(RepublicanReport.org) – The militant Sunni-Islamist group Hamas mounted a major military offensive against Israel from the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip from the air, land, and sea on October 7, killing thousands and injuring an untold number of others. Airlines quickly started suspending operations, stranding hundreds of United States citizens in the war-torn country. Florida’s Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, recently took matters into his own hands by ordering the evacuation of hundreds of Americans from Israel.
On October 12, DeSantis issued Executive Order Number 23-208, enabling Florida authorities to “carry out logistical, rescue, and evacuation operations” to safeguard Florida residents in Israel, among the more than 20,000 Americans stranded there.
The seven-page order specifically designated the head of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to serve as the state’s Coordinating Officer for the duration of the current state of emergency in Israel regarding Florida residents.
The order authorized the Director Kevin Guthrie to enter into agreements with federal agencies to “meet this emergency.” Likewise, EO 23-208 also gave him the power to direct local, regional, and state agencies and to recruit personnel to carry out his mission as necessary. Additionally, the order allows Guthrie to transport Floridians back to the US and to send supplies to Israel.
Three days later, DeSantis’ office issued a press release detailing the arrival of the first mission from Israel to American soil. The statement explained that Florida officials facilitated the safe return of nearly 300 Americas after partnering with Project Dynamo, a Tampa, Florida-based veteran-led organization conducting international search and rescue missions.
DeSantis and his family met the American evacuees, including nearly 100 children, at Tampa International Airport shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time. Another transport plane took seven Floridians home to Orlando earlier that day.
DeSantis took aim at President Joe Biden without using his name shortly after the safe return of the evacuees. He spoke of his pride in Florida’s ability to “activate resources” and accomplish the mission of getting Floridians and other Americans safely back home, a feat the federal government couldn’t accomplish.
Tampa-based NBC affiliate WFLA-TV reported that Project Dynamo is also working to rescue and evacuate Americans trapped in the Gaza Strip.
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