Florida Evacuates 28 Residents From Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa Devastation

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the successful evacuation of 28 Floridians stranded in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall with 185 mph winds, marking it as the strongest hurricane to ever hit Jamaica. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), directed by DeSantis, initiated the evacuation efforts on October 31, coordinating closely with Jamaican officials to ensure the safe return of residents. The rescue flight landed at Tampa International Airport, where Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins welcomed the evacuees and emphasized the state's commitment to its citizens. FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie praised the rapid and coordinated response, highlighting the strength of Florida's emergency management system. Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction across Jamaica, including significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services, with power and water outages affecting large portions of the island. The UK government also began evacuating British citizens from Jamaica and provided emergency humanitarian aid to support disaster relief efforts.