TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced that Central Florida Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 4 (FL-4) will be deployed tomorrow to storm ravaged areas of Louisiana following the landfall of Hurricane Ida. Central Florida Task Force 4 assisted with search and rescue efforts during the condo collapse in Surfside and will join Miami-Dade County Task Force 1 (FL-1) & City of Miami Task Force 2 (FL-2) who are already prepositioned to help in storm response efforts. Additional Florida US&R Task Forces are prepared to assist in Florida, and out-of-state if necessary. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ida is expected to produce life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, wind, and devastating flooding.
 
CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Hurricane Ida made landfall today near Port Fourchon, Louisiana as a powerful Category 4 storm. Central Florida Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 4 is preparing to deploy to Louisiana tomorrow morning to provide assistance in the aftermath of the storm. They are equipped with swift water boats and water rescue equipment that is crucial to aid these communities with what is expected to be extreme flooding and life-threatening storm surge. These dedicated urban search and rescue personnel are highly trained and prepared to aid our neighbors along the Gulf Coast and save lives. Please pray for these communities and our amazing first responders.”