Today I authored a letter to Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank requesting a federal fisheries disaster declaration for oyster harvesting operations in Apalachicola Bay and the surrounding region. I am committed to providing our oystermen with the resources to assess the causes of the steep decline in North Florida’s oyster population and identify how best to secure a long term recovery.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Ambassador Stevens and the three other Americans who were killed as part of an unwarranted attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya. This is an attack on freedom and, in response, we must come together as Americans and display a resolve that makes clear that we won’t accept an attack on Americans abroad.

On the 11th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we remember those whose lives were lost and honor the first responders who gave their lives in an effort to keep their neighbors safe. Let us never forget the sense of unity that bound us as Americans in the days and weeks after the attacks.

With the August jobs report released, we see yet again that the economic policies of the President are not working. 43 consecutive month of 8% or higher unemployment. More Americans are out of the labor force, not seeking work. We must continue fighting for pro-growth policies on Main Street and not in Washington.

My thanks again to 60 Plus for awarding me their “Guardian of Seniors Rights Award.” Please take a moment to check out the presentation with Jim Martin, the Chairman of 60 Plus.

While the federal government begins its preliminary damage assessments, Governor Rick Scott announced the activation of Florida’s disaster fund to help Floridians recover from two recent storms. Please click below for more information.

NOAA Fisheries today announced that, after a nearly 1,000-day closure, it will reopen the red snapper season in the South Atlantic for two weekends in September. Click below to read my response, and please let me know your thoughts.

Although it appears that Isaac will spare Florida's Second Congressional District a direct hit, let us keep in our thoughts and prayers the families that are in harm's way. Also, to assist our coastal communities, I have included the emergency contact information for the local counties most likely to be impacted by the storm. We are here to serve you if you have any concerns. Stay safe and God bless.

Check out my op-ed in today's News Herald coinciding with our fisheries field hearing.