This morning marks the 7th day that Florida Task Force 2 US&R is in Ft. Myers. Today, the team shifts into secondary high targeted searches. These searches will consist of members reaching difficult to access areas with heavy machinery. They will also mark these spots to identify as all clear.

The Communications Divison for Florida Task Force 2 US&R has a crucial role in deployment operations. They ensure that rescuers can communicate with our Base of Operations to deliver any pertinent information they may find out on the field in #FtMyersbeach

The search and planning discipline conducted a field training for all TF’s specialists on field data collection and data management through our Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP). Esri NAPSG Foundation

Last week, FLTF2 sent 9 of our Water Rescue Specialists to a Boat Operator's training held at Caney Fork River, TN. With the increasingly frequent floods that have been occuring around our nation, it is crucial that our team members operate in a safe and effective manner.

During the recent IST CE Workshop, our Lead StS Jorge Du Quesne (PE, ret. COM Capt.) and Senior StS Eduard Badiu (PE), were asked to give a presentation to IST members present on the science of earthquakes and FL-TF2’s earthquake response to Puerco Rico in 2020.

FEMA National US&R Response System, Incident Support Team (IST) Continuing Education 2023. FL-TF2 is honored to have 9 members attend this training. Thank you to San Diego Fire Department and California US&R Task Force 8 for hosting.

Some of our Swiftwater Rescue Technicians just spent a week of training in the Nantahala River, NC. Floods are one of the most dangerous scenarios during a disaster and one of the most common ones. FL-TF2 believes this risk generated can only be matched by high quality training.

Last year, Ron DeSantis announced $10 million to support Florida’s eight USAR teams. Today, I visited our brave Florida Task Force 2 US&R team members to see firsthand how these funds have supported their operations, training exercises, and assets to respond in the event of a disaster.

(1/4) The Gordon Center honors and celebrates the heroic efforts of Florida's Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces 1 and 2.

#Idalia’s strengthened to a CAT 2 and had a western movement threatening the Tallahassee area. There’s an army of first responders, emergency officials, US&R teams and linemen who are prepared to protect life and property after the storm passes. Say a prayer for these heroes.

FL-TF2 has been activated as a NIMS Type 1 USAR Team with a Swift Water component and is staging in Orlando until it is safe enough for the team to move into the most affected areas

Urban Search and Rescue Teams from Texas and Missouri are rolling Eastbound on Interstate 10 for the Hurricane #Idalia impacted areas. Teams from Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania are about to start rolling Northbound towards Levy and Dixie Counties. #Godspeed

Planning and preparation are essential parts of urban search and rescue. Our team is ready to respond once needs are identified after #HurricaneIdalia. Fairfax County Fire/Rescue FEMA

Just got to Madison County… Getting a briefing. Damage I saw while driving in was worse than I expected…

At the direction of Ron DeSantis, Florida’s 8 USAR Teams have been focused on search and rescue, power restoration, debris removal, water rescue needs and more. It was humbling to visit Florida Task Force 2 US&R in Dixie County and even share some great Cuban coffee.

.Florida Task Force 2 US&R along with over 350 first responders and over 65 pieces of equipment staged, at strategic locations, and ready to respond to any search and rescue emergency post Hurricane Debby. #Debby

I’ll always been in awe of Florida’s Urban Search & Rescue teams. Florida Task Force 2 US&R is a group of heroes that love this country and save lives. God bless them.

Our US&R teams and other first responders have been on the ground in Florida’s Gulf Coast assessing damage and conducting life saving missions. So far they’ve done 18 K damage assessments and nearly 800 engagements with people and animals.

Our Urban Search & Rescue Teams go to great lengths in their searches. It’s detailed work in difficult it conditions. God bless them!

When we talk about Urban Search & Rescue Team’s “interactions” with people (over 1,500 from Hurricane Helene) here’s an example…. Teams will provide assistance to those who need it a long the way. Here’s a team helping a resident fortify their home.