Rescue missions underway: Hillsborough County senator, Tampa nonprofit deploy to help stranded Floridans in Middle East
Share this @internewscast.com

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, a Florida legislator alongside a Tampa-based rescue nonprofit are initiating evacuation strategies to assist Americans stranded abroad, including families from the Tampa Bay region.

Volunteers and lawmakers from Hillsborough County are moving quickly to help stranded Americans as the Middle East crisis escalates.

Father’s Day for State Senator Jay Collins looks different this year as he’s traveling into a war zone.

“Consider today being Father’s Day. What if it was my own child, one of my sons stuck there? Wouldn’t you want someone to ensure they returned home to see their family? I’m a husband and a dad, above all. That’s the core of it,” Collins expressed.

The lawmaker from Hillsborough County is heading to Israel as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to grow.

“Indeed, individuals from across the state are in this situation. We’re encountering hundreds and thousands of American citizens right now who are eager to return. All flights stand canceled, and ports are shut,” he noted.

On the ground, Project Dynamo, the Tampa-based nonprofit, also has teams stationed throughout the Middle East to help with emergency evacuations.

“We have deployed multiple teams of volunteers and members of Project Dynamo to the area, specifically to Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus and Israel, to be ready to help all of our fellow Americans get out of harm’s way,” said Mario Duarte, president and CEO of Project DYNAMO.

They’ve rescued thousands before but say this mission feels heavier.

“It is satisfying when you actually get to deliver a son or daughter, a father, a grandchild, into grandma’s or mom’s arms. It’s heartwarming. It breaks something inside you, but it’s to make it stronger and better,” Duarte added.

Project Dynamo tells us they’ve helped evacuate more than 7,000 people worldwide. Senator Collins is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday to assess the needs of Floridians on the ground.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Heroic Trooper Rescued Man from Flaming Car, Sustains Injury

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) — Seven people were taken to the hospital after…

Witness Describes Michigan Walmart Stabbing as ‘Cinematic’ Experience

() A man accused of randomly stabbing 11 shoppers at a Walmart…

US and EU Reach Agreement on 15 Percent Tariffs in New Trade Deal

(The Hill) — A trade deal was announced on Sunday by President…

Seventh Grader Honored in Urbana for Impressive 16-Foot Long Jump

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Those traveling through Urbana this week may have…

US-EU Trade Agreement Likely to Increase Expenses for Businesses and Consumers

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula…

Durbin Calls for Release of Audio from Ghislaine Maxwell’s DOJ Discussions

Senate Judiciary Committee ranking member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is demanding that the…

Sheriff Confirms Identification of Missing Texan Found During Deadly Flood Recovery

AUSTIN (KXAN) On Friday, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) said it…

Understanding Bladder Cancer: Deion Sanders’ Experience and Its Prevalence in Men

Earlier this year, Colorado football coach Deion Sanders was found to have…

Trump Threatens Faster Deadline for Russia to Agree to Ceasefire, Warns of Consequences

(The Hill) – President Trump informed reporters of his intention to reduce…

Newborn Baby Found Abandoned in Car Seat on Florida Driveway

ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) — A newborn baby boy, just a week old,…

New Jersey Army ROTC Cadet Passes Away During Training in Kentucky

A 22-year-old Army ROTC cadet died during training in Kentucky last week,…

The Impact of the US-EU Trade Deal on Business Expenses and Consumer Prices

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula…