MIAMI – With the number of Zika virus cases growing, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he wants to spend at least $8 million this year on mosquito control efforts.
Gimenez asked Gov. Rick Scott to reimburse Miami-Dade $6 million for aerial and ground spraying. And while Scott authorized $26.2 million to combat Zika, Miami-Dade has only received about $316,000.
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In response to Gimenez's request, Lauren Schenone, Scott's press secretary, said in an e-mail Saturday that he wants to "ensure Miami-Dade County has all of the resources they need." But she didn't specify how or when.
Gimenez has already spent about $6 million when the budget only allowed for $1.8 million
Gimenez also asked Scott to for an "economic recovery package" to help Miami's Wynwood business sector recover from the effects of the "Zika Zone" fears.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent Scott about $9 million to fight Zika. And President Barack Obama's administration reallocated $81 million for vaccine research, as they wait for Congress to approve a $1.1 billion emergency aid package.
