Bay Area first responders deploy to Florida Panhandle after Isaias

Emergency crews from across the Bay Area are heading to Florida’s Panhandle to help communities deal with the aftermath of Isaias. Polk County’s team mobilized within hours of the state’s call for help, joining other local responders already deployed to assist.Bay Area emergency responseA 46-person team made up of Polk County Sheriff’s Office personnel, Polk Fire Rescue and support staff left Saturday morning for Okaloosa County, where Isaias made landfall.Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the team hit the road less than three hours after the state requested assistance. The crew is equipped to support its own operations in the field, with resources including bunk trailers, a command center, radio systems, fleet management equipment and portable kitchens.Once in Okaloosa County, crews were expected to begin assessing conditions and helping clear roads so residents could get to and from their homes.Other Bay Area crews deployedPolk County is one of several local agencies sending help.F