Third Florida flight brings Americans back from Israel: ‘We stepped up.’

TAMPA, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a third flight brining more than 200 Americans back to the United States from war-stricken Israel.

“Federal government dragged its feet. A lot of those folks didn’t have any options,” DeSantis said in a social media video Thursday. “We stepped up, showed the leadership and are delivering results.”

The governor had signed an executive order to help rescue Americans stranded in Israel and send supplies to the country following Hamas’ deadly attack.

The first flight arrived Monday at Tampa National Airport, which was composed of nearly 300 Americans, including more than 90 children.

The second flight arrived Wednesday.

The state partnered with Project Dynamo to help rescue the citizens from the war-ridden region.

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.

The DeSantis administration also sent its first round of cargo to Israel Tuesday. It included 85 pallets worth of supplies on two planes to Israel.

IV kits, hospital gowns, bandages, needles, syringes, ventilators and surgical gloves are among the tens of thousands of items being sent.

Supplies also include thousands of: children’s toys, sleeping bags, hygiene products and clothes.

DeSantis’ order activated multiple state agencies, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, to help respond to the crisis in Israel by rescuing Americans.

“Thanks to the decisive action of Governor DeSantis, the Division was able to quickly coordinate with our Israeli partners and compile needed supplies,” said Kevin Guthrie, Division of Emergency Management executive director. “After working with the Israeli Consulate, medical partners and hospitals in Israel, the Division identified what items were most in need to reduce inundation and increase efficiency.”