NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Today marks three years since Hurricane Michael hit our district. While the images of damage and chaos are still fresh in our minds, so are the random acts of kindness and resilience displayed in the last three years. We had neighbors from our state, as well as others, race to aid us in rebuilding. We had first responders bravely go above and beyond to protect their neighborhoods. We also saw a sense of community I haven’t experienced in a long time. Everyone was able to put aside differences and work together.
Hurricane Michael changed us for the better. We haven’t forgotten what we experienced, we haven’t forgotten those who helped us recover, and we have not forgotten what it means to be a good neighbor. I’ve watched our district help those around us through other natural disasters and each other throughout this pandemic.
Your actions, not just in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael but in the present day, are what makes me so proud to represent Florida’s Second Congressional District.
We are resilient and we are #850Strong. 
Port St. Joe after the storm. 
The front porch of the Port Inn in Port St. Joe 
Central Pentecostal Church in Lynn Haven 
The Port Inn in Port St. Joe 
Family Dollar in Lynn Haven 
The Sand Dollar Cafe in Port St. Joe 
The Mexico Beach Welcome Sign
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates for Veterans
Coronavirus Updates
This Week in the District
My Latest Op-Ed in the Sun Sentinel
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The Sun Sentinel recently published an opinion editorial I wrote about human-use Ivermectin and how important it is to use all available means to stop COVID-19. There have been several misunderstandings about the drug on both sides of the argument. I felt it was important to clear up those misunderstandings. You can read a copy of the article here. If you’re having trouble accessing the link, click here.
Speaking to Junior Leadership Bay
This past week, I had the privilege of speaking to Junior Leadership Bay, a Bay County Chamber program comprised of high school juniors. I enjoyed telling them about my role in Congress and what inspired me to run for office, as well as answering their questions. It was an honor to meet these students. They certainly have bright futures ahead of them. Thank you all for having me!
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Letter Regarding Fishery Relief Funds
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This past week, I sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Acting Director Shalanda Young regarding fishery relief funds dating back to Hurricane Michael that have yet to be released. President Donald Trump signed a bill in June 2019 including $150,000,000 for the fishing industry. Two years later, OMB has yet to release these funds. Our district has done an exceptional job recovering from Hurricane Michael; however, our fisheries need relief. You can view the full letter here.
Updates for Veterans
Do You Know Anyone In Afghanistan?
August 31st may have been the deadline to leave Afghanistan, but our work isn't done.
There are Americans and allies with pending Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) that have not been evacuated yet, and I will continue to work on their behalf.
If you have relatives, colleagues, friends, or loved ones currently in Afghanistan OR if you’re a veteran or service member in contact with an interpreter stuck in the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process, please reach out to my office so we can try as best as we can to get them to safety.
Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
Help is available. You are not alone.
The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) will host a virtual Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) mini resource summit on Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. via zoom. Discussion topics will include information on the NF/SGVHS Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program, Veterans Justice Outreach Program, the VA Caregiver Support Program, and Suicide Prevention will be provided. Additionally, information from community co-sponsors to include Peaceful Paths, the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Clinic at the University of Florida’s College of Law, and from the Three Rivers Legal Services will be presented. - To join the virtual event from your mobile device click here.
- When prompted to do so, enter the meeting ID: 816 6984 0995
- Then enter passcode: 678328
You may also join the virtual meeting by phone by dialing one of the following:
- 1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
- 1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
- 1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
- 1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
- 1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
- 1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
- Then enter meeting ID: 816 6984 0995# and Passcode: 678328
For updated information about the virtual mini resource summit or to learn more about the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS), please subscribe to receive updates via email, or connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VANFSG and on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/VANFSG/.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Call 800-273-8255
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated
Floridians 12 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for persons age 18 and up.
I encourage you to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. The State of Florida has partnered with Sharecare to provide an easy-to-use platform that will save your spot for your shot. Schedule your appointment here. Florida has many sites providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Use the vaccine finder to find a site near you. Supplies are limited and appointments may be required.
Monoclonal antibody treatments
Early monoclonal antibody treatment saves lives. Antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, monoclonal antibody therapy should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. Referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatment is available at no cost to patients.
If you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19, visit this link to find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatment. For more information about the treatments, click here.
Thank you for your continued energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. If you haven’t already, LIKE my Facebook page. You can also follow me on Twitter @DrNealDunnFL2. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
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