As wildfires torch the landscape in South Carolina near Myrtle Beach, Florida is sending some help to contain the blazes.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that his agency has relief personnel on the way to South Carolina. The Florida Forest Service, under Simpson’s prevue, is sending a Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) to support South Carolina’s frontline of firefighting. The Florida forestry contingent consists of 35 people.

“When a neighbor is in need, Florida will always answer the call for help. Just as we would count on South Carolina to stand with us in our time of need, we are proud to send our highly skilled wildland firefighting personnel to assist in their wildfire response,” Simpson said.

“The Florida Forest Service’s expertise in managing complex wildfire incidents will help protect lives, property, and natural resources. This is what true partnership looks like — states working together to meet challenges head-on and ensure the safety of our communities.”

Simpson added the decision to send firefighting help to South Carolina is part of the so-called Southeastern Compact, which is a pledge of mutual aid in times of crisis or emergencies among Southern states.

On Monday, hundreds of firefighters from across South Carolina managed to keep a large blaze in Horry County near Myrtle Beach from destroying any homes despite social media videos of orange skies at night and flames engulfing pine trees just yards away. Volunteers distributed cases of water and food to firefighters working long hours protecting homes and other structures.

The fire burned 2.5 square miles and was about 30% contained as of Monday evening, according to Horry County Fire Rescue. The department deployed drones as well as ground crews to respond to flare-up fires, reinforce break lines and set up portable sprinkler systems.

“We are glad to provide our neighboring state of South Carolina with the additional wildland fire response resources needed at this time,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan.

“Through this deployment, the Florida Forest Service not only showcases its commitment to regional cooperation but also highlights the strength of the Southeastern Compact in enhancing wildfire preparedness and response capabilities. It is a vital tool for fostering resilience in the face of natural disasters and reinforces the importance of states working together to address shared challenges in wildfire management.”

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Material from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

In his annual State of the State Address, Gov. Ron DeSantis laid out his priorities of abolishing property taxes, repealing gun control laws and cleaning up the Everglades.

DeSantis gave a 30-minute speech to both chambers on the first day of the Legislative Session.

DeSantis praised Florida as a national leader for its strict illegal immigration enforcement laws and lean state budget.

“We are actually spending less money in the current fiscal year than we did in the previous fiscal year,” DeSantis said. “Where else in this country have they actually reduced spending?”

As property values jump, DeSantis continued to pitch his proposal to eliminate property taxes. DeSantis anticipates the issue will end up on the 2026 ballot for voters to approve.

“These escalating assessments have created a gusher of revenue for local governments,” DeSantis said. “Taxpayers need relief.”

Critics warn that eliminating property taxes could lead to a big hike in the state sales tax. DeSantis countered that argument Tuesday.

“Don’t let anyone tell you we’re going to seek to raise state taxes because this body will not pass tax increases, and this Governor will not sign any tax increases,” he said.

Meanwhile, DeSantis proposed adding more sales tax holidays for marine fuel for boaters and “Second Amendment Summer” for buying firearms, ammo and gun modifications.  

He also touted some of the state’s environmental efforts to protect the Florida panther, restore beaches, and continue rehabilitating the Everglades, as he mentioned his accomplishments in the past year.

Read more on Florida Politics.

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—“The Wi-Fi code Is ‘TrumpLovesYou,’ but the cafe’s clients aren’t feeling it” via Kim Barker of The New York Times

—”Two hugely important questions about Donald Trump’s trade war” via Andrew Prokop of Vox

—”Veterans are caught up in Trump’s and Elon Musk’s workforce overhaul” via Eileen Sullivan and Maya C. Miller of The New York Times

—”Florida House to investigate whether property insurers hid profits with ‘accounting tricks’” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times

—”Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session could prove a bruising one” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix

—”‘Forced medication’: Gov. Ron DeSantis wants fluoride out of water” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

—”Citizens-Insurance-for-all bill withdrawn as sponsor seeks ‘in-depth’ study” via Ron Hurtibise of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

—”Florida lawmakers send political message with guests to Trump’s address to Congress” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

—“Here’s how Florida’s environmental laws could change this year” via Max Chesnes and Michaela Mulligan of the Tampa Bay Times