The Florida National Guard (FLNG), under the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is responding to the needs of the state alongside our interagency partners, helping to protect citizens and guests throughout this crisis.
The Florida National Guard has 2,256 Guardsmen on State Active Duty in support of Florida’s COVID-19 response, and are operating seven Community Based Testing Sites (CBTS) and have administered 38,170 sample collections to date at those sites.
- The C.B. Smith Park CBTS in Broward County has administered 11,343 sample collections since operations began there.
- The Hard Rock Stadium CBTS in Miami-Dade County has administered 11,177 sample collections since operations began there.
- The Marlins Park CBTS in Miami-Dade County has administered 3,959 sample collections since operations began there.
- Orange County Convention Center in Orange County has administered 4,664 sample collections since operations began there.
- The West Palm Beach Fit Stadium Site in Palm Beach County has administered 4,760 sample collections since operations began there.
- The Amelia Earhart Park/Hialeah Site in Miami-Dade County has administered 1,319 sample collections since operations began there.
- The Delray Beach Site in Palm Beach County has administered 948 sample collections since operations began there.
Additionally, the FLNG has deployed Mobile Testing Teams to carry out COVID-19 testing at assisted living communities. To date, we have performed testing at five locations, and collected a total of 470 samples.
The FLNG is supporting airport screening operations in support of the Florida Department of Health at seven airports: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Tampa International Airport (TPA), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).
The FLNG Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are also mobilized in support of the State Logistics Readiness Center (SLRC) in central Florida, ensuring needed supplies are getting to the right place at the right time across the state. Additionally, FLNG members are working in the State Emergency Operations Center and local emergency management offices across the state, serving as liaisons, ensuring local authorities understand the capabilities and equipment of the FLNG.
As this crisis continues, the Florida National Guard will maintain a ready force across the state for a variety of missions to include medical support and distribution of necessary commodities.
It is important that everyone follow the guidance put out by the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information about COVID-19 and the State of Florida’s response, visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/covid19-toolkit.html.
