Florida Gov. Rick Scott stopped in Jacksonville Tuesday to thank first responders for helping prepare the state for Tropical Storm Colin.
The governor also expressed concerns about all the rain from Colin creating mosquito breeding grounds.
Mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus like to breed in standing water.
Scott told reporters that just because the storm is over doesn’t mean Floridians shouldn’t be vigilant. He said homeowners should dump any standing water left over from Colin.
The governor again blasted Congress for failing to pass funding for Zika prevention.
Trending on ActionNewsJax.com:
- Officials confirm tornado touched down on Jacksonville's Westside
- MMA fighter Kimbo Slice dies at 42
- Sea lice popping up along Florida beaches
- Surveillance footage captures possible tornado on Westside
- White couple explains decision to give birth to black triplets, adopt black children
- Report: Family sues Panera over dangerous grilled cheese mix-up
“It’s really disappointing that Congress went on recess, went on vacation,” said Scott. “Zika is not going to go on recess, it’s not going to go on vacation.”
Last week, Scott wrote a letter to President Barack Obama requesting funding and a detailed plan that would address emergency funding.
We asked the governor if he’d authorize state reserve funds to fight the virus; he didn’t answer our question.
“The state’s always going to do the right thing, no different than what we did yesterday,” said Scott. “Whether it’s mosquito-borne, whether it’s the county health departments, or all the first responders, we’re going to do the right thing with regards to Zika.”
Cox Media Group
