LAKE PLACID, Fla. — Residents of this small Florida community at the center of a scandal in which FEMA relief workers passed by the homes of Trump supporters survived two hurricanes and were hit by a tornado. said he had never met a federal employee.
But on Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency went all out, going door-to-door to make sure everyone had what they needed.
Lake Placid, a community of 2,360 people about 135 miles east of Sarasota, suffered minor damage from hurricanes Milton and Helen, but at least one tornado struck the area last month. The homes in Tropical Harbor Estates (mobile homes over 55 years old) were completely destroyed. neighborhood.
Approximately 30 houses were seriously damaged and one person was injured.
“I hadn't heard anything from FEMA until this week,” said Stu Randall, who had a Trump sign posted in his front yard.
“I wondered where they were, and there was no major damage, but I wanted them to at least visit.''
He stopped short of blaming politics for the agency's no-show, but reiterated: “They should have been here by now.”
FEMA has been embroiled in controversy since discriminatory practices came to light, resulting in the firing of Supervisor Marni Washington.
She later said on a podcast that the agency's practice of avoiding “hostile” housing in recovery efforts is not only commonplace, but “outrageous.”
A FEMA official told the Post that Washington's claims are consistent with what she understands to be the agency's unofficial practice of avoiding the homes of Trump supporters and majority-white neighborhoods in the name of DEI. He said that this has been the case for many years.
Lake Placid is 47% white and 42% Hispanic.
Highlands County, where Lake Placid is located, voted 70% for Trump in the election.
Republican lawmakers whose states were affected by Hurricanes Helen and Milton have vowed to open an investigation to determine whether the agency was playing favorites based on politics.
The Highlands County Emergency Management Agency told the Post that about 50 homeowners have contacted them to say their homes have been surrendered after a series of recent storms.
Following news of Washington's layoffs and allegations that the agency was not providing fair assistance, inspectors were sent on Wednesday to re-tour the area and go door-to-door. Residents were asked if there was any damage.
Homeowners who have posted Trump stickers or American flags told the Post they had not heard from authorities until this week and were unaware of any controversy.
They all thought they were being ignored because other regions were being hit harder.
One Harris supporter said he too had been ignored, while a homeowner who identified himself as nonpartisan said he was contacted by FEMA in mid-October, just days after the tornado struck.
Homeowner Mary Fagnan said she was visited by FEMA but was not eligible for assistance because her primary residence is in Buffalo, New York.
However, she was furious about the scandal.
“There are a lot of people here who really need help, and it shouldn't matter who they voted for,” she says.
FEMA inspectors themselves, visibly shaken in the aftermath of the riot, told the Post they were not allowed to comment but were just there to do their job.
“They put me here, I'm doing it, and now I'm the bad guy,” he said, admitting his anger at the agency's preferential treatment.
“This is not my fault. I don't mean to disrespect anyone who voted. I'm just here to investigate the damage and help people. So if we're all like that… Don't make it seem like I don't care who they voted for. People have lost everything and I'm just here to help.” he said.
Another FEMA field inspector said he had never seen a memo about passing through the homes of Trump supporters.
“They sent me to work in the area and that's what I'm doing. I've been here since Monday and everyone has been very nice,” he said.
Town officials were appalled by the allegations against FEMA.
“When I first heard about it, I was like, 'Wait, what?'” It's hard to believe that people wouldn't help people in need because of who they supported for president. I…I didn’t understand it,” Lake Placid Town Administrator Charlette Rodriguez told the Post.
“I'm very disappointed. But that's not who we are as a community. We're tolerant of each other's differences and each other's politics. We're a small community, but we support each other and we're kind and hospitable. We are united by this,” she said.
“So I had no idea that FEMA was biased in whatever they were doing. I had no idea… People with opposing views are not the enemy. They are They are our neighbors and family, and we should have the privilege of serving them.”
Lake Placid Mayor John Holbrook also said he knew nothing about the smoldering controversy.
“We are a Republican area, but there are a lot of people who voted for Harris. I don't care who voted for whom, we are all entitled to the same things. This is a disaster and “It shouldn't be a partisan thing.”
“I sincerely hope that everyone who did this should be punished. There should be zero tolerance for this.”
