TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the safe evacuation of 28 Floridians from Jamaica following the devastation of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.
At the Desantis’ direction, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) began operations on Friday, coordinating with local officials. The rescue flight landed safely at Tampa International Airport earlier on Saturday.
“Today’s operation brings stranded Floridians home in the wake of Hurricane Melissa,” said DeSantis, thanking emergency teams for their swift action.
FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie praised the “timely, coordinated response,” while Lt. Gov. Jay Collins welcomed evacuees at the airport, saying the mission reflected “the strength of our people.”
Melissa struck Jamaica on Tuesday as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with winds up to 185 mph — the strongest ever to hit the island.
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