TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet until now.
Hurricane Isaias is the first hurricane of the 2026 season. As the storm threatens the Gulf Coast, Central Florida first responders are heading to the area to help.
Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and Orlando Fire, along with other agencies throughout Central Florida, make up Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4.
For Hurricane Isaias, the 45-person crew is staging in Tallahassee.
Their job is to go where conditions are too dangerous for a typical response, including floodwaters, damaged buildings, and areas cut off by a storm.
The task force brings the people, equipment, and specialized skills it needs into a disaster area to remain self-sufficient.
That can include swift-water rescue, structural searches, medical support, canine search teams and damage assessment.
In July, after devastating flooding, Task Force 4 deployed to Tilden, Texas, and searched creeks and other areas using boats and high-water vehicles.
The crew worked alongside Oklahoma Task Forces 1 and 2 to help with flood rescues.
During the operation, FL US&R Task Force 4 assisted 6 residents along the Frio River, evacuated 4, and rescued 4 dogs. The task force’s goal is to provide aid as soon as they arrive at their destination.
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