St. Johns County Emergency Management Communications

Hurricane Idalia

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August 30, 2023, 3:00 p.m.

St. Johns County Announces Updates to Public Services

St. Johns County is announcing updates to public services in the wake of Hurricane Idalia. The St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center, including the Emergency Management Citizen Information Line, will deactivate at 6 p.m.

Government Offices

  • All St. Johns County government offices, except for the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts Office, will resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31.
    • The St. Johns County Clerk of Courts Office will resume normal operations on Friday, Sept. 1.
  • All City of St. Augustine government offices will resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31.
  • All City of St. Augustine Beach government offices will resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Residential Waste Collection Service

  • St. Johns County will resume normal residential waste collection services on Thursday, Aug. 31.
    • Residents originally scheduled for collection on Wednesday, Aug. 30, will receive collection service on Saturday, Sept. 2.
  • The Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road Transfer Stations will resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31.
  • The City of St. Augustine will not collect yard debris on Wednesday, Aug. 30, or residential recycling on Thursday, Aug. 31, and Friday, Sept. 1.
  • The City of St. Augustine Beach will resume normal residential waste collection services on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Public Library System

  • All St. Johns County libraries, bookmobiles, and book drops will resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31.
  • Due dates will be extended to Saturday, Sept. 2, and fines will not be incurred during this time.

Parks and Beach Services

  • All St. Johns County Parks and Recreation parks and facilities will resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31. This includes the St. Johns Golf Club, St. Johns County Ocean Pier and Gift Shop, beachfront parks, and beach walkovers.
  • Beach driving will resume normal hours on Thursday, Aug. 31.

Schools

  • All St. Johns County School District schools and district offices will resume normal operations on Thursday, Aug. 31.
  • This includes Extended Day Programs along with afterschool, athletic, and extracurricular activities.

Council on Aging and Sunshine Bus Service

  • St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) has announced that all Paratransit transportation services will be limited to life-sustaining services on Thursday, Aug. 31.
  • For more information on the Sunshine Bus Service, please visit www.sunshinebus.net/alerts-updates or call 904-209-3716 during operating hours.
  • All COA senior centers and facilities, including River House, Sunshine Center, COA headquarters, and scheduled IMEP programs, will resume normal operations on Friday, Sept. 1.
  • For more information on the COA, please visit http://www.coasjc.org/news or call 904-209-3700.

August 30, 2023, 12 p.m.

St. Johns County Lifting Mandatory Evacuation Order Effective Immediately
Closing Storm Shelters at 2 p.m.

Effective immediately, St. Johns County is lifting the mandatory evacuation order previously issued for all persons living in low-lying, flood-prone areas, or on a boat, mobile home, recreational vehicle, camper, or similar conveyance.

St. Johns County will close its two storm shelters, the Solomon Calhoun Community Center and Health and Human Services Building, at 2 p.m.

August 30, 2023, 7 a.m.

St. Johns County Under Tornado Watch

The National Weather Service - Jacksonville has issued a tornado watch for all of St. Johns County in anticipation of the impacts of Hurricane Idalia. St. Johns County Emergency Management (SJCEM) is monitoring the storm and will provide updates as they are made available.

“As Hurricane Idalia makes landfall as a Category 4, the SJCEM continues to encourage our community to remain aware and ready,” Emergency Management Deputy Director Kelly Wilson said. “This will be a significant wind event for St. Johns County.”

Tornado Watch
This is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Their size can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They normally are issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

August 29, 2023, 5 p.m.

Storm Shelters Now Open and Mandatory Evacuation Order Now in Effect

St. Johns County has now opened two storm shelters to the public today. The mandatory evacuation order that St. Johns County announced this morning has gone into effect at 5 p.m. for anyone living on a boat, mobile home, recreational vehicle, camper, or similar conveyance, or in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Persons living in these conditions face an elevated risk of life-threatening conditions, including flooding and winds, from Hurricane Idalia. Any person seeking shelter may do so at one of the two locations.

“This is an extreme storm event,” Emergency Management Director Joseph Giammanco said. “Be cognizant of the weather conditions. There is a high probability of strong tropical storm-strength winds.”

  • Solomon Calhoun Community Center
    • 1300 Duval St., St. Augustine
    • General Population and Pet Shelter
  • St. Johns County Health and Human Services Building
    • 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine
    • Special Medical Needs Shelter

While shelters provide safety throughout the storm, residents must bring supplies to maintain personal comfort and sustenance. St. Johns County recommends that all evacuees bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags or air mattresses, pillows, sheets, and blankets. A five-day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication, diapers, and other personal items are also suggested. Please refer to the list below for additional supply suggestions.

  • At least a five-day supply of medications, insulin, and a cooler if you are diabetic 
  • Personal grooming and hygiene items, feminine supplies
  • Extra clothing, eyeglasses
  • Books, magazines, cards, games, etc.
  • Pillows, blankets, sheets, lawn chair/chaise lounge
  • Flashlight and extra batteries, manual can opener
  • Personal identification/important papers

August 29, 2023, 11:30 a.m.

St. Johns County Under Tropical Storm Warning

The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for all of St. Johns County in anticipation of the impacts of Hurricane Idalia. St. Johns County Emergency Management (SJCEM) is monitoring the storm and will provide updates as they are made available.

Tropical Storm Warning
A tropical storm warning is an announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

August 29, 2023, 10 a.m.

St. Johns County Issues Mandatory Evacuation Order for Low-Lying, Flood-Prone Areas and Opens Storm Shelters to Public Effective 5 p.m. Today, Aug. 29

St. Johns County is issuing a mandatory evacuation order effective 5 p.m. today, Aug. 29, for all persons living in low-lying, flood-prone areas, or on a boat, mobile home, recreational vehicle, camper, or similar conveyance.

St. Johns County will also open two storm shelters to the public today, Aug. 29, at 5 p.m.

  • Solomon Calhoun Community Center
    • 1300 Duval St., St. Augustine
    • General Population and Pet Shelter
  • St. Johns County Health and Human Services Building
    • 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine
    • Special Medical Needs Shelter

The Solomon Calhoun Center pool will close to the public at 12 p.m. to allow County staff to prepare the facility as a shelter.

The St. Johns County Health and Human Services Building will also close to the public at 12 p.m. to allow staff to prepare the facility as a shelter.

While shelters provide safety throughout the storm, residents must bring supplies to maintain personal comfort and sustenance. St. Johns County recommends that all evacuees bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags or air mattresses, pillows, sheets, and blankets. A five-day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication, diapers, and other personal items are also suggested. Please refer to the list below for additional supply suggestions.

  • At least a five-day supply of medications, insulin, and a cooler if you are diabetic
  • Personal grooming and hygiene items, feminine supplies
  • Extra clothing, eyeglasses
  • Books, magazines, cards, games, etc.
  • Pillows, blankets, sheets, lawn chair/chaise lounge
  • Flashlight and extra batteries, manual can opener
  • Personal identification/important papers

August 29, 2023, 8:30 a.m.

St. Johns County to Hold Press Conference for Hurricane Idalia at 10 a.m.

St. Johns County will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. today to discuss the potential impacts of Hurricane Idalia. The press conference will be streamed live on the St. Johns County Emergency Management (SJCEM) Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StJohnsEOC).

The press conference is scheduled to include:

  • Commissioner Christian Whitehurst, Chair of the Board of County Commissioner
  • Joe Giammanco, Emergency Management Director
  • Sheriff Robert Hardwick
  • Chief Carlos Aviles, City of St. Augustine Fire Department
  • Daniel Carswell, Police Chief, City of St. Augustine Beach

August 28, 2023, 7:30 p.m.

St. Johns County Announces Updates to Services in Response to Tropical Storm Idalia

Ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, St. Johns County is announcing updates to services for residents

Government Offices

  • All St. Johns County government offices will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
  • All City of St. Augustine government offices will close on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 3 p.m. and remain closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
  • All City of St. Augustine Beach government offices will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Residential Waste Collection Service

  • St. Johns County will suspend household garbage, recycling, and yard debris collection schedules on Wednesday, Aug. 30, with normal service resuming Thursday, Aug. 31.
  • Residents originally scheduled for Wednesday collection will have service on Saturday, Sept. 2.
  • The Tillman Ridge and Stratton Road Transfer Stations will also be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
  • The City of St. Augustine garbage collection will remain on schedule on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
  • The City of St. Augustine will not collect yard debris on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
  • The City of St. Augustine will not collect residential recycling on Thursday, Aug. 31, and Friday, Sept. 1.

Public Library System

  • All St. Johns County libraries, bookmobiles, and book drops will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
  • Due dates will be extended and fines will not be incurred during the closure.

Parks and Beach Services

  • All St. Johns County Parks and Recreation parks and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30. This includes the St. Johns Golf Club, beachfront parks, and beach walkovers.
  • Beach driving will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 12 p.m. for the duration of the storm.
  • The St. Johns County Pier will close on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 5 p.m. for the duration of the storm. Barricades will be in place.

Schools

  • All St. Johns County School District schools and district offices will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30, due to the impending storm.
  • Schools and district offices will operate as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 29, including Extended Day Programs.
  • Scheduled afterschool, athletic, and extracurricular activities will be canceled Tuesday, Aug. 29, through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Council on Aging and Sunshine Bus Service

  • St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) has announced that all Sunshine Bus and Paratransit transportation services will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Transportation facilities and customer service will also be closed.
  • In addition, all Paratransit transportation services will be limited to life-sustaining services on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Thursday, Aug. 31.
  • For more information on the Sunshine Bus Service, please visit www.sunshinebus.net/alerts-updates or call 904-209-3716 during operating hours.
  • All COA senior centers and facilities, including River House, Sunshine Center, COA headquarters, and scheduled IMEP programs, will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30, and Thursday, Aug. 31.
  • For more information on the COA, please visit http://www.coasjc.org/news or call 904-209-3700.

August 28, 2023, 1:30 p.m.

Beach Driving Restricted Ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia

In anticipation of Tropical Storm Idalia, St. Johns County Beach Services is providing the following updates for beach driving and St. Johns County Pier operations:

  • Today, Aug. 28, all afternoon tolls are canceled and tollbooths will be removed from the beach for public safety.
  • Beach driving will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 12 p.m. for the duration of the storm.
  • The St. Johns County Pier will close on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 5 p.m. for the duration of the storm. Barricades will be in place.

Additionally, the Porpoise Point gate will close this evening at the regular time of 7:30 p.m., but it will not open tomorrow morning on Tuesday, Aug. 29, as St. Johns County Public Works staff will be placing sand in front of the gate as a protective measure against potential flooding.

In combination with the effects of Tropical Storm Idalia, tidal levels will become increasingly elevated this week along the St. Johns County coast and within the St. Johns River basin due to the upcoming full moon on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Coastal flooding is possible around times of high tide from Tuesday night through Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center has forecasted the potential for 1-3 feet of storm surge along the St. Johns County coast. The public is strongly encouraged to exercise extreme caution and avoid ocean swimming and boating during this time.

August 28, 2023, 11 a.m.

St. Johns County Now Under Tropical Storm Watch

The National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for St. Johns County today, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. in anticipation of Tropical Storm Idalia. St. Johns County Emergency Management (SJCEM) is monitoring the storm and will provide updates as they are made available.

A tropical storm watch means tropical storm-force weather conditions are possible within the advised area within the next 48 hours, and means tropical storm conditions in relation to wind, rain, and surf are possible within the watch area.

August 28, 2023, 9:30 a.m.

Free Sandbags to Public in Preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia

St. Johns County is providing free sandbags starting at 12 p.m. today, Aug. 28, at six locations throughout the county in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia. The sand and bags are provided free of charge. The public must provide their own transportation and shovels and will be responsible for filling their own bags. There is a maximum allocation of 20 bags per person. The sand and bags will be available beginning at 12 p.m. today, Aug. 28, and beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, until weather permits at these locations:

  • Windswept Acres Park – 5335 SR A1A S.
  • Solomon Calhoun Community Center – 1300 Duval St.
  • Hastings Community Center – 6195 S. Main St., behind the building
  • Mills Field – 1805 Race Track Road, in the overflow parking area
  • Palm Valley – Under the Palm Valley Bridge, on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway
  • North Beach Park – 3721 Coastal Highway, at the walkover

St. Johns County Emergency Management (SJCEM) urges the public to check their supply kits, secure their properties with window shutters, and remove debris. Those in mobile homes, boats, and RVs should prepare for the possibility of evacuation orders. The public should anticipate isolated power issues and exercise proper generator safety. Hurricane Preparedness Guide

“Current forecasts show the potential for inland hurricane-strength wind gusts with the elevated possibility of tornados,” SJCEM Director Joseph Giammanco said. “This is an intensifying storm and we urge the public to take this seriously and be prudent and purposeful with their planning.”

SJCEM encourages the public to stay informed through these options:

 

 

Hurricane Season Preparedness


Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Runs From Aug. 26 to Sept. 8

As we move into the most active part of hurricane season, now is an excellent time to gather hurricane supplies. A Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins Saturday, Aug. 26, and runs through Sept. 8. Find a full list of tax-free items at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep. Disaster Sales Tax Holiday

Emergency Management Deputy Director Kelly Wilson Advocates for Hurricane Preparedness on City of St. Augustine’s The Break Room Podcast

St. Johns County Emergency Management (SJCEM) Deputy Director Kelly Wilson recently appeared on The Break Room, the City of St. Augustine’s weekly podcast, to shed light on the critical role of Emergency Management in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts as well as how residents can prepare before a storm arrives.

Emergency Management Offers Public Safety Alert Service

St. Johns County Emergency Management (SJCEM) is using Nixle Alerts to provide another way for the public to stay updated with relevant information from the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center. Any individual can text StJohnsEOC to 888777 to opt-in to receive notifications through SMS text messages. Nixle does not charge for this service, but carrier message and data rates may apply. Emergency Management Offers Nixel Alerts Public Safety Alert Service Press Release

St. Johns County's 2023 Hurricane Preparedness Guide is Available Now

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is underway, running from June 1 to Nov. 30. St. Johns County Emergency Management’s 2023 Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available to the public. Visit www.sjcemergencymanagement.com for more preparedness information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contacts

  • SJC Emergency Operations Center Citizens Information Line: 904.824.5550

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