Bryan Avila, Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds' running mate, who is an Army National Guard Member, stepped off the campaign trail Tuesday to help with the response to Tropical Storm Isaias, which is expected to make landfall along the Florida-Alabama border.
Avila previously helped with hurricanes Ian, Milton, and Dorian.
Avila resigned from his Miami Springs senatorial seat in August to become Representative Donalds' running mate in the governor's race, ending a 12-year run in the Legislature.
In 2016, Avila joined the Florida National Guard, and now holds the rank of Captain.
The Florida National Guard was activated Tuesday, when Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency over several counties across Florida, including Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla, and Washington.
“Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9. This order will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to stage critical preparedness resources and ensure Florida is ready to respond,” DeSantis said in a press release announcing the state of emergency.
Latest predictions show Isaias strengthening to a Category 2 hurricane and making landfall by Friday.
"Impacts are expected to extend beyond the point of landfall, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding and isolated tornadoes possible across North Florida. Additional precipitation could further saturate soils and increase the potential for flash flooding following the state’s recent significant rainfall," the press release informed. "The Governor and the Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT) are taking precautions now to ensure Florida remains prepared for potential impacts."
"Proud of my running mate. @BryanAvilaFL puts service to Floridians above all else, and that’s why he’ll be an incredible Lieutenant Governor," Donalds wrote in an X post commending Avila.
