, many are also still without running water. It is clear that it will take a considerable amount of time and federal resources before our area and residents can fully recover.”

That’s for a storm most officials concede turned out better than expected. Milton appeared on track to deliver Category 4 winds into Tampa Bay, a recipe for disaster long called Florida’s “worst case” storm scenario. Instead, the region saw storm surge below forecast levels and mere Cat 3 winds.

But there’s still plenty of work to do, and locals don’t want to wait forever. That’s why President Joe Biden wants Congress back in Washington, weeks before an election, to approve additional funding for FEMA to address the recent storms.

Buchanan said he’s willing to go back. “If it becomes clear that more funding is urgently needed for FEMA as we continue to assess the full damage to our state and region, the Congressman would absolutely support Congress reconvening to immediately pass a disaster supplemental package,” a Buchanan spokesperson told SRQ.

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, hasn’t responded directly to a similar inquiry, but has intoned in press briefings that he wants Congress to take further action. He’d like the Senate to pass his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which already cleared the House. At a Charlotte County press conference, he and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Naples, said the Senate should take up the bill.

“We call on Chuck Schumer to bring that bill up for a vote,” Steube said, putting an onus on the Senate’s Democratic Majority Leader. “It doesn’t just affect Floridians, it affects every American that was affected by a natural disaster since 2020 – from Hurricane Ian to Helene. Americans all across the country deserve tax relief and we’re hoping to get that through the Senate soon.”

The comments came before Milton hit, but those victims would benefit too. Scott sponsored the bill’s Senate version, and he wants Schumer bringing Senators into Session to take action on that and FEMA funding. He also has demanded Schumer act.

But Schumer isn’t even the most vocal opponent to bringing Congress back to Washington. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, publicly said FEMA votes can wait until after the election, and estimates on damage may take that long anyway.

Steube and Buchanan both seem reluctant to strong arm Johnson. That’s the nature of politics. House Democrats are the ones trying the shame Johnson to action. One hopes Buchanan and Steube are offering carrots to Johnson as Scott takes a stick to Schumer. But only the latter warrants press releases in the divisive world of federal politics.

It would be nice if voters, especially in times like this, would urge proactive action from lawmakers instead of just rewarding combativeness. But whichever tactic ensures the funding Sarasota-Manatee needs now will surely be appreciated no matter what.

Jacob Ogles is contributing senior editor for SRQ MEDIA.

Photo courtesy Rep. Buchanan's office: Vern Buchanan surveys Manatee storm damage.