Florida Division of Emergency Management celebrates sixth annual Emergency Management Day with state leaders and community partners at the Capitol

Florida – In the heart of Florida State Capitol, state officials, emergency planners, and community partners gathered this week for an event dedicated to one of Florida’s most important priorities—preparedness. The Florida Division of Emergency Management marked its 6th Annual Emergency Management Day at the Capitol, bringing together agencies and leaders from across the state to reflect on the past year’s work in disaster readiness, response, and long-term recovery.

The gathering highlighted the behind-the-scenes work that keeps communities safe when hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters strike the state. Florida is no stranger to severe weather and emergencies, and the annual event offers a moment for those involved in disaster management to recognize both progress and partnership.

Among the officials attending the event were FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Department of Health Deputy Secretary Kenneth A. Scheppke, Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham, FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly, and Robert Asztalos. Representatives from both the public and private sectors also participated, underscoring the wide network of partnerships that power Florida’s emergency management system.

“Emergency Management Day at the Capitol is about recognizing the dedicated professionals and partners who work year-round to protect Florida’s communities,” said Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “From strengthening preparedness efforts to coordinating disaster response and long-term recovery, our success is built on collaboration across state agencies, local governments, private sector partners, and elected leaders who are committed to keeping Floridians safe.”

For Florida officials, collaboration is not just a slogan—it is a necessity. Disasters often affect many parts of the state at once, requiring agencies responsible for health services, economic recovery, infrastructure, and community support to coordinate quickly and effectively.

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That cooperation was a major theme during the event, particularly when discussing how Florida supports businesses and workers after a disaster disrupts daily life.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, FloridaCommerce proactively and collaboratively teams up with public and private sector partners when there is an event to serve business owners and displaced workers with velocity and purpose and likewise partners with communities thereafter to cure long-term infrastructure and economic needs,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “FloridaCommerce is proud to partner with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to ensure Floridians—the families, workforce and businesses that make up our state—have the tools they need to be resilient and bounce back after disasters.”

Emergency management in Florida also focuses heavily on protecting vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities. Planning ahead for these residents can mean the difference between a safe evacuation and a life-threatening situation during severe weather.

“On Emergency Management Day, we reaffirm that preparedness must meet the unique needs of every Floridian, especially our seniors. Florida Health is proud to partner with the Florida Disaster Foundation and our emergency management leaders to advance data-informed decisions that save lives,” said Kenneth A. Scheppke, MD, Deputy Secretary for Health, Florida Department of Health. “By promoting the Special Needs Registry and equipping older adults with disaster supply kits, we are strengthening the data that guides life-saving decisions — ensuring vulnerable individuals are identified early and protected, whether that means safely sheltering in place or evacuating ahead of a storm.”

Similarly, the state’s efforts include planning for residents living with disabilities, who may require specialized support and services during emergencies.

“The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is proud to partner with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) to support the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities before, during, and after emergencies,” said APD Director Robert “Bob” Asztalos. “Emergency preparedness is essential to ensuring that Floridians with special needs are protected and have access to the resources and supports they rely on. We are grateful for our continued collaboration with DEM and our partners across the state to strengthen inclusive emergency planning and response for all.”

A strong focus on seniors was also highlighted by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, which works closely with emergency planners to ensure older adults receive the guidance and resources they need before a disaster strikes.

“When we equip older adults with the tools and information they need ahead of time, we’re doing more than preparing for a storm – we’re building confidence, strengthening families, and uplifting entire communities,” said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham. “Thank you to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for leading this incredible effort. Together, we’re making sure Florida’s seniors feel supported, empowered, and ready – no matter what comes our way.”

This year’s Emergency Management Day was not only about speeches and recognition. It also included a hands-on service project designed to turn preparedness into action.

Working alongside the Florida Disaster Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds to help communities impacted by disasters, state agencies helped assemble 500 disaster supply kits for elderly residents living in areas vulnerable to flooding in Central Florida.

The effort was inspired by recent severe flooding that affected residential neighborhoods, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Organizers wanted to ensure that seniors in high-risk areas would have basic emergency supplies readily available.

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Each kit includes a weather radio, emergency blankets, and disaster preparedness materials that can help residents stay informed and protected during emergencies. The kits are tailored specifically for older adults, offering tools that can help them receive warnings, stay warm, and access critical information during storms or evacuations.

The celebration also came at a significant moment for Florida’s emergency management community. On the same day, FDEM officially opened a new State Emergency Operations Center, a modern facility designed to strengthen coordination and response capabilities during disasters.

The state-of-the-art center is expected to play a key role in future emergencies by improving communication, planning, and logistical operations among state agencies, local governments, and private partners.

With hurricanes, flooding, and other natural hazards posing ongoing risks to the state, Florida officials say continued investment in preparedness and infrastructure is essential.

Events like Emergency Management Day provide an opportunity to highlight progress while reinforcing the shared mission of protecting communities before, during, and after disasters.

As Florida’s emergency management leaders emphasized throughout the event, preparedness is not the responsibility of one agency alone. It is a coordinated effort involving health experts, economic planners, nonprofit partners, local governments, and community volunteers—all working together to ensure the safety and resilience of millions of Floridians.