U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Geological Survey search for swamp eels in the shallow edges of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes in Orlando, Fla. Swamp eels are not only invasive but also evasive. The multi-agency team uses electroshock to stun the eels for a short time. The swamp eels burrow themselves in the banks of lakes and ponds, making it challenging to capture and manage the spread of this problematic fish. USACE plays a critical role in America's growth and prosperity; we prioritize invasive species management as they affect the ecosystem, flood control, hydropower, and national security. (U.S. Army video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

UANTANAMO BAY, CUBA (May 12, 2025)–Waterway Navigation is the U. S Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) earliest Civil Works mission. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, called upon the Wilmington District’s Dredge MURDEN for an innovative mission to help clear critical shoaling to maintain safe and efficient navigation conditions for military and commercial vessels in the harbor. The USACE Dredge MURDEN is one of those specialized vessels called upon to complete critical dredging operations. The MURDEN, a specialized 156-foot by 35-foot split-hull hopper shallow draft dredge, is designed specifically to get into hard-to-reach areas. Two drag arms are extended below the boat to capture and return shoaled material to the hopper. Command Navy Region Southeast requested immediate dredging on the Leeward side of the bay to provide a path for fuel barges to off-load fuel at Pier Quebec in direct support of the airfield.

The REstoration COordination & VERification team (RECOVER) is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team that synthesizes and applies cutting-edge scientific and technical expertise to drive the success of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The importance of the data the RECOVER team collects resonates far beyond the scientific community. It's a shared resource, crucial, for both those driving Everglades restoration and the residents who live, work and play in Florida. (U.S. Army Video by Brigida I. Sanchez)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Area Engineer, Juan Sanchez Bulted, explains the over arching goal of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is to improve the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water flows to the central Everglades, Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA-3) and Everglades National Park (ENP). The purpose of CEPP- EAA Reservoir Phase is to construct a 240,000 acre-foot EAA reservoir and 6,500 acre-foot stormwater treatment area, and integrate with A-1 FEB operations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to provide clean water to the Everglades and the growing population of South Florida.(U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Video By Brigida Sanchez)

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Aerial video of the J. Strom Thurmond Lake shows extensive damages to the campground areas damages caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. A majority of the 51 Corps of Engineers-operated recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake are closed through the 2025 season and possibly longer, due to unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The damage included 500,000 cubic yards of downed trees, more than 21,000 leaning trees and 2,000 stumps, in addition to damaged buildings and other infrastructure. The hazardous debris and conditions rendered many areas inaccessible. All existing campground and picnic shelter reservations will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be waived. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Aerial video of the J. Strom Thurmond Lake shows extensive damages to the campground areas damages caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. A majority of the 51 Corps of Engineers-operated recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake are closed through the 2025 season and possibly longer, due to unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The damage included 500,000 cubic yards of downed trees, more than 21,000 leaning trees and 2,000 stumps, in addition to damaged buildings and other infrastructure. The hazardous debris and conditions rendered many areas inaccessible. All existing campground and picnic shelter reservations will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be waived. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Aerial video of the J. Strom Thurmond Lake shows extensive damages to the campground areas damages caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024. A majority of the 51 Corps of Engineers-operated recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake are closed through the 2025 season and possibly longer, due to unprecedented damages caused by Hurricane Helene. The damage included 500,000 cubic yards of downed trees, more than 21,000 leaning trees and 2,000 stumps, in addition to damaged buildings and other infrastructure. The hazardous debris and conditions rendered many areas inaccessible. All existing campground and picnic shelter reservations will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be waived. (USACE photos by Mark Rankin)

Operation Blue Roof Recipient Mark Arena, a Poinciana, Florida resident and U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran received the last Blue Roof install on his home. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commemorated the last day of Operation Blue Roof construction Nov. 19, 2022, 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 more than 8100 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, managed by USACE for FEMA, is a no cost, free service for homeowners. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 56th Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. William H. Graham visited Sarasota, Florida, Oct. 29 and met with Luther Rosebaro a Sarasota resident who received a Blue Roof. Graham also provided a brief message to USACE employees deployed from various districts around the world. (USACE video by Mark Rankin)

Travis Harrison, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof field quality assurance specialist and Detroit District employee, conducts a roof assessment Nov. 11 at Port Richey, Florida. A homeowner applied for the program after Hurricane Milton. The assessment is to determine if the home qualifies for the free, professionally installed fiber-reinforced sheeting service offered by the Corps of Engineers in support of FEMA. The Operation Blue Roof deadline to apply is Nov. 14, 2024. To learn more, or to apply for the free program, visit Blueroof.gov or call 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) (U.S. Army video by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Contractors install Blue Roofs on homes damaged by Hurricane Milton in Sarasota, Florida on Nov.7. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by USACE for FEMA. The mission’s purpose is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.

Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District Commander takes a few minutes to thank and honor those Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen, who have served this nation in war and peace and are currently employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for your selflessness and recognize the sacrifices you have made as members of the United States Armed Forces. (USACE video by Michelle Roberts)

Operación Techo Azul del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército se ha extendido hasta el 14 de noviembre. Operación Techo Azul es un programa gratuito para los propietarios de viviendas en 25 condados elegibles que sufrieron daños en los techos a causa del huracán Milton. Visita BlueRoof.gov para obtener más detalles y presentar una solicitud en línea o llame al 888-ROOF-BLU. Los operadores están disponibles de 8 a. m. a 8 p. m. todos los días. Nuevamente, visite BlueRoof.gov o llame 888-ROOF-BLU para obtener más detalles. Los 25 condados elegibles para Operation Blue Roof son Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter y Volusia. Operación Techo Azul es una misión prioritaria administrada por USACE para FEMA. El propósito de la misión es proporcionar a los propietarios de viviendas y a las propiedades de alquiler ocupadas permanentemente en áreas de desastre láminas reforzadas con fibra de color azul para cubrir temporalmente sus techos dañados hasta que se puedan hacer arreglos para realizar reparaciones permanentes. Este es un servicio gratuito para los propietarios de viviendas.

The Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof program has been extended until November 14. Operation Blue Roof is a free program for homeowners in 25 eligible counties who sustained roofing damage from Hurricane Milton. Visit BlueRoof.gov for more details and to apply online or call 888-ROOF-BLU. Operators are available from 8 am to 8 pm every day. Again, that’s BlueRoof.gov or 888-ROOF-BLU for more details. The 25 eligible counties for Operation Blue Roof are Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by USACE for FEMA. The mission’s purpose is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with blue- colored, fiber-reinforced sheeting to temporarily cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service for homeowners.

Maj. Matt Westcott, a commander of the Hurricane Milton Emergency Field Office and deputy district engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, offers an update on USACE’s role in helping the City of Lakeland and areas around Lake Bonny with water pumping operations during the recovery from Hurricane Milton. (U.S. Army video by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Maj. Matt Westcott, a commander of the Hurricane Milton Emergency Field Office and deputy district engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, offers an update on USACE’s role in helping the City of Lakeland and areas around Lake Bonny with water pumping operations during the recovery from Hurricane Milton. (U.S. Army video by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

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. During his visit, Graham stopped into the USACE Hurricane Milton Emergency Field Office (EFO), to receive briefings and recognize employees who have gone above and beyond in the recovery effort. “It’s an amazing job you’re doing here,” said Graham. “It’s great to see the work that the Jacksonville District, supported by the enterprise across the country, continues to do to get Florida back on its feet.” While in Sarasota, Graham, accompanied by Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District commander, Maj. Matt Westcott, Jacksonville District deputy district engineer and EFO commander, and Nicole Cominoli, an Omaha District program manager and Operation Blue Roof mission manager, paid a visit to homeowner Luther Rosebaro, a local artist whose home received a Blue Roof. Rosebaro, who has resided in Sarasota since 2008, said his home was damaged from the high winds during Hurricane Milton. After the storm passed, he heard about the Blue Roof Program on a local news station. “After Hurricane Milton departed, I was watching Channel 13 news Tampa and heard them say something about the Army Corps of Engineers' free Blue Roof program, so I got online, registered and three or four days later, my roof was completed,” said Rosebaro. Operation Blue Roof is a free service to eligible homeowners and provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. The sign-up period was recently extended and now ends Nov. 14. Those interested may apply at BlueRoof.gov or calling 888-ROOF-BLU.

Maj. Matt Westcott, Deputy District Commander, Jacksonville District walks us through the procedures of requesting a Blue Roof. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced blue sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Getting eyes on the damage is a vital step in the process of this free service paid for by FEMA. (USACE video by Mark Rankin) Attention: Florida Residents: If your home was damaged by Hurricane #Milton, Operation Blue Roof can help with free temporary roof repairs! The Corps of Engineers is working to provide eligible homeowners with fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting for damaged roofs. Here’s how to sign up: Visit: Blueroof.gov Call:888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) This service is available in 25 countries, including Brevard, Citrus, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and more. The initial sign-up period ends Nov. 14. This temporary fix can help give you peace of mind as you work toward permanent repairs.

SARASOTA, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2024) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 56th chief of engineers, Lt. Gen. William H. Graham, Jr., visited the Sarasota, Florida, and North Carolina areas to meet with leaders and volunteers involved with USACE's Hurricane Milton response. He thanks responders for their consistent hard work, compassion and devotion to helping people recover from these natural disasters. Visit the Hurricane Milton response webpage for the most up-to-date information: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Hurricane-Milton/. For imagery and video, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=usace+milton24&view=grid&sort=publishdate.

Joan Koob, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof field quality assurance specialist and Omaha District employee, conducts a roof assessment Nov. 1 on St. Pete Beach, Florida. A homeowner applied for the program after Hurricane Milton. The assessment is to determine if the home qualifies for the free, professionally installed fiber-reinforced sheeting service offered by the Corps of Engineers in support of FEMA. The Operation Blue Roof deadline to apply is Nov. 14, 2024. To learn more, or to apply for the free program, visit Blueroof.gov or call 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) (U.S. Army photo by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

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. During his visit, Graham stopped into the USACE Hurricane Milton Emergency Field Office (EFO), to receive briefings and recognize employees who have gone above and beyond in the recovery effort. “It’s an amazing job you’re doing here,” said Graham. “It’s great to see the work that the Jacksonville District, supported by the enterprise across the country, continues to do to get Florida back on its feet.” While in Sarasota, Graham, accompanied by Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District commander, Maj. Matt Westcott, Jacksonville District deputy district engineer and EFO commander, and Nicole Cominoli, an Omaha District program manager and Operation Blue Roof mission manager, paid a visit to homeowner Luther Rosebaro, a local artist whose home received a Blue Roof. Rosebaro, who has resided in Sarasota since 2008, said his home was damaged from the high winds during Hurricane Milton. After the storm passed, he heard about the Blue Roof Program on a local news station. “After Hurricane Milton departed, I was watching Channel 13 news Tampa and heard them say something about the Army Corps of Engineers' free Blue Roof program, so I got online, registered and three or four days later, my roof was completed,” said Rosebaro. Operation Blue Roof is a free service to eligible homeowners and provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. The sign-up period was recently extended and now ends Nov. 14. Those interested may apply at BlueRoof.gov or calling 888-ROOF-BLU. The counties currently identified for the program include: Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia Counties. Visit the Hurricane Milton response webpage for the most up-to-date information: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/Hurricane-Milton/. For imagery and video, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=usace+milton24&view=grid&sort=publishdate.

US Army Corps of Engineers Temporary Roofing Planning and Response Team member Clara Baber help residents of the Lake Bernadette community Oct. 26 at a Right of Entry (ROE) collection site in Zephyrhills, Florida. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tasked by FEMA to assist eligible homeowners with temporary roof repairs through the Operation Blue Roof program. The program provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. (U.S. Army video by Brooks O. Hubbard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

LAKELAND, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District (USACE) mobilized and delivered three water pumps to the city of Lakeland, Florida to relieve Lake Bonny flooding to residences. On Oct 22, Heavy Equipment Operators from the USACE Jacksonville District South Florida Office in Clewiston, Fla., loaded three water pumps onto trucks and delivered them and 9,000 feet of water pipe to the northwest corner of Lake Bonny.

Maj. Matt Westcott, the Deputy District Commander from the Jacksonville District discusses the procedures of requesting a Blue Roof. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced blue sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Getting eyes on the damage is a vital step in the process of this free service paid for by FEMA. (USACE video by Mark Rankin) Attention: Florida Residents: If your home was damaged by Hurricane #Milton, Operation Blue Roof can help with free temporary roof repairs! The Corps of Engineers is working to provide eligible homeowners with fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting for damaged roofs. Here’s how to sign up: Visit: Blueroof.gov Call:888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) This service is available in 25 countries, including Brevard, Citrus, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and more. The initial sign-up period ends Nov. 5. This temporary fix can help give you peace of mind as you work toward permanent repairs.

Maj. Matt Westcott, Deputy District Commander, Jacksonville District walks us through the procedures of requesting a Blue Roof. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced blue sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Getting eyes on the damage is a vital step in the process of this free service paid for by FEMA. (USACE video by Mark Rankin) Attention: Florida Residents: If your home was damaged by Hurricane #Milton, Operation Blue Roof can help with free temporary roof repairs! The Corps of Engineers is working to provide eligible homeowners with fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting for damaged roofs. Here’s how to sign up: Visit: Blueroof.gov Call:888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) This service is available in 25 countries, including Brevard, Citrus, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and more. The initial sign-up period ends Nov. 5. This temporary fix can help give you peace of mind as you work toward permanent repairs.

Maj. Matt Westcott, Deputy District Commander, Jacksonville District walks us through the procedures of requesting a Blue Roof. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced blue sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Getting eyes on the damage is a vital step in the process of this free service paid for by FEMA. (USACE video by Mark Rankin) Attention: Florida Residents: If your home was damaged by Hurricane #Milton, Operation Blue Roof can help with free temporary roof repairs! The Corps of Engineers is working to provide eligible homeowners with fiber-reinforced plastic sheeting for damaged roofs. Here’s how to sign up: Visit: Blueroof.gov Call:888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258) This service is available in 25 countries, including Brevard, Citrus, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and more. The initial sign-up period ends Nov. 5. This temporary fix can help give you peace of mind as you work toward permanent repairs.

Hurricane Milton Response 24, USACE, Jacksonville District Commander Col. Brandon Bowman provides a brief overview of progress the Hurricane Milton Response 24 team. An Emergency Management Field Office (EFO) has been set up in Sarasota, Florida to provide assistance with the Blue Roof Mission. he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District has been tasked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist eligible homeowners with temporary roof repairs. peration Blue Roof is a free service to homeowners. The counties currently identified for the program include: Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia Counties.

Operation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by USACE for FEMA. The mission’s purpose is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with blue- colored, fiber-reinforced sheeting to temporarily cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service for homeowners. To learn more about Operation Blue Roof and to apply visit: www.blueroof.gov OR call 888- ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). The deadline to signup is Tuesday, November 5. Information is available in Spanish and English. The 25 eligible counties for Operation Blue Roof are Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia Counties.

BROLL from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors in Sarasota, Florida, installed the first temporary ‘Blue Roof’ the first home from the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. 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. (USACE video by Mark Rankin) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Operation Blue Roof Program contractors install first blue roof at a record-setting pace, one-week post-storm and one day after the issuance of the notice to proceed, in the wake of the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.