Florida State Guard Activated for the First Time Since WW2 to Respond to Hurricane Ian
As Hurricane Ian approaches the west coast of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis activated both the National Guard and the newly created, Florida State Guard (State Defense Force). This is the first time since World War II that the Florida State Guard has been called up for Active Duty service. The 400 member force is currently commanded by former US Marine Corps Officer, Lt. Col. Chris Graham. Lt. Col. Graham has a decorated and long history of service in the Marine Corps, during his three tours in Iraq he earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained.
The Florida State Guard is currently assisting in pre-landfall preparation, we will provide you more information as it becomes available.
Gov. DeSantis declares Florida in state of emergency over major hurricane threat
Original order amended, previously only for 24 counties
Florida Executive Order 22-219 (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Tropical Storm Ian is expected to gain strength in the Caribbean, potentially on track for landfall in Florida next week as a major hurricane, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday expanded a previous executive order to declare a state of emergency statewide.
The previous EO, 22-218, applied to 24 of Florida’s 67 counties; out of the 10 counties in News 6’s designated market area, EO 22-218 included only Brevard, Osceola and Polk.
“Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare a state of emergency exists in the State of Florida,” DeSantis stated in EO 22-219.
The governor on Friday had also requested a federal, pre-landfall Emergency Declaration, adding the Florida State Guard would be on hand to respond. Should the renewed force be used in the event of a major hurricane, it would be its first such test.
“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations. We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm,” DeSantis said.
Florida State Guard Activation (PDF)
