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Gov. DeSantis launches ‘Operation Blue Ridge’ to help rescue Floridians trapped in North Carolina

By FOX 13 News Staff
Updated  September 30, 2024 3:36pm EDT
Hurricane Helene
FOX 13 News

Florida launches 'Operation Blue Ridge'

After rescuing thousands of people in Florida during and after Hurricane Helene, the state is sending crews up to western North Carolina to help rescue trapped Floridians.

BRADENTON, Fla. - Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis got a first-hand look at the damage Hurricane Helene left behind in Bradenton. 

He said that thousands of rescue missions were successfully completed across the state, and now that those are behind us, Florida crews will head north to rescue Floridians trapped in western North Carolina in ‘Operation Blue Ridge’.

‘Operation Blue Ridge’ puts people from the State Guard, the National Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on the ground in western North Carolina, which was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene.

READ: How to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene: Resources, donations, government programs

Anyone who needs help or knows of Floridians trapped in western North Carolina can click here for rescue or call 1-800-467-7144, between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

During an afternoon press conference at Manatee Memorial Hospital, the governor also touted the hospital’s use of Tiger Dams that were placed around the hospital to keep the storm surge at bay. 

The governor said the Tiger Dams were effective and there was no water damage where the devices were deployed. 

READ: Impacted by Hurricane Helene? Here's how to apply for FEMA Assistance

He said the hospital was the first piece of critical infrastructure to deploy a Tiger Dam. 

DeSantis also noted that 100 percent of power has been restored in Manatee County for the accounts that can receive power. 

He added that if someone does not have power, it may be because they had a lot of water damage, or the underlying electrical infrastructure was damaged, and it may not be safe to receive power. 

According to the governor, all state roads will be cleared and open in Manatee County by Monday night. 

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Hurricane HeleneBradentonRon DeSantis