First responders and volunteer rescue teams from across the Tampa Bay area are mobilizing to assist in the Florida Panhandle ahead of Hurricane Isaias, the first Atlantic storm to directly impact Florida. Agencies including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County Fire Rescue, and volunteer organization Grey Bull Rescue are sending personnel and equipment to the danger zone. Sheriff Chad Chronister is deploying a nine-person team including aviation and dive units, emphasizing that Floridians take care of each other. The teams are preparing for an immediate rescue response to handle life-threatening storm surges expected from the hurricane. Pasco County Fire Chief Bryan Guynn has a team of 30 training for on-the-ground search and rescue efforts. Grey Bull Rescue Chairman Bryan Stern noted that storm surge poses the greatest threat to life, not wind or debris. The nonprofit relies entirely on donations to cover high operational costs, with helicopter fuel running approximately $4,500 per hour. These teams remain on standby to deploy additional resources as the situation develops.
Key Points:
- First responders and volunteer rescue teams from the Tampa Bay area are deploying to the Florida Panhandle to help with rescue efforts ahead of Hurricane Isaias.
- Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister is deploying a team of nine, including aviation units and dive teams.
- Grey Bull Rescue Chairman Bryan Stern said storm surge is what really kills people every year, more so than wind or projectile threats.
- Grey Bull Rescue is entirely donor-funded and the burn rate for a helicopter is around $4,500 an hour.
