FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Sierra Dean, External Affairs Director
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, the Florida State Guard (FSG) thanks Governor DeSantis for his steadfast support in securing critical funding to enhance Florida's statewide emergency response capabilities. The Focus on Florida’s Future budget allocates $19.8 million to strengthen the FSG as a force multiplier for state and local agencies’ ground, air, and maritime emergency response operations.
“Governor DeSantis’ championship of the Florida State Guard is met with immense gratitude,” said Executive Director Mark Thieme. “This funding provides for growth in our soldier ranks, enhanced emergency response training, and initial operating capabilities within our new aviation and maritime units. Thanks to Governor DeSantis, we will be better positioned to support state and local partners serving Florida communities in need – anytime, anywhere.”
The Focus on Florida’s Future budget facilitates the FSG’s vision to serve Florida as a cornerstone to statewide crisis and emergency response in the following areas:
$12.7 million to implement Governor DeSantis’ strategic recruiting, training, and readiness goals for all FSG soldiers to develop proficiencies in damage assessments, search and rescue, evacuation casualty care, route clearance, distributed logistics, inter-agency communications, and other public safety and emergency response functions necessary to deliver the highest-quality humanitarian aid in the aftermath of disaster.
$4.5 million to support 32 FTE positions essential to sustain initial agency functional areas with an emphasis on developing statewide aviation capabilities.
$2.6 million to provide support for year-round aviation, ground, and maritime operations and maintenance programs to ensure the highest readiness standards.
The FSG has grown rapidly over the past eight months, concurrently supporting operations in Florida and Texas, increasing soldier end-strength by over 200%, and introducing new capabilities in maritime and aviation operations. The FSG remains committed to serving Florida wherever, and whenever.
ABOUT FLORIDA STATE GUARD | WHEN DISASTER CALLS, WE ANSWER.
With a heritage dating back to WWII, the Florida State Guard was reactivated in 2022 as a state-supported volunteer force to provide rapid emergency response. Since the modern relaunch, the Florida State Guard’s continued growth in capability and personnel strengthens Florida’s emergency response in aviation, maritime, and land-based operations. The Florida State Guard is committed to protecting the life and property of Florida from all threats to public safety. For more information, visit https://www.floridastateguard.org/ . Connect with the Florida State Guard on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
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