DeSantis touts reactivating the Florida State Guard to help Idalia response

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated activating the Florida State Guard for the first time “in more than 75 years” to respond to Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm at landfall near Keaton Beach.

DeSantis detailed how the State Guard was put to use in responding to the latest natural disaster.

“Over the past week, State Guard soldiers have cleared debris, distributed meals, conducted damage assessments, and given out supplies to impacted Floridians,” he said.

The Florida State Guard became reestablished in 2022. A new law signed this year by DeSantis made it permanent.

It graduated its first class since 1947 in June.

The force is similar to the National Guard, but only answers to the state.

After Idalia made landfall in the Big Bend region, DeSantis emphasized the important role the Florida State Guard is playing in responding to the disaster.

They helped with “damage assessments” earlier on, DeSantis said.

“That, obviously, is important information to get back to the state so that we know what we need to do from a transportation perspective, from a fish and wildlife perspective… anything,” he said Aug. 30.

As recovery continues, Florida State Guard members have been sent to impacted areas to assist in those efforts.