Storyline: The ongoing federal government shutdown in the U.S. has posed concerns about natural disaster preparedness in Florida, as the state enters what has historically been the most active period of hurricane season. Florida endured one of its most destructive hurricane seasons just last year and now watches as federal agencies responsible for weather forecasting and disaster response operate with reduced capacity. The memory of 2024's Hurricane Helene, which caused catastrophic damage across the region, followed by the powerful Hurricane Milton, remains fresh in residents' minds as they prepare for potential new storms. Amid the shutdown, essential agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remain open but increasingly strained. NOAA currently employs fewer than 4,000 staff, its smallest workforce in decades, with remaining employees working without pay. While FEMA maintains essential emergency functions, broader preparedness and recovery programs have been limited, potentially delaying help when communities need it most. For some Florida residents, the situation has caused significant anxiety. "I'm very concerned about the shutdown. I've seen a lot of flooding while I was driving around, and that was scary enough. So yes, I am very concerned about a hurricane in general," said resident Toni Jessop. Others said they continue to feel good about the government's capacity to respond to a disaster. "I do feel good about it. This current government seems to like Florida, so I know that they keep us in their hearts and in their minds. I've lived here for eight years, and I've always had good response from the government," resident Lin Joy said. Toni Giulino, also a resident, expressed deep disappointment in the political gridlock that led to the shutdown. "I'm ashamed of the government for allowing this to happen," he said. Meanwhile, Floridians continue to watch for signs of tropical storm formation in the Atlantic, which U.S. media reports could occur as early as this week. Shotlist: FILE: Miami, Florida, USA - May 2025: 1. U.S. national flag FILE: Miami, Florida, USA - July 2025: 2. Various of Hideaway Bay (motel-turned-shelter), palm trees FILE: St. Lucie County, Florida, USA – Oct 12, 2024: 3. Various of debris, damaged house, furniture after hurricane Miami Beachm, Florida, USA – Recent: 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Toni Jessop, local resident (starting with shot 3): "I'm very concerned about the shutdown. I've seen a lot of flooding while I was driving around, and that was scary enough. So yes, I am very concerned about a hurricane in general." 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Lin Joy, local resident (with reporter asking question): (Reporter:"How do you feel about storm preparedness and the ability of the government to respond to a major emergency during this current government shutdown?") "I do feel good about it. This current government seems to like Florida, so I know that they keep us in their hearts and in their minds. I've lived here for eight years, and I've always had good response from the government." 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Toni Giulino, local resident (with reporter asking question) (partially overlaid with shot 7): "I'm ashamed of the government for allowing this to happen." (Reporter:"Do you think we are prepared for a major disaster?") "I hope so, but I fear we are not." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] FILE: Keaton Beach, Florida, USA - Sept 28, 2024: 7. Various of destroyed homes, rubble [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 8. Various of destroyed homes, rubble 9. Helicopter hovering 10. Rubble-clearing vehicle running in community 11. Sheriff's vehicle running in community 12. Various of destroyed houses, rubble; sign showing "Keaton Beach" "Dead End" FILE: Miami, Florida, USA - July 2025: 13. Various of homeless people sitting by roadside with their belongings 14. Building, traffic FILE: Washington D.C., USA - October 2024: 15. Various of White House 16. Various of Capitol Hill, U.S. national flag. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]