This history encompasses the activations of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Still, the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management does more than just activate, it monitors floods, opens shelters after apartment fires for displaced residents, addresses food insecurity, restores service to critical infrastructure, monitors diseases and animal infestations, and more.
Seminole County prepares for, responds to, recovers from, and mitigates the community before, during, and after natural disasters, technological, and human-caused events.
On March 10th, 2025, an EF2 tornado caused damage along a 4-mile path through Longwood and Lake Mary, destroying one home, damaging other homes, and leaving 3,600 households without power. Seminole County Emergency Management responded with timely alerts, a Level 2 EOC activation, coordinated debris removal, damage assessments, unmet-needs support, public information outreach, and tarp distribution until operations concluded on March 18.
Hurricane Milton prompted one of Seminole County’s most extensive preparedness operations, including over 280,000 sandbags, ten shelters, extensive public information efforts, and a Level 2 EOC activation as the storm threatened major flooding. Although local wind impacts were limited, long-term flooding, widespread recovery needs, coordinated POD operations, and rapid multi-agency damage assessments led to a federal disaster declaration with both Individual and Public Assistance approved.
Seminole County activated its EOC to Level 2, opened seven sandbag sites, staged shelters and high-water rescue assets, and closed boat ramps in preparation for Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene caused minimal impacts, but proactive planning ensured readiness and interagency coordination.
In response to state and local emergency declarations related to escalating unrest in Haiti, Seminole County Emergency Management established and operated a Multi-Agency Resource Center and Family Reunification Center at Orlando Sanford International Airport (OSIA).
Hurricane Ian was a massive and destructive Category 4 storm, which brought more than 16 inches of rain to Seminole County. It became the worst flooding event in Seminole County after Tropical Storm Fay in 2008, with over 260 water rescues, extensive shelter operations, and coordinated multi-agency response efforts supported by continuous public communication and resource distribution.
Seminole County Emergency Management led a sustained, 450-day response that included EOC activation, COVID-19 testing operations, executive orders, public information efforts, childcare support, case-clearance coordination, logistics management, healthcare support and assisted living facilities, and vaccine operations through fixed and mobile PODs (Points of Distribution) across the county. Through partnerships with health agencies, nonprofits, and local governments, the County provided more than 46,000 tests, distributed tens of thousands of vaccines, supported vulnerable populations, became the first county in Florida to offer vaccines to the public, operated the only county-operated monoclonal antibody infusion center, and maintained essential services until demobilization in June 2021.
The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management opened welcome centers at Orlando Sanford International Airport for Puerto Ricans evacuating the island after Hurricane Maria.
Hurricane Dorian was a catastrophic Category 5 storm, prompting Seminole County to activate its Emergency Operations Center, mobilize logistics, open shelters, distribute sandbags, and manage thousands of resident inquiries and alerts as the region prepared for what could have been its most destructive hurricane in decades, still, thankfully, Hurricane Dorian did not impact Seminole County.
Hurricane Irma brought catastrophic winds, widespread flooding, and significant impacts to Seminole County, prompting multi-day sheltering operations, over 335,000 sandbags, and extensive flooding rescues. Coordinated efforts among County, municipal, nonprofit, and state partners supported the response and recovery, resulting in both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance disaster declarations due to significant damage.
The Genova Drive Fire, also called the Girl Scout Fire, burned 165 acres and destroyed half of the Mah-Kah-Wee Girl Scout camp, prompting Seminole County Emergency Management to issue reverse-911 alerts to evacuate residents and campers. Rapid coordination with fire and law enforcement minimized harm while enabling efficient containment and evacuation operations.
Hurricane Matthew brought damaging winds, localized flooding, and widespread disruption to Seminole County, prompting escalating EOC activations, six open shelters, primary sandbag operations, and extensive public information outreach as the storm approached the Florida coast. The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management coordinated damage assessments and confirmed significant impacts, resulting in Presidential disaster declarations for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance.
Following the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting, Seminole County Emergency Management supported the City of Orlando by staffing most of the City of Orlando's EOC sections, such as planning, operations, logistics, and public information functions, as well as assisting with the Family Reunification Center and emergency helpline. Seminole County's involvement helped coordinate multi-agency response, victim services, and information management throughout the activation.
On July 12th, 2015, the Tivoli Apartment Fires displaced 75 residents after flames spread through two buildings, which prompted a multi-agency response that included Seminole County Emergency Management, UCF, the American Red Cross, and numerous nonprofit and government partners. The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management established a Family Assistance Center and coordinated housing, transportation, and support services for affected students and residents until all immediate needs were met.
The high-profile State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman trial brought nationwide attention and significant media presence to Seminole County, resulting in extensive planning, security operations, and a continuous EOC activation throughout the proceedings. Seminole County Emergency Management and partnering agencies coordinated safety measures, media, logistics, situational awareness, and crowd management to ensure peaceful conditions despite intense public scrutiny and emotional tensions surrounding the case.
The February 26, 2012 shooting of Trayvon Martin led to national attention, large-scale protests, and significant civil unrest concerns, prompting Seminole County and the City of Sanford to activate the EOC for three weeks to support investigations, coordinate security, and monitor social media for emerging events. This prompted the “I am Trayvon” movement, which further grew into the Black Lives Matter movement. Through coordinated planning, public information efforts, and partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, all demonstrations remained peaceful.
The Senator, a 3,500-year-old landmark cypress tree and one of the oldest of its kind in the world, was destroyed by a fire on January 16, 2012. The loss marked a significant cultural and environmental tragedy for Seminole County.
In response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Seminole County activated a joint Emergency Operations Center at Orlando Sanford International Airport to coordinate the repatriation of U.S. citizens, providing medical triage, transportation, translation, and humanitarian support. Over 126 flights carried 9,508 evacuees, including 250 orphans, with multiple agencies and volunteers working together to ensure safe and efficient processing.
On January 19th, 2009, an EF0 Tornado touched down in Casselberry, traveled two blocks, and damaged 11 mobile homes.
Tropical Storm Fay caused the worst flooding in Seminole County’s recorded history, dumping up to 16 inches of rain. The effects lasted months, flooding neighborhoods, damaging homes and roadways, causing one fatality, and leaving widespread power outages. Seminole County’s Emergency Operations Center coordinated sandbagging, shelter operations, and damage assessments, ultimately securing a Presidential Disaster Declaration, with over 1,360 FEMA claims and a Disaster Recovery Center established to assist affected residents.
The Groundhog Day tornado outbreak on February 2nd was Florida’s second-deadliest tornado outbreak, causing over $218 million in damage. U.S. President George W. Bush and Governor Charlie Crist issued federal and state disaster declarations for Seminole, Lake, Volusia, and Sumter Counties.
On July 10, 2007, a Cessna 310R crashed in a Sanford neighborhood, killing both pilots and three people on the ground. Seminole County Emergency Management coordinated first responders, emotional support, and damage assessments.
The Election Day tornado struck Seminole County on November 7, 2006, with winds over 100 mph, traveling 1.7 miles and damaging 55 structures. Seminole County Emergency Management activated the EOC and conducted damage assessments.
Hurricane Wilma struck Southwest Florida on October 25, 2005, prompting Seminole County to activate its EOC and prepare emergency response plans. Damage assessment after the storm found minimal impacts, and the EOC was demobilized the following day.
Hurricane Charley struck Florida on August 13, 2004, as a Category 4 hurricane, causing widespread damage in Seminole County with over $36 million in reported local damage. Emergency Operations Centers coordinated shelters, evacuations, and disaster relief distribution, while FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers provided ongoing assistance to affected residents.
Hurricane Frances made landfall on September 5, 2004, as a Category 2 hurricane, exacerbating damage from Hurricane Charley and prompting large-scale evacuations in Seminole County. The EOC managed shelters, curfews, sandbag distribution, and relief efforts, with recovery continuing through Disaster Relief Centers and FEMA programs.
Hurricane Jeanne hit Florida on September 25, 2004, as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing heavy winds and flooding, especially along the St. Johns River. The Seminole County EOC activated shelters, enforced curfews, and coordinated ongoing relief for residents affected by Charley, Frances, and Jeanne, using established staging areas and Disaster Relief Centers.
At around 6:30 a.m., on Interstate 4, three tour buses carrying 94 students and 21 adults from Edgewood High School in Maryland collided. Forty people were taken to hospitals with head, neck, knee, or chest injuries, but no severe injuries or fatalities occurred.
In the early hours of February 23, 1998, the deadliest tornado outbreak in recorded history in Florida produced multiple tornadoes that struck east of Sanford, Florida, killing 12 people and injuring 34, prompting Seminole County to activate its Emergency Operations Center, open shelters, deploy 100 staff, and begin search and rescue, and damage assessment operations. Recovery continued through March 6 with FEMA and local agencies providing aid, coordinating donations, restoring services, clearing debris, and assisting survivors, including a 125-person search team and numerous volunteers.
On September 14th, 1993, the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management was established by the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, was created under President Jimmy Carter on April 1st, 1979. Civil Defense becomes Emergency Management.
During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established a federal Office of Civil Defense (OCD). This is the first agency established for the US Civil Defense.
Key milestones and phases across current county projects
Preliminary route analysis and environmental review kicked off to extend the trail from Downtown Sanford to Monroe Harbor.
Finalizing architectural plans and technology specifications to expand capacity and improve resilience for county-wide incident response.
Breaking ground on filtration upgrades and SCADA improvements to enhance capacity and water quality across the service area.
Release of updated datasets, APIs, and visualizations for transparency and easier civic engagement.
Seminole H.E.A.R.T. responded to Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne during late summer and early fall.
Tropical Storm Fay caused the worst flooding in Seminole County’s history, dropping up to 16 inches of rain, flooding neighborhoods, damaging homes and roads, and causing widespread power outages.
Following the Haiti earthquake, Seminole H.E.A.R.T. helped activate an operations center at Orlando Sanford International Airport to support U.S. repatriation efforts. Over 126 flights carried 9,508 evacuees, including 250 orphans.
Seminole H.E.A.R.T. responded to Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, assisting with sandbagging, shelter operations, and clean-up projects.
Supported welcome centers at Orlando Sanford International Airport for Puerto Rican evacuees after Hurricane Maria.
Supported Seminole County’s 450-day COVID-19 response including testing, logistics, healthcare support, and vaccine distribution.
Hurricane Ian caused major flooding, over 260 water rescues, and widespread damage across Seminole County.
Hurricane Milton prompted major preparedness efforts and ongoing recovery assistance across the County.
Responded to an EF-2 tornado impacting Longwood and Lake Mary, assisting with debris cleanup and recovery.
Search