McCain Talks Emergency Preparedness in Florida
(WINTER PARK, FLA.) - John McCain added a last-minute stop to visit a emergency operations center today in Orlando - in the heart of the battleground state of Florida - hours after he canceled a fundraiser in Miami due to Tropical Storm Fay.
The storm continues to grow as it travels off the coast of southern Florida and could build up to hurricane strength.
Along with Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., and Mel Martinez, R-Fla., McCain was briefed in Orlando by Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty and Orange County Administrator Ajit Lalchandan and other local emergency personnel.
"We hope and pray that this storm will not cause any significant damage nor in fact do anything that would disrupt the lives, and particularly all of the many hundreds of thousands of visitors who visit here on a regular basis," McCain said.
He joked, "I have asked for the mayor to give me some of my money back from my family's visits here in the past, but uh..."
"I hope that this storm does not turn into a hurricane, and if it does, that the damage is minimal. But I don't think there could be better preparations than there are thanks to the leadership of the mayor, chiefs, all of the emergency personnel, including an army of volunteers who stand ready to serve and help the people of Orange County."