Florida US&R Task Force 4

Members of Task Force 4 are cooking lunch for the hazmat competition teams at the 2026 Florida Hazardous Materials Symposium.

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FL-TF4 has received demob orders and is currently traveling back to Florida. The type 3 USAR team is expected to arrive back in Orlando this afternoon, while the swift water team is expected to arrive home tomorrow. This brings an end to a 16 day deployment, that included operations in the air, on the ground, and in the water. In total, the team covered more than 25 miles of river bank, conducting hasty and secondary searches. The team extends its condolences to the residents of Texas that have experienced such great loss. We pray for a swift recovery.

FL-TF4 Update 7/16/25

On 7/15, The team completed its assignment in Big Sandy Creek. Utilizing K-9 teams from FL-4 and FL-2, as well as the FL-4 and FL-8 Swiftwater teams, the collective Task Force completed searches on nearly 13 miles of river bed which spanned over 500 ft in width in many places.
On 7/16, the team began the meticulous process of secondary searches on Cow Creek. Working with our brothers and sisters from IL-1, the team completed searches on nearly 5 miles of river today.
As the team completes operations tonight, we would like to recognize the families back home. Without your love and support, we could not complete these missions. On behalf of the entire Task Force, a huge Thank You for allowing us to serve the State of Texas in their time of need.

FL-TF4 Update
7/13/25

Due to multiple flash flood warnings throughout the Hill Country, search efforts were suspended for most of the day.
FL-TF4 and FL-TF 8's swift water teams were woken up in the early morning hours to respond to potential emergencies caused by nearly a foot of rain in Lampasas. Flash flooding along the river lead to several calls for the swift water teams located in the area. The swift water teams returned to the BoO around 1600 and remain in a state of readiness as the region anticipates additional rainfall overnight.

Since our first day in theater, the team has exercised air recon operations, water operations, wide area search operations, and canine operations. The key to the team's sustainability is our Logistics Team. Each day, these members provide meals for the team, facilitate the movement of the squads from the BoO into the area of operation, while also servicing each piece of equipment. These members are the first ones up every morning and work late each night, working to return equipment to a state of readiness. Without the professionalism and dedication of the Task Force Logistics Specialists and Managers, Task Force 4 could not carry out its mission. On behalf of the rest of the Task Force, Thank you, Task Force 4 Loggies.

FL-TF4 Update for 7/10/25
FL-TF4 and FL-TF8'S Type 3 Swift water teams have been assigned to Travis County to assist in ongoing search efforts. The swift water teams have joined forces with FL-TF4's full USAR team and FL-TF2'S canine package, to provide comprehensive search efforts along the river. Today, the teams worked alongside TX-TF2 in Travis County, where nearly 2 miles of river were searched. The teams faced challenging terrain, large debris fields, and used innovative techniques to search the extremely limited access areas of the river. The team will return to operations at first light and continue to make every effort to provide closure for the loved ones of those missing.

Last night FL-TF4 received orders to activate a Type 3 Task Force in response to the floods in Texas. Early this morning, the team deployed from its warehouse. The team includes 35 members with capabilities including wide area search, collapse, and water rescue. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy.

Florida Task Force 4 has been activated with as two Type 3 swift water rescue teams. The teams departed this morning, enroute to Texas to assist in the search and rescue efforts for the historic flooding event. The combined teams deployed with 16 personnel including swift water rescue technicians and med specialists. Seminole County Fire Department Orange County Fire Rescue Department, Florida Orlando Fire Department

Members of FL-TF4 continue to improve their Knowledge, skills, and abilities by attending Technical Seach Special training. Training like this strengthens our team and allows to continue to be effective while serving when called upon.

FL-TF4 update: Approved for release

Manatee Division Update
10/11
Search squads began hasty searches in Manatee County immediately following Hurricane Milton's impact. At sundown, operations concluded for the op period and teams got a much-needed rest after working from the very early hours in the morning. This morning at first light, squads from FL-4 and AL-1 resumed hasty searches in the affected areas of Manatee County. After ensuring the readiness of the search squads, the Logistics teams from AL-1 and FL-4 took it upon themselves to clear the property of fallen debris. Our USAR teams wish to extend a big thank you, to Manatee County, Florida Government, Manatee County School Board for allowing us to build our Base of Operations within their grounds. Their contributions provided our members the ability to get sleep in hard shelter, ensuring the resilience of our squads as operations continue. AL-TF1

Mission complete. Task Force 4 is heading home. Proud of the work this team has done in the last 3 days. We extend our prayers to all those suffering loss due to Hurricane Helene.

Florida Task Force 4 has been activated for Hurricane Helene. Please remain vigilant and heed all warnings from your local Emergency Management. This is potentially a very dangerous storm including areas outside of the cone.