Emergency crews searched for a 14-year-old swimmer who was reported missing at Fernandina Beach Wednesday afternoon. The teen's body was found the next morning.
Because of Hurricane Lee, ocean water conditions are dangerous and even life-threatening, and serious warnings and advisories are in effect for all beaches in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
State Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, who sponsored the resolution; Florida CFO and State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis; Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant; and several other dignitaries were in attendance. Officials spoke on the need to support first responders and to remove the stigma from seeking help when signs of mental heath issues arise.
A burden that is carried inside
Perry said emergency services personnel respond to what citizens only read about in the newspapers.”
He said emergency personnel have tried to deal with stress privately and carry it inside.”
The press conference was held at the centerpiece Firefighters Memorial at the training facility, which is located on Northwest Gainesville Road north of Ocala.