UNWAVERING COMMITMENT: Florida State Guard Conducts Third Hurricane Recovery Mission in Taylor County
- FSG Media
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
FSG Press Office
Taylor County, Fla.— Within a 13-month period, three major hurricanes made landfall in Taylor County between August 20, 2023, and September 26, 2024. Hurricanes Idalia (Category 3), Debby (Category 1), and Helene (Category 4) all struck near Steinhatchee, leaving significant damage across the region.
More than 17 months after the first storm, FSG continues to support Taylor County’s long-term recovery efforts.
On February 16, soldiers with FSG’s Crisis Response Battalion (CRB) deployed to Dekle Beach Road to remove hurricane debris that remained in the area. Using heavy equipment, soldiers provided the labor, skills, and equipment necessary to clear storm damage and help restore the surrounding community.
“In a commendable display of service, the Florida State Guard spent five days assisting with debris cleanup along Dekle Beach Road, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to community support,” said Taylor County Emergency Management Director Dr. Danny Glover. “Their hard work and determination were evident as they tirelessly worked to try to restore the area.”
The mission marked the third FSG deployment to Taylor County in response to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
During the initial mission, FSG soldiers cleared roadways in the Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee areas, restoring access for residents, first responders, and utility crews following the storm.
A follow-up mission focused on removing debris from marshlands in southern Taylor County. Using heavy equipment, FSG personnel cleared storm debris from marsh areas, helping restore an important environmental resource.
The February deployment marked the third mission, during which soldiers spent five days conducting debris removal and supporting community recovery along Dekle Beach Road.
“Over the past year and a half, we’ve built a strong partnership with the Florida State Guard, collaborating on training initiatives,” Glover said. “This mission allowed us to revisit Dekle Beach Road.”
When a community needs help, the Florida State Guard answers the call.
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/ .
