FLORIDA LEADS THE WAY! Florida’s Israel Rescue Operation Update (re-post)

Originally seen on Hot Air but took the story from Space Coast Daily.

Gov. Ron DeSantis Issues Update on Israel Rescue Operation, Nearly 700 Americans Flown Back to Florida from Israel

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis issued updates on the State of Florida’s Israel Rescue Operation. As of today, nearly 700 Americans have been flown back to Florida on four flights and received supportive resources made available by several Florida state agencies and volunteer organizations.

A Multi Agency Resource Center (MARC) was established at the Tampa International Airport to receive passengers returning to the United States from Israel, and the MARC supported all identified unmet needs and coordinated state resources and nonprofit support.

Additionally, two cargo planes carrying 85 pallets of donated supplies have arrived in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

These goods were requested by hospitals and other government agencies in Israel and were sent through the collaboration of Florida hospitals, local communities, the Agency for Health Care Administration, Florida Division of Emergency Management and various Israeli partners.

On October 10, 2023, Governor DeSantis announced a legislative proposal to strengthen sanctions on Iran to ensure Florida does not do business with companies aligned with Iran that could in turn fund Hamas and other terrorist groups.

On October 12, 2023, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-208 allowing the State of Florida to carry out logistical, rescue and evacuation operations for Florida residents seeking transportation back to Florida and provide necessary law enforcement support for Jewish communities in Florida.

On October 20, 2023, Governor DeSantis worked with legislative leaders who formally called a Special Session of the Florida Legislature to address the Governor’s Iran sanctions-related proposal and which will also include additional resources for Hurricane Idalia relief, lowering the costs of homeowners’ insurance, increasing access to school choice for students with unique abilities and additional protections for Florida’s Jewish communities. The Special Session will convene at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, and will extend no later than 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 9.

Logistical Rescue Operations Support:

• The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) worked with Project Dynamo to identify U.S. citizens in Israel who needed transportation home to Florida.
• FDEM is working to collect donations of supplies to send to Israel, including 85 pallets of bandages, hospital gowns, IV kits, needles and syringes, ventilators and comfort items for children.
• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) provided 24-hour ground field personnel to support ongoing preparation efforts for incoming flights and the processing of passengers through U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and USDA inspections, and FDOT and the Department of Children and Families established an offsite Family Reunification Center.
• FDOT deployed staff from Tallahassee to Tampa to coordinate and receive 270 passengers late Sunday, October 15, 47 new passengers who arrived the morning of Wednesday, October 18, an additional 243 passengers in the early hours of Thursday, October 19, and 118 passengers early Monday, October 23. FDEM and FDOT also coordinated with Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a flight of seven passengers to Orlando on October 15 and other individual commercial flights.
• The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has provided full licensing services to over 30 returning Floridians through the Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) vehicle.
• The Florida Division of Law Enforcement (FLDE) assisted with the coordination of incoming flights from Israel, providing logistical and operational information including takeoff and landing locations.

Public Safety:

• Since October 8, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Quick Reaction Force (QRF) troopers and nearly 100 FDLE agents and crime intelligence analysts have worked daily – nearly statewide from Miami-Dade to Escambia counties – to support public safety following the Hamas attacks, including safeguarding synagogues, Jewish Day Schools and Florida’s sizable Jewish community by monitoring events and investigating suspicious activity reports.
• All sworn FHP members were provided information concerning House Bill (HB) 269 – Public Nuisances for situational awareness regarding public demonstrations related to the attacks on Israel.
• On October 9, 2023, State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues and Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz sent a memorandum to all 12 state universities and 28 state colleges detailing Florida’s statutory requirements for the protection of Jewish people, including students, from threats, harassment and other antisemitic behaviors.
• On October 9, Attorney General Ashley Moody, FHP Executive Director Dave Kerner and FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass sent a joint letter to sheriffs and state attorneys detailing Florida’s statutory requirements for the protection of Jewish people from threats, harassment and other antisemitic behaviors.
• On October 12, Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass, FHP Executive Director Dave Kerner and other state leaders conducted a briefing call with Florida Sheriffs from around the state.
• On October 13, State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues conducted a call with the 12 state university presidents to discuss campus security and any incidents that may warrant formal investigations.