Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that broader search and rescue operations are currently underway in areas of Florida that have been severely impacted by significant storm surge. The affected regions include various parts of the West Coast and the Big Bend area.
According to Governor DeSantis, rescue crews are diligently working to ensure that all individuals in the affected areas are accounted for. Despite the challenging conditions, officials have not received any reports of individuals being left behind. The governor expressed his satisfaction with the successful overnight rescue missions, emphasizing that many lives were saved as a result.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has deployed boat teams to Dixie and Taylor counties to actively conduct search and rescue operations. These counties are described as the epicenter of the storm's impact, requiring immediate attention and assistance.
Furthermore, an additional team comprising 72 staff members is en route to Taylor, Dixie, and Levy counties with shallow water boats to enhance the ongoing rescue efforts. The commission has also dispatched a boat team of 15 members to Franklin and Wakulla counties to assess the extent of storm damage.
In addition to these efforts, a 16-man team from the Florida State Guard is en route to Pinellas County to provide support and assistance with search and rescue operations in the area.
Governor DeSantis commended the collaborative efforts of local, state, and combined rescue operations, highlighting that all individuals who reached out for help via 911 were successfully located and brought to safety. The governor's update underscores the commitment of emergency response teams to prioritize the well-being and safety of all residents affected by the storm surge in Florida.
