Home / Media / News Stories
Results:
Author: Mark Rankin
Clear

  • November

    Operation Blue Roof Recipient Mark Arena, an Army Vietnam Veteran, received the last Blue Roof Install on his home Poinciana, Fla. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commemorated the last day of Operation Blue Roof construction Nov. 19, 2024, in Poinciana, Fla, marking the end of Operation Blue Roof in Florida that provided temporary roofing protection to homes damaged by Hurricane Milton in 25 counties. The program covered 8,296 roofs, installing about 100 acres of reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting, providing a temporary solution that allowed homeowners to remain in their homes until they can make permanent repairs. Operation Blue Roof, assigned by FEMA and managed by USACE, is a no-cost, free service for homeowners. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

    USACE’s Operation Blue Roof contractors Install Final Blue Roof in Florida

    POINCIANA, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and its contractors commemorated the last day of Operation Blue Roof Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, installing the final blue roof in central Florida as part of recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton. This marks the end of the Operation Blue Roof program that provided temporary roofing protection to Florida homes damaged by Milton. The program covered more than 8,296 roofs and collected 11,502 Rights of Entries (ROES) from multiple counties throughout Florida.

  • October

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Deputy Commander, Maj. Matt Westcott, District Commander, Col. Brandon Bowman and Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. William H. Graham discuss the Hurricane Milton Blue Roof mission Oct. 29 at the Emergency Field Office in Sarasota, Florida. During Graham’s visit, he recognized several members for their stellar efforts on the Operation Blue Roof program and the general response. He also met with a homeowner from the Sarasota community who recently had a Blue Roof installed. (U.S. Army photo by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer)

    Chief of Engineers visits Hurricane Milton-battered Florida

    SARASOTA, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2024) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 56th chief of engineers, Lt. Gen. William H. Graham, visited the Sarasota, Florida, area to meet with leaders and volunteers involved with USACE's Hurricane Milton response.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrographic Survey Boat teams from the Jacksonville District escorts the Golden State into the Tampa Harbor. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrographic Survey Boat teams surveyed the Tampa Harbor and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway which assisted the Coast Guard with quickly restoring navigation channels in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton to facilitate the arrival of commercial fuel and shipping vessels in the Tampa Harbor.

    USACE helps restore navigation channels after Hurricane Milton

    TAMPA, Fla- U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Hydrographic Survey Boat teams surveyed the Tampa Harbor and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway which assisted the Coast Guard with quickly restoring navigation channels in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton to facilitate the arrival of commercial fuel and shipping vessels in the Tampa Harbor.

  • September

    Maj. Matt Westcott Jacksonville District Deputy commander presents the Jacksonville District 2024 Leadership Development Program Class with certificates during a graduation ceremony Sept. 12, 2024, at Maggiano's Little Italy in Jacksonville’s Town Center in Jacksonville, Fla. (USACE Photo by Mark Rankin)

    Jacksonville District Leadership Development Program grows leaders through teamwork

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2024) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District celebrated the completion and graduation of the 2024 Leadership Development Program Course during a ceremony at Maggiano's Little Italy in Jacksonville’s Town Center.
  • The 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, has signed the Chief's report containing recommendations to Congress for the Western Everglades Restoration Plan for inclusion in the next Water Resources Development Act. If approved by Congress and included in the next Water Resources Development Act, separate appropriations will need to be passed to construct the project. (USACE photo by Corey Lanier)

    USACE Chief of Engineers signs Western Everglades Restoration Plan Report

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla (Sept. 11, 2024) – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General and 55th Chief of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon signed the Chief’s Report Sept. 11, 2024, for the Jacksonville District’s Western Everglades Restoration Plan (WERP) in a ceremony at USACE Headquarters in Washington, D.C. today.

  • July

    USACE commander signs Chief's report for Puerto Rico Coastal Storm Risk Management Study Project

    USACE Commander signs Chief's report for Puerto Rico Coastal Storm Risk Management Study Project

    (JACKSONVILLE, Fla. July 30, 2022) – Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed the Chief’s Report for the Puerto Rico Coastal Storm Risk Management Study, recommending the study’s findings for authorization by Congress.
  • Col. Brandon L. Bowman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District commander, provides remarks during a change of command ceremony at the Jacksonville Center for The Performing Arts Jacoby Symphony Hall in Jacksonville Fl., July 26, 2025.   Bowman takes command of established in 1884, is the second largest civil works district in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with an area of responsibility that encompasses the state of Florida. The district leads the Corps’ single largest ecosystem restoration project – the restoration of America’s Everglades. Annually, it processes an average of 10,000 regulatory actions, more than any other USACE district. It has constructed, operates, and maintains more than 30 percent of the nation’s total shore protection projects and more than 125 miles of renourished beaches. (U.S. Army Photo by Brigida I. Sanchez)

    Bowman assumes command of Jacksonville District

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – (July. 26, 2024) – U.S. Army Col. Brandon L. Bowman assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District today during a Change of Command ceremony at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Symphony Hall.
  • Kavin Carter Lead Park Ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District reminds everyone to practice water safety and wear your life jacket. (USACE photo by Mark Rankin)

    Jacksonville District encourages visitors to practice water safety

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July 3, 2024) - During the Independence Day holiday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is urging the public to prioritize safety. With increased water recreation, fishing at area lakes and beach goers, it is vital to follow safety guidelines to help prevent accidents.

  • May

    A dredge barge sends sand to the Jacksonville Beach. The Duval County Shore Protection Project was initially constructed in 1978-80 and includes approximately 10 miles of coastline in northeast Florida. Specific areas include Naval Station Mayport, Hanna Park, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach.

    Jacksonville City Mayor, USACE kick off Beach Renourishment project along Duval shoreline

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District mark beginning of the Duval County Shore Protection Project at Jacksonville Beach.

  • June

    Jacksonville District Park Ranger, Megan Parsons (right) helps a volunteer to dig and plant a tree. Volunteers will plant nearly 9,000 native pollinator wildflowers and grasses at the W.P. Franklin Recreation Area during Pollinator Week on June 24, in the second phase of plantings to reforest an 8.5 acre open field as part of the Engineering with Nature Program. (USACE photo by Mark Rankin)

    USACE Hosts volunteers for National Pollinator Week

    ALVA, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District hosted volunteers from Southern Florida for a day of service at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam South Recreation Area near Alva during National Pollinator Week, on Saturday, June 24, to plant nearly 9,000 Florida native pollinator wildflowers and grasses.

  • December

    Howard Gonzales, the incoming deputy district engineer for Programs and Project Management, presents Tim Murphy, the outgoing deputy district engineer, with the Jacksonville District Pecky Cypress Award during a retirement ceremony Dec. 15, 2022 in Jacksonville, Fla. (USACE Photo by Mark Rankin)

    Murphy retires from Jacksonville District, lauded for his savvy leadership

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2022) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District recognized Jerry Timothy “Tim” Murphy, deputy district engineer for programs and project Management in a retirement ceremony highlighting his impactful career at the district headquarters.
  • groundbreaking ceremony for the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) New Water Seepage Barrier Wall Project, in South Florida Dec, 15, 2022. (SFWMD photo)

    USACE Celebrates Ground Breaking with SFWMD to Support Everglades Restoration and Mitigate Flooding

    MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. (Dec. 12, 2022) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District joined other federal, state, and local officials along with stakeholders to break ground on the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) New Water Seepage Barrier Wall Project, which extends the successful underground wall that was built as part of the 8.5 Square Mile Area Seepage Wall Project.

  • November

    Small Business Forum illuminates Jacksonville District small business outreach

    Jacksonville District Small Business outreach supports mission through networking with PTAC

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2022)– In celebration of Inaugural National Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center Day, (PTAC) the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Small Business office, the First Coast Business, Alliance, in partnership with the Florida PTAC at the University of North Florida hosted a day of networking, consulting, training and gaining valuable resources.

  • October

    U.S. Army Col. James Booth, Jacksonville District commander, presents Cynthia B. Perez with the Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement for more than 32 years of outstanding and faithful service to the nation. The citation cited that her accomplishments are indicative of her humility, integrity, and hard work in representing the very best of civil service. (USACE photo by David Kimery)

    Perez culminates impactful career with Jacksonville District

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2022) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District commander U.S. Army Col. James Booth honored Cynthia B. Perez at a retirement ceremony Oct. 24, 2022 in her honor at the district’s headquarters at the Prudential Building downtown Jacksonville.   
  • USACE Engineer named as Great Minds in STEM Hero award winner

    USACE Engineer named as 2022 Great Minds in STEM HERO award winner

    (PASADENA, CA.  Oct.20, 2022) –Eva B. Vélez, Chief Ecosystem Branch/Program Manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District was recently presented her award as Great Minds in STEM Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference Professional Achievement Level II Award Winner for 2022.
  • Saturday, Oct. 9, 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer installed its first Blue Roof in Fort Myers Florida. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for FEMA. The goal of the Blue Roof program is to provide homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs. This program is a NO COST service for homeowners. Operation Blue Roof is designed to protect property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. (USACE photo by Thomas Spencer)

    First temporary ‘Blue Roof’ installed in Fort Myers

    FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.  (Oct. 9, 2022) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors in Fort Myers, Florida, installed the first temporary ‘Blue Roof’ the first home from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. 
  • Col. James Booth, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District commander, greets Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and 55th chief of engineers. Spellmon toured damaged areas of Fort Myers Beach.

    Chief of engineers visits Hurricane Ian battered Fort Myers Beach

    FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2022) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 55th chief of engineers visited the Fort Myers Beach, Florida area to tour the damage from Hurricane Ian, a ferocious storm that struck the southwestern coast a week ago, unleashing widespread destruction of homes and businesses. Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, visited the Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, took an aerial tour of the hurricane damage over Fort Myers Beach and received various briefings from his Emergency Management Operations team on the support the Corps of Engineers is providing.

  • September

    USACE signs Chief's report for Miami-Dade Coastal Storm Risk Management Project

    USACE signs Chief's report for Miami-Dade Coastal Storm Risk Management Project

    (JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Sept. 28, 2022 – Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed the Chief’s Report for the Miami-Dade County Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Study, recommending the study’s findings for authorization by Congress.
  • The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has received FEMA Mission Assignments (MAs) for Regional Activation and Temporary Emergency Power in response to Hurricane Fiona. Emergency Personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has deployed a Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Team, Soldiers from the 249th Engineer Battalion, team leaders and assistant team leaders, as well as subject matter experts in logistics, temporary power, infrastructure assessment and debris. (USACE photo by Luis Deya.)

    Jacksonville District provides support in response to Hurricane Fiona

    (SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, Sept. 20, 2022) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District has received FEMA Mission Assignments (MAs) for Regional Activation and Temporary Emergency Power in response to Hurricane Fiona. Under these MAs we have deployed a Temporary Emergency Power Planning and Response Team, Soldiers from the 249th Engineer Battalion, team leaders and assistant team leaders, as well as subject matter experts in logistics, temporary power, infrastructure assessment and debris. The Jacksonville District is coordinating with local, state and federal agencies on requirements and support in response to Hurricane Fiona.

  • July

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District Commander, Col. James L. Booth, (right) provides the Under Secretary of The Army, Hon. Gabe Camarillo an overview and brief of USACE projects in the Jacksonville District Area of Responsibility at the facilities of the Puerto Rico National Guard in Fort Buchanan, Guaynabo, July 27, 2022. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)

    Hon. Gabe Camarillo gets overview of USACE Projects in Puerto Rico

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District Commander, Col. James L. Booth, (Middle) and Deputy District Commander, Antilles Area, Maj. Jesus Soto, (Left) provide the Under Secretary of The Army, Hon. Gabe Camarillo a command brief. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)