Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson will join the Florida Forest Service and local emergency responders on Friday, January 10, 2025, for a multi-agency aviation exercise in Lithia, Florida, in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season. This exercise is an opportunity for local departments to practice interagency communications, coordinate multiple air resources, and practice utilizing equipment for wildfire suppression before a wildfire begins.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson will join the Florida Forest Service and local emergency responders on Friday, January 10, 2025, for a multi-agency aviation exercise in Lithia, Florida, in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season. This exercise is an opportunity for local departments to practice interagency communications, coordinate multiple air resources, and practice utilizing equipment for wildfire suppression before a wildfire begins.
All credentialed media are welcome to attend from 12 to 2 p.m. Please meet at the intersection of Jameson Rd. and Walter Hunter Rd. for a brief press conference and an escorted tour of the training. Those wishing to attend must wear appropriate footwear. Contact Aaron Keller at Aaron.Keller@FDACS.gov to RSVP.
WHAT: Press Conference, Multi-Agency Aviation Exercise
WHO: Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson
Florida Forest Service Leadership
Local Emergency Responders
WHEN: Friday, January 10, 2025, at 12 p.m.
WHERE: Jameson Rd and Walter Hunter Rd
Lithia, FL 33547
27.792649107704136, -82.10423121945995
Participating agencies include the Florida Forest Service, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Tampa Police Department, Florida Park Service, Hillsborough County Park Service, National Weather Service, and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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