First DeSantis-ordered flight rescues nearly 300 Americans from Israel

TAMPA, Fla. – The first flight under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order to rescue Americans from Israel arrived Sunday night, bringing with it around 300 Americans.

The flight arrived in Tampa around 8 p.m. ET.

“There was a devoid of leadership, so we stepped up and led,” DeSantis said in a video at the airport. “[We are welcoming] them back to the United States of America.”

DeSantis thanked Project Dynamo for helping rescue the citizens from the war-ridden region after Hamas launched brutal terror attacks on Israel.

Project Dynamo says it conducts operations “where the U.S. government lacks access or a presence” to rescue “vulnerable populations.”

It is a Veteran-led nonprofit.

DeSantis signed the emergency executive order last Thursday.

“We will not leave our residents behind,” DeSantis said Thursday. “To the many Floridians who are stuck in Israel, trying to get home — help is on the way.”

DeSantis said the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard have been ordered to be activated “as needed” to assist in responding to the emergency.

Also over the weekend, the DeSantis administration urged Americans “stranded in Athens” to fill out an online form: “We may be able to assist you.”

The executive order signed by DeSantis grants Florida agencies broad budgeting and execution authority in helping rescue Americans abroad. It extends for at least 60 days.