Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Successful Evacuation of 28 Floridians from Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa
The Floridant/10321845

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ~ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In a swift and coordinated effort, Governor Ron DeSantis announced today the successful evacuation of 28 Floridians from Jamaica following the devastating impacts of powerful Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. The rescue flight departed Jamaica earlier today and landed at Tampa International Airport.

The evacuation efforts were initiated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on October 31, 2025, at the direction of Governor DeSantis. Working closely with local officials, FDEM ensured the safe return of Floridians who were stranded in Jamaica due to the destructive hurricane.

Governor DeSantis expressed his gratitude for the efforts of emergency management officials and partners who worked tirelessly to bring back Floridians from Jamaica. "Throughout my time as governor, Florida has rescued our residents from warzones and in the wake of natural disasters," said Governor DeSantis. "Today's operation in Jamaica brings stranded Floridians home in the wake of Hurricane Melissa."

FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie also praised Governor DeSantis' leadership and the swift action taken by their team to bring back Floridians safely. "This rapid response reflects the strength of Florida's emergency management system and our commitment to providing timely, coordinated support," said Guthrie.

More on The Floridant

• Operational Agility in High Demand: FOCUS Expands to Serve a Changing Insurance Market
• Free Thanksgiving Meals Provided by Brooks Law Group
• SAVVY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT earns BBB® Accreditation Boca Raton, Florida
• lorida Green Tree, Inc. Delivers Professional Tree Removal Services in Bartow
• The AD Leaf Donates Publix Turkey Dinners to Support UCF Students This Thanksgiving

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, who was on the ground at Tampa International Airport to welcome back the evacuees, also commended Governor DeSantis and FDEM for their quick mobilization efforts. "Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, we mobilized quickly to send relief flights and bring our citizens home safely following Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica," said Lieutenant Governor Collins.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica on October 28, 2025, as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds reaching 185 mph. It is one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin and the strongest to hit Jamaica. The storm caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services across the island.

This marks the third time that FDEM, under Governor DeSantis' leadership, has assisted in bringing Floridians home from crises abroad. Previous missions include the successful rescue of Floridians from Haiti in 2024 and from Israel in 2023 and 2025.

For those seeking safety and preparedness resources, they can visit FloridaDisaster.org and follow FDEM on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter). The state's strength is found in its people, and today that strength was on full display as Floridians were brought back home safely.

---

Show All News | Report Violation