Florida Sends Team to Aid Kentucky Recovery

Florida has deployed a nine-member team to Kentucky to assist in the response to a series of deadly tornadoes that devastated parts of the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office announced Wednesday.

The team, which includes people from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Clay, St. Johns, and Flagler counties, is expected to be embedded in the Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center.

“Through this deployment, we’ll continue coordinating with our emergency management partners and work to fulfill requests for assistance.” Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said in a prepared statement. The team is anticipating a 14-day deployment. Dozens of people died in Kentucky and other states as tornadoes ripped through the middle part of the country late Friday.

Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis, visited with the team of first responders before they traveled to Kentucky.

"Madison, Mason, Mamie & I enjoyed the opportunity to send off a Florida Management Team to Kentucky. We are thankful for their sacrifice during the holiday season and are proud of Florida’s willingness to lend a helping hand. Their service embodies the true Christmas spirit!" stated Mrs. DeSantis.

The Floridian's Javier Manjarres contributed to this story.