Marine Resources Full Scale Exercise at Peace River Bridge May 15

CHARLOTTE COUNTY – On Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 10 a.m., Charlotte County Emergency Management, in partnership with Charlotte County Fire/EMS and the City of Punta Gorda Public Safety, will facilitate a full scale exercise to familiarize and coordinate key emergency response agencies with the responsibilities and procedures during a water-borne multi-casualty, large scale incident in Charlotte County waterways. Citizens in the area of US 41 and the Peace River Bridge will begin to see emergency vehicle activity, both on land and in the water, starting at approximately 7 a.m. on the morning of the exercise. The staging area for the exercise will be located at Laishley Park, 120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda. During the mock incident exercise there may also be multiple emergency marine vessels, smoke, and possibly emergency air rescue support.

Invitations to participate in the Homeland Security Grant funded exercise were extended to nine area emergency response agencies for participation; agencies accepting the invitation to participate include both CC Fire/EMS and CC Sheriff’s Office Marine Operations, City of Punta Gorda, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.