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President Trump To Campaign In Panama City As Area Waits For Hurricane Funding

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.

Copyright 2019 WFSU

Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas. She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. When she’s not working, Lynn spends her time watching sci-fi and action movies, writing her own books, going on long walks through the woods, traveling and exploring antique stores. Follow Lynn Hatter on Twitter: @HatterLynn.