TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida State Guard on Friday to help state agencies ahead of severe weather expected to arrive this weekend.
The State Guard — made up of civilian volunteers — was re-established last year to help provide a greater response to emergencies impacting the state.
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It was activated in August 2022 for the first time in over 75 years to further recovery efforts after Hurricane Idalia swept through Florida.
With heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast to punch through Central Florida starting Friday night, the State Guard will be ready to jump into action, according to DeSantis’ office.
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“The Florida State Guard plays an essential role in Florida’s preparation for and swift response to severe weather,” DeSantis said. “We thank them for their willingness to mobilize on short notice as we prepare for potential severe weather impacts this weekend.”
In a release, DeSantis’ office also announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management is preparing to tackle floods and instructing Florida residents to plan for flooding, strong gusts and isolated tornadoes.
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