Americans fleeing Israel on evacuation flights to Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Americans fleeing the deadly conflict between Israel and Iran are heading back to the U.S. thanks, in part, to Florida officials.

Early Wednesday, a cruise ship transported roughly 1,500 people from Israel to Cyprus. From there, some boarded a plane bound for Tampa.

Carrie Best-Lary, from Broward County, was one of those transported to Cyprus. She had traveled to Israel for a 10-day trip sponsored by the Birthright Israel Foundation, just ahead of her 50th birthday.