Florida Division of Emergency Management Celebrates 4th Annual Emergency Management Day at the Florida Capitol
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Senator Corey Simon, Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, and Major General John D. Haas to celebrate the momentous work accomplished by the Division and State Emergency Response Team at the 4th Annual Emergency Management Day at the Capitol.
“As we celebrate the 4th Annual Emergency Management Day at the Capitol, Governor DeSantis and I recognize Florida’s dedicated emergency management personnel for their tireless service to the people of our state” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “When it comes to preparing and responding to emergencies, their efforts have made Florida a model for the rest of the nation and other states are looking to us as an example of strong leadership and proven results.”
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, I saw the outstanding work of our Division of Emergency Management firsthand. The DEM response teams were on the ground almost immediately after landfall, working tirelessly to provide critical support to families and businesses across Southwest Florida” said Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. “I am immensely grateful for their work to help my community, and so many others, rebuild from our most devastating natural disasters. Director Guthrie and his dedicated team of professionals are the gold standard in emergency management – we truly are lucky to have them here in Florida.”
“Florida’s emergency managers work tirelessly before, during, and after severe weather to help our citizens prepare their families and property, and when necessary to recover and rebuild,” said Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) “When Hurricane Idalia devastated portions of the Big Bend last fall, state and local emergency responders were with us every step of the way. We are fighting back. We are rebuilding. And, thanks to the dedication of our emergency management personnel and the resilience of the hardworking people of the Big Bend we will have a complete recovery and come back stronger than ever.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, FloridaCommerce prepares, responds to and helps businesses in the face of disaster so they can open their doors as soon as possible after tragedy strikes,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Florida’s boots on the ground approach to response and recovery from disaster events means that communities receive assistance and are connected with resources immediately— this swift action ensures that Florida’s economy continues to thrive.”
“Thanks to the support of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, we have been able to achieve record breaking response and recovery milestones and continue to build more resilient communities across the state,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I’m excited to see how the collaboration between our states emergency managers and our Florida Legislature will move Florida forward and transform and improve the way we respond to and recover from disasters.
"Over the last few years, the Florida National Guard and Department of Military Affairs have masterfully tackled several diverse missions sets, to include the state’s response to hurricanes, tropical storms, wildfires, and the mass migration challenges in south Florida,” said Maj. Gen. John D. Haas, The Adjutant General of Florida. “We wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without the spectacular guidance and support we receive from our partners in the Division of Emergency Management.”
The Division’s 4th Annual Emergency Management Day at the Florida Capitol: Moving Florida Forward is an opportunity for emergency management officials from around the State of Florida to gather in Tallahassee to discuss priorities for the upcoming year and connect with their local legislators.
In the last year, the Division led record breaking disaster response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Idalia, several isolated severe weather events and announced the Florida Disaster Foundation. During the Legislative Special Session 2022A, the Florida Legislature established the Florida Disaster Foundation as a direct-support organization of the Florida Division of Emergency Management to provide assistance, funding and support in disaster response, recovery and relief efforts for natural emergencies. These funds are designed to directly contribute to the immediate recovery of communities impacted by disasters and provide needed support where federal assistance stops. Individuals and organizations can donate by visiting FloridaDisasterFoundation.org or by mailing a check to 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the Division has distributed more than $9.25 billion in critical disaster recovery funding for communities impacted by recent disasters, the most paid out by the Division in this timeframe.
This funding is used to support recovery programs in key sectors such as:
- Over $6 Billion in Public Assistance
- Over $320 Million towards the Citrus industry
- $250 Million towards the Timber industry
- Over $1.4 Billion from the American Rescue Plan Act (Tranche’s 1 and 2)
- $1.2 Billion from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
Emergency Management Day 2024 was made possible in part by the help of our sponsors.
“AC DISASTER CONSULTING, LLC (ACDC) is a full spectrum, woman-owned emergency management firm and is certified as an SBA Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB). We provide compassionate consulting services to clients and communities actively engaged in disaster response, recovery, and resilience.”
“With success across the U.S. encompassing 66 activations, including 31 major disaster declarations and four statewide activations in FEMA Region IV alone, CDR|EM is the firm you can trust to deliver experts ‘boots on the ground’ immediately following a disaster. Known for our reliability in delivering high-quality personnel who can quickly mobilize and commit to serve our clients’ needs, and for active participation of our firm’s owners with client leadership, CDR|EM has successfully managed over $5 billion in FEMA-PA disaster recovery funding.
Backed by a full-time workforce of over 250 response and recovery specialists, our emergency management team brings extensive policy experience and expertise, delivering innovative solutions for disaster planning, response, and recovery services in the fields of debris operations, public assistance, and disaster health and medicine.”
“CrowderGulf is a family-owned industry leader with over 50 years of unparalleled experience in disaster recovery and debris management, with over 400 million cubic yards of debris removed and over 500 projects completed in 16 states.”
“Doodie Calls is a Florida based disaster relief company that provides turn-key portable sanitation services. Utilizing its expansive fleet and team, Doodie Calls collaborates with our customers to meet their emergency management needs.”
“Garner Is An All-Hazard, All-Threat Emergency Response Company, Successfully Executing Disaster Response And Recovery Services Domestically And Internationally For Over 40 Years. Garner’s Experience In The Field Of Emergency Planning And Response Is Unparalleled Anywhere In The World.
From Bolivia To Venezuela To The World Trade Center, From Allison To Katrina To Ian, Garner’s Forward-Thinking Approach, Experience, And Management Embraces Total Unity Of Effort Enhancing Speed Of Recovery And Community Resilience.”
“At Indelible Solutions, we redefine preparedness and response, turning possibilities into certainties, safeguarding today, and securing tomorrow. Specializing in Emergency Management, Health and Human Services, Technology Solutions, and Transportation and Infrastructure, Indelible is your go-to partner for comprehensive support in the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands where we unit to support your missions before, during, and after a disaster strikes.”
“With a focus on grants management, KPMG is well versed in helping Florida meet its disaster recovery challenges. In collaboration with FDEM, KPMG developed the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (F-ROC) that standardizes, streamlines, and simplifies the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance (FEMA PA) process. This will result in a quicker recovery and reduced risk for applicants and the State. F-ROC is hosted in the KPMG Smart Grants Platform, a user-friendly and multi-faceted solution.”
“ARS/Global Emergency Management is a seasoned industry leader with a 65-year legacy, specializing in managing emergency situations. Renowned for proficiency in complex logistics, rapid disaster response, base camp services, and comprehensive recovery solutions, our expertise caters to a broad spectrum of clients, encompassing both local and state governments.”
“Celebrating its 30th year, AshBritt is a national rapid-response emergency management and logistics company. AshBritt has led response efforts following 60 federally declared disasters across 30 states and has conducted more than 400 missions, successfully serving over 600 clients. AshBritt is the trusted emergency management contractor for cities, counties, states and for federal agencies, including the Department of Defense where AshBritt holds a pre-position debris management contract which covers 25 U.S. states. AshBritt has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, building and staffing field hospitals, treatment centers, and vaccination sites across 20 states. For more information, visit www.ashbritt.com.”
“Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 840,000 customers in West Central Florida.”
“At Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, we are on a mission to Repair Homes, Revitalize Communities, and Rebuild Lives. Our commitment extends to Disaster Readiness and Recovery, where we swiftly employ our short and long-term recovery efforts for low-income families and vulnerable Floridians affected by disaster.”
“At SDR, we deliver expert disaster debris management services that have proven their efficiency, effectiveness, and mettle after the worst a community has experienced. We understand that effective debris management involves integrating tasks in public works, emergency management and solid waste management to deliver a comprehensive solution that responds rapidly and effectively to any disaster.”
“Granny’s Alliance Holdings, Inc. (GAH) is a premier emergency response company providing disaster supplies and equipment to organizations and individuals nationwide. With our large fleet of asset-owned equipment, we can quickly deploy providing solutions for both single resource support and turnkey base camp operations. The GAH service offerings include management, site preparation, mobile equipment, catering, power generation, billeting, complete ablution services, security, badging, MWRs, and laundry services.”
“For four decades, IEM has managed and responded to unprecedented events with expertise, innovative strategies, and tools to help communities overcome disruptions and build back stronger. Whether a disaster, homeland security threat, or community risk, IEM ensures rapid response and recovery to increase resilience and mitigate the impact of future crises.”
“Lisa Miller & Associates serves as the policy advisor to the Disaster Recovery Coalition of America (www.thedrca.org). DRCA brings together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and communities in times of crisis. By fostering collaboration and coordination, the coalition supports emergency managers’ efficient and effective response to disasters, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices to help communities rebuild and recover swiftly, minimizing the impact of disasters on individuals and infrastructure. DRCA promotes resilience and collective action, fostering the long-term well-being of affected regions and the nation as a whole.”
For more information about the Division visit FloridaDisaster.org.
For additional updates, follow the Division @FLSERT on X, Instagram and Facebook
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Updated: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
