On Thursday, April 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Central Florida conducted Operation Skyfall, the nation’s largest medical surge exercise. The event involved hospitals, law enforcement agencies, emergency management offices, and public health officials across nine counties, including Brevard. FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor emphasized the importance of preparation, stating the exercises ensure a ‘robust, comprehensive, and collaborative response’ to mass casualty incidents. 2,200 student volunteers from Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Volusia Counties participated, wearing makeup to simulate injuries and seeking treatment at local hospitals. Emergency Operations Centers in Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, and Orlando activated during the drill to practice real-time coordination with healthcare facilities. Most West Central Florida hospitals in Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sumter Counties also tested their mass casualty and medical surge plans. The exercise aimed to strengthen preparedness for emergencies, with organizers urging residents to recognize it as a planned event if they encountered it. Local hospitals and agencies worked to ensure the region remains ‘the safest place possible to live, work and play,’ according to exercise planners.