Florida State Guard

We are humbled by the opportunity to serve our state. Thank you @GovRonDeSantis and the members of the legislature for your continued support.

We were proud to join our public safety partners in Miami to assist with cleanup efforts at Pace Picnic Island. The Florida State Guard is committed to serving the great state of Florida both when disaster strikes and beyond. 🐊

Today,@MPDMarinePatrol @FLStateGuard & @mpdexplorers106 took part of a huge island cleanup at @CityofMiami Pace Picnic Island. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and effort to help keep our waterways and parks clean. 🌊🐠

We are proud to serve our great state alongside our public safety partners!💪

While Florida's citizens and visitors celebrated America's 250th Birthday, the Florida State Guard diligently provided support alongside public safety partners to ensure everyone enjoyed the holiday safely.🇺🇸

This Independence Day, we proudly celebrate 250 years of American freedom, service, and patriotism. For two and a half centuries, courageous Americans have answered the call to serve something greater than themselves. Today, the men and women of the Florida State Guard are honored to continue that legacy by standing ready to protect and serve the people of Florida whenever they are needed. As we gather with family and friends, let us remember those who came before us, reflect on the freedoms we cherish, and commit ourselves to serving our communities with honor, integrity, and dedication. From our Florida State Guard family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and meaningful Independence Day.

While supporting public safety operations alongside Miami Police Department during the FIFA World Cup, volunteers with the Florida State Guard (FSG) Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) and Crisis Response Battalion responded rapidly to provide rescuing aid to a missing individual who had fallen overboard in the busy waters near the Rickenbacker Causeway. Working in concert with @MiamiPD, @MiamiDade_SO, @USCGSoutheast, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, and @MiamiDadeFire, MRS’ Metal Shark crew deployed advanced search and rescue technology, including thermal imaging, successfully locating the individual alive in the water. Through the utilization of a throw rope, the victim was safely rescued and brought aboard FSG’s Metal Shark before being transferred to a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue boat for medical evaluation and transport to a local hospital. This successful rescue is a testament to the power of strong interagency partnerships, operational readiness, and the unwavering commitment of Florida State Guard soldiers to protect lives when Floridians need them most.

Last weekend, Florida State Guard soldiers were honored to participate in the 75th Annual Jefferson County Watermelon Festival Parade, celebrating this year's theme: "Stars, Stripes & Slices." From community traditions to disaster response, service begins with strong connections. Walking alongside residents, visitors, and local leaders, our volunteers were proud to represent the Florida State Guard and share in a celebration that has brought communities together for generations. Thank you to Jefferson County for the warm welcome and continued support. We are proud to serve Florida's communities, both during emergencies and at events that celebrate the people, traditions, and spirit that make our state strong.

When disaster strikes, the Florida State Guard is ready to help Floridians, and their pets. To help ensure no animal is left behind during future emergencies, the Florida State Guard's Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) recently trained with Lee County Domestic Animal Services and regional public safety partners on animal-focused search and rescue operations. By practicing real-world rescue scenarios and strengthening interagency coordination, responders are better prepared to protect both people and pets when disaster strikes.

As Florida enters its storm season, it is important to remain vigilant towards the underestimated danger that even afternoon thunderstorms can present. National Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 21-27, 2026) is a time for education and awareness regarding the facts, safety protocols, and science of lightning. All information in this post has been obtained by the National Weather Service.

This Father's Day, we're proud to spotlight a family united by service. For Commander Randall Jones Sr., serving in the Florida State Guard (FSG) is a continuation of a lifelong commitment to protecting others. After nearly 40 years in law enforcement, he found a new way to serve Florida by becoming FSG's first commander of the Maritime Response Squadron, a unit that supports maritime missions across the state. Inspired by his father's leadership and dedication, Randall Jones Jr. joined the Aviation Response Squadron to continue that legacy of service. While they serve in different units, both share a commitment to readiness, resilience, and answering the call when Florida needs them most. “Serving in the Florida State Guard alongside my son is a tremendous source of pride. Although we serve in different units, we share a common commitment to service, discipline, and mission readiness. It represents a continuation of values that go beyond a profession values like accountability, resilience, and duty to others,” said Commander Jones. “To know that those principles have carried forward to the next generation, and to see him embracing service with the same dedication, is both humbling and deeply meaningful to me." “My father inspired me to join the FSG,” said Jones, Jr. “It’s an honor to serve along my father.” Together, they represent the values that strengthen the Florida State Guard: family, service, and a dedication to something greater than themselves. Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, sons, daughters, and families who serve alongside one another in support of Florida.

Summer starts tomorrow! As temperatures rise and Floridians head outdoors, take a few simple steps to stay safe throughout the season: • Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat. • Apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade when possible. • Monitor weather conditions and move indoors when thunderstorms approach. • Wear a life jacket when boating and supervise children around water. • Keep emergency alerts enabled and review your family's emergency plan throughout the hurricane season. • Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a moment. Whether you're spending the day on the water, enjoying the outdoors, or traveling across the state, a little preparation goes a long way. Have a safe and enjoyable summer, Florida.

Trained. Tested. Ready. Members of the Florida State Guard’s Crisis Response Battalion (CRB) recently spent a week conducting the unit’s annual training at Camp Blanding ahead of Florida’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. FSG soldiers are being trained in leadership, put to the test in physical exercises, and given equipment familiarizations so that when disaster strikes, every unit, every volunteer is ready to act, serve, and protect. When disaster calls, we answer.

Service. Commitment. Excellence. These values are more than words; they are demonstrated every day by Florida State Guard members who answer the call whenever and wherever they are needed. Crisis Response Battalion (CRB)’s Major William Pickett and Sgt. Major Craig Campbell were recently recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Florida State Guard. Major Picket received the Certificate for Outstanding Service for his unmatched operational participation, consistently answering the call and demonstrating remarkable readiness, reliability, and dedication to mission success. Sgt. Major Campbell was awarded the Executive Director’s Leadership Award for exemplifying the Florida State Guard’s core values through outstanding leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, their service, professionalism, and dedication reflect the highest standards of the organization and the mission we proudly serve. Please join us in congratulating Major Pickett and Sergeant Major Campbell on these well-deserved recognitions. Their service reflects the very best of the Florida State Guard and serves as an example for all who wear the uniform.

Today, we honor the symbol that unites our nation and represents the freedoms defended by generations of Americans. On Flag Day, we proudly recognize the Stars and Stripes: a reminder of service, sacrifice, and national unity. The Florida State Guard is honored to serve under the American flag and alongside those who defend it every day.

🚨 ICYMI: Hurricane Preparedness Press Conference live from #FTEM2026 @GovRonDeSantis joined FDEM Executive Director @KevinGuthrieFL, @MyFDOT Secretary Jared Perdue, @FLStateGuard Executive Director Mark Thieme, The Adjutant General of Florida, Major General John D. Haas, and members of the @FLGuard to reaffirm Florida’s readiness for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season and its commitment to protecting Florida communities. CORE—the Coalition for Operational Readiness in Education—was announced as a new state initiative designed to strengthen emergency management education and create a pipeline for the next generation of emergency management professionals by bridging the gap between classroom theory into practical and real-world experience. 🤝Through a partnership between FDEM, @FLACommerce, and the @EducationFL, CORE will connect students and emerging leaders with career pathways, training opportunities, and hands-on industry experience, building the workforce of tomorrow and advancing Florida’s role as the world's epicenter of #ExcellenceInAction in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season just started, but Florida is dedicated to disaster preparedness all year round. We always plan for the worst that nature can throw at us, and we execute those plans to ensure effective response, recovery, and restoration.  I encourage all Florida residents and visitors to have a household plan for hurricane season that considers the needs of children, seniors, and pets in their family. Disaster preparedness essentials—including many pet items—are now tax-free in Florida. Make sure to follow @FLSERT and your local emergency management for important updates heading into this hurricane season!

Governor DeSantis Highlights Florida’s Preparedness for Hurricane Season x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

From June 1 through November 30, the Florida State Guard stands ready to support emergency response operations across our state as the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts. Preparedness starts long before a storm makes landfall. Floridians are encouraged to: • Monitor trusted weather sources • Review emergency plans • Prepare disaster supply kits • Know local evacuation routes and zones When disasters strike, readiness saves lives. The Florida State Guard remains ready to serve Florida communities when called upon. Stay informed on storms and tips for preparation through trusted sources, such as @FLSERT and your county’s emergency management.

1 week until hurricane season. Florida’s strongest defense starts with preparation before the storm. Take action now: • Finalize your emergency plans • Charge backup power sources • Prepare important documents • Check on family, neighbors, and pets When severe weather threatens Florida, the Florida State Guard stands ready to serve. Stay alert. Stay prepared. Stay informed on storms and tips for preparation through trusted sources, such as @FLSERT and your county’s emergency management.

This Memorial Day, we honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans. As we gather with family and friends this weekend, we remember those who never made the journey home. We honor their courage. We remember their sacrifice. We will never forget.