Hardee County (October 13, 2024) – In Hardee County, Florida, The Salvation Army participated in a multi-agency emergency supply distribution event with the Florida National Guard and Walmart. The organizations provided water, cleaning supplies, and hot melas to survivors. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stopped by the operation to show his solidarity with the community and express his appreciation for the relief workers.
Captain Kenny Jones, from Victoria, Texas, serving as the Liaison for the Sarasota Incident Management Team, applauded the Florida National Guard’s unwavering presence during crises, noting, “They are at every disaster, like us.” The Guard’s ability to swiftly mobilize, combined with The Salvation Army’s well-established support network, has proven beneficial in reaching the hardest-hit areas. Their collaboration, alongside Walmart’s resource contributions and Governor DeSantis’ public backing, showcased the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility during disaster recovery.
This unified response came at a crucial time for Florida, which has been recovering from the impact of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Families faced damage to homes and infrastructure and the emotional strain of recovering from repeated storms. The joint effort between the organizations has helped survivors receive more than just basic supplies — they’re also reminded that a compassionate network of support is here for them, reinforcing the resilience of Florida communities in the face of adversity.
