MIAMI.- Criticized for his approach to the Haiti crisis, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the number of Americans rescued from the violence plaguing the small Caribbean nation now exceeds 200 individuals.
Since the first rescue flight coordinated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on March 20, a total of 220 Americans have been successfully evacuated from Haiti to Florida, the governor said in a press release this week. Tuesday March 2.
“I am pleased to announce that we have been able to successfully rescue over 200 Floridians and other Americans from Haiti. “Even when the federal government fails to act, Florida will always step up,” the governor said.
“Being able to support our residents in this time of crisis is due to Governor DeSantis’ leadership and the collaboration between our state agencies and private and nonprofit partners,” said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie.
“I am proud of the state emergency response team for working around the clock to coordinate these emergency flights and bring Floridians home safely.”
According to the document, 95 percent of the Americans evacuated from Haiti by FDEM are Floridians, who upon returning have immediate access to a resource center provided by several agencies and then FDEM transports them to the door of their homes.
The note clarifies that evacuations are provided at no cost to those who are rescued.
To date, the center has provided refugees with food, water, shelter, transportation home from the airport, medical screenings, care supplies for babies, toddlers, seniors and pets.
Refugees also have a family reunification center. Navigators of Hopemental health counselors, therapy dogs, as well as a children’s activity center.
According to the governor’s office, Floridians rescued from violence are provided with cell phones, SIM cards and charging stations, in addition to assistance at a mobile ID renewal center – Florida License on Wheels (FLOW).
In addition to ensuring Floridians return home, FDEM is working with the US Department of State to connect other Americans to federally coordinated flights home.
On March 15, some social organizations in Florida expressed concern about what they called Governor DeSantis’ militaristic approach after sending 250 police officers and soldiers to the Florida Keys to detain Haitian migrants fleeing violence.
Organizations such as the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) and Family Action Network Movement (FANM) asked the governor to explore humanitarian alternatives that support asylum for those fleeing the humanitarian crisis.
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