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.
