Senator Moody Pushes for More Florida National Guard Troops After Isaias Response

Senator Ashley Moody is calling on the Department of War to increase the number of Florida National Guard personnel allocated to the state, citing the gap between the growing population and the stagnant size of the Guard. The effort comes in the wake of Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall in Florida last week and activated roughly 5,000 Guard soldiers and airmen for rescue, recovery, and humanitarian assistance operations.

Moody is joined by 13 U.S. Representatives from Florida in the push for increased allocations, including Aaron Bean, Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, and others. "While Florida's population has grown in recent years, the size of our National Guard has not kept pace," Moody said in a statement. "We need to make sure they have the personnel and resources to continue answering the call."

During the Isaias response, Guard members performed route clearance, reconnaissance, flood mitigation, and search-and-rescue work across the state. In one notable operation, eight Florida National Guard soldiers rescued a family from a sinking pickup truck beside an Interstate 10 off-ramp. Moody and Governor Ron DeSantis conducted an on-the-ground damage assessment after the storm to thank Guard members for their efforts.

Navy Federal, Hancock Whitney Announce $200,000 in Hurricane Recovery Donations

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Two major employers with Northwest Florida ties have announced a combined $200,000 in donations to support Hurricane Isaias recovery.

Hancock Whitney announced Tuesday that it would contribute $100,000, with $50,000 going to United Way of West Florida and another $50,000 to United Way of Emerald Coast.

Navy Federal Credit Union announced Wednesday morning that it is donating another $100,000 to United Way of West Florida's Hurricane Isaias Relief Fund.

The announcements were made separately.

Hancock Whitney Northwest Florida Market President Bruce Vredenberg said the bank chose United Way because of the organization's existing relationships with agencies providing assistance to hurricane victims.

Vredenberg said the longer-term needs of storm victims were also a consideration.

“The real story is what goes on and lingers beyond that,” Vredenberg told NewsRadio 92.3, pointing to needs that may not be covered by FEMA or other government assistance.

Navy Federal said its donation will support emergency assistance and longer-term recovery for families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

The hurricane has a particularly close connection to Navy Federal's local workforce. The credit union says nearly 95% of employees in its Greater Pensacola Operations live in Escambia or Santa Rosa County.

Vredenberg encouraged other businesses and individuals to contribute whatever they can toward the recovery.

Convoy of Hope Brings More Than 350,000 Pounds of Hurricane Relief Supplies to Region

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Convoy of Hope says it has brought more than 350,000 pounds of relief supplies into communities affected by Hurricane Isaias and plans to continue distributions throughout the week as long as residents need assistance.

The humanitarian organization has been operating in the region since Friday, providing food, bottled water, baby supplies, hygiene products, tarps, storage totes and other necessities.

Relief operations are serving communities including Pensacola, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Century, Jay and Niceville in Florida, along with Brewton and East Brewton in Alabama.

Demand has been substantial.

Convoy of Hope says more than 800 people came through its Pace distribution site Tuesday alone, with hundreds of vehicles using distribution sites throughout the affected region over the past several days.

Ethan Forhetz, vice president of Convoy of Hope, said teams plan to remain in Northwest Florida throughout the week as long as residents continue needing supplies.

Individual distribution locations and operating hours can vary. Residents should confirm current site information before traveling to a distribution point.