President Donald Trump’s is planning a campaign visit to Panama City. The Panama City News Herald reports emails show the city recently signed off on the event. It will be the President’s first time in the area following a tour of the damage after Hurricane Michael.
Trump’s last political rally in the area was in October 2016.
His visit comes amid frustration over failed congressional efforts to pass a federal disaster aid bill following the Category five storm, one of the strongest to ever strike the United States.
The president has opposed a disaster package because it would also extend more money to Puerto Rico.
More federal aid is tricking into hurricane-struck North Florida from the federal emergency management agency, FEMA, yet local officials remain concerned with the pace of recovery. A Panama City delegation met with members of congress and federal agencies Monday.
"Housing is our biggest concern," Panama City Mayor Greg Brudniki explained in a youtube video posted ahead of the trip. "There’ve been 14,000 change of addresses. 100,000 people signed up for FEMA, and only 1,000 trailers were granted.”
The damage from Michael has been estimated at $25 billion.
The President's rally is set for May 8 at Aaron Bessant Park.
