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Dear Neighbor,

Unfortunately, parts of our community continue to experience significant hardship stemming from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  Many interior communities along rivers and near lakes are continuing to face ongoing flooding.  My team and I have been out to visit these neighborhoods, have offered assistance with federal resources and have engaged local, state and federal leaders to provide a coordinated response.   This local news story highlights conditions in Ridge Manor (eastern Hernando).  My staff spent several hours last week helping impacted Ridge Manor residents apply for federal assistance.   We will have staff members at the Ridge Manor Community Center again this week to help those who are struggling.  Additionally, my team provided direct assistance in Crystal River last week and another outreach assistance day is scheduled in Crystal River this Tuesday. 

My offices in Brooksville, New Port Richey and Inverness are also open daily and anyone needing assistance can call my office at 727-232-2921. 

As you drive through our community, you can’t miss the piles of debris and trash that have been rotting along roadways and in driveways for weeks. Local governments have done their best to remove the debris as quickly as they are able under current guidelines, but we need to remove those restrictions so that we can get these obstructive hazards cleaned up immediately. I recently spearheaded a bipartisan delegation letter and will keep pushing federal agencies to be as flexible as possible so that we can focus on rebuilding and supporting those who are suffering.  Click here to learn more about my efforts.  Please be assured that I will continue working to help all of our neighbors who are struggling and will not rest until we fully recover!

On a personal note, my wife, Eva, and I are thrilled to welcome our first grandchild, Melina Eva Bilirakis, to the family.  Congratulations to our son, Teddy and his wonderful wife, Yaima.  I am a very proud Papou!   

My father also got to hold his first great grandchild last week.  There are some moments that will be etched in your heart forever.  For our family, this is one. 


Please continue reading for a brief update on my efforts on your behalf last week. 

Making Washington Work for You:  One of my top priorities in Congress is to ensure Veterans get the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.  As one part of achieving that goal, I recently filed legislation to improve the timeliness and ability for the Board of Veterans' Appeals to process claims.   Click here to learn more about my bill.   

Demanding Accountability:  Last week, the Task Force On The Attempted Assassination of Donald. J. Trump released its interim report.  This bipartisan staff report focuses on evidence from the initial phase of the Task Force's investigation which concentrated on the state and local law enforcement partners who assisted Secret Service at the rally. The report reveals that according to local law enforcement partners, the Secret Service failed to fulfill its primary protective mission due to how the agency: conducted advance planning, defined the secure perimeter, controlled the high ground, mitigated sight lines, established lines of communication, and deployed critical assets.  I will continue to demand accountability for this failure and push for enhanced protection for Presidential candidates.  There is no place in our society for political violence. 

Learning from You:  I enjoyed speaking with Brooksville residents at this year’s Founders Day celebration.  Brooksville has managed to grow into a thriving city while keeping its neighborly charm.  I was especially proud to see all the support within the community for those who are struggling to recover from recent hurricanes.    


I also enjoyed stopping by the Citrus County Boys & Girls Club to learn more about the exciting programs they offer to at-risk youth within our community. 

As part of Manufacturing Month, Mayor Bob Plaisted and I toured a local small business, Inverness Rural King, to learn more about the needs of our local manufacturing industry.  

I also had a wonderful time at last week’s Citrus County Chamber of Commerce Business Appreciation Month BBQ, with proceeds being dedicated to helping hurricane recovery efforts.  This community is such a special place, especially in times of trouble.  I am confident that we will emerge stronger than ever!

Additionally, I had the privilege of speaking with local leaders of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) about their legislative priorities to improve care and benefits for Veterans and their families.  They can be sure I will continue fighting on their behalf.

And, I learned a great deal while visiting Breshear Pharmacy, an independent community pharmacy in Lecanto.  The recent closures of pharmacies in Citrus County continues to strain the system, which is an issue I am continuing to work on. 

Helping Veterans in Need:   If you know a Veteran in need of dental care, please have them contact my office at 727-232-2921 to register for this upcoming event.

Community Connection

I am fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff who regularly attend events throughout our community, especially when I am required to be in Washington, DC. Through their collective efforts, I am better able to stay connected to the issues that matter most to my constituents. As part of my commitment to developing a better understanding of the issues facing constituents in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, members of my team attended several events last week. Here are a few highlights.

My team attended the Nature Coast Business Professionals October meeting to learn about the impact of recent hurricanes on local small businesses throughout our community and to offer assistance.  

My team also met with a local Veteran about the Crystal River's Disabled Veterans of America's need for a new facility.  The space they were renting for $1 per year from the city was severely damaged.  Our team will work to support them in this endeavor.  

Additionally, my team was inspired by the local support of volunteers who were using airboats to provide hot meals to flooded residents in Ridge Manor.  It is wonderful to see people coming together to support one another during this difficult time.  

Constituent Corner

My team recently received this note after helping resolve a VA issue. 

I am happy to report that my outstanding VA appeal for 100% retroactive payments were finally approved several months ago.  I was unable to share the good news with you at the time because of my hospitalization.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you  in particular for all of your help in bringing a ten year appeal odyssey to a satisfactory conclusion.  Please convey my gratitude to Representative Bilirakis for me for his dedication to helping veterans receive the benefits they have earned.  

This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you!

Sincerely,

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress