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The City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division continues is closely monitor Tropical Storm Debby. The Duval County Emergency Operations Center has activated to ensure continued coordination of storm preparation, response, and stakeholders. This allows us to bring together key agencies and personnel to streamline communication, ensure rapid deployment of resources, and address any needs quickly.

 

Frequently Asked Questions
This will be our final update. Any major developments beyond this point will be communicated on an individual basis.

UPDATES

  • STATE OF EMERGENCY: Mayor Deegan signed an order that ended the local state of emergency on August 6, 2024 at 8AM. The Duval County Emergency Operations Center has entered monitoring status as Tropical Storm Debby resources are demobilized and as recovery efforts are coordinated.
  • CITY OFFICES/SCHOOLS: City Hall and city offices reopened on Tuesday, August 6. All non-essential employees have returned. Teachers have returned to schools for planning in advance of school starting next week. Early voting will begin on Wednesday, August 7.
  • SHELTERS: The three city shelters (Legends Center, Landmark Middle School, and LaVilla School of the Arts) are in the process of closing as of 8AM and will be fully closed by 12PM on August 6.
  • JTA: The Skyway is reopening on Tuesday, August 6 at 12PM. Normal operations and service have returned for every other transportation mode on Tuesday, August 6. However, some bus routes may be experiencing delays due to flooding.
  • CAUTION ON ROADS: Some roads still have standing water as of August 6. Please do not attempt to drive through it. Turn Around, Don't Drown.
  • WASTE PICKUP: Normal waste collection operations are proceeding on Tuesday, August 6 and throughout the remainder of the week. Citizen participation and support are needed for maximum efficiency of post-storm pick-up and recovery efforts. Please follow the Three Cs for Storm Debris (see below).
  • JEA: Crews have restored power for 110,000 customers during Tropical Storm Debby. Crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible in remaining homes. Continue to report downed powerlines and trees to 630-CITY. Avoid all contact with power lines. If you suspect a safety issue or live wire i.e. a downed power line that is on fire or sparking, please call 9-1-1 instead.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Updated Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11:25 a.m.
 
The Duval County Emergency Operations Center has entered monitoring status as Tropical Storm Debby resources are demobilized and as recovery efforts are coordinated.
 
EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS
  • August 1, 2024: The State of Florida has issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for counties that may be impacted by the storm. Executive Order 24-156
  • August 4, 2024: Mayor Deegan declared a local state of emergency as of 8AM on August 4. Emergency Executive Proclamation 2024-001
    • Mayor Deegan signed an order that ended the local state of emergency on August 6, 2024 at 8AM.
Have evacuations been ordered? 
Currently there are no mandatory evacuations for Duval County.
 
Residents in manufactured homes, older homes, or low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding and sustained winds. It is recommended that they consider evacuating to a safer location or a designated shelter.
 
Is the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated? 
The EOC has entered monitoring status as of Tuesday, August 6 at 8AM.
 
What does a State of Emergency mean? 
A State of Emergency Declaration allows the City to more easily allocate dollars and resources to best protect lives and property.
 
Are schools closed?
Teachers have returned to schools on Tuesday, August 6 for planning in advance of school starting next week. Schools will be in contact with families to provide rescheduling information for orientations and other events.
 
Will government offices and facilities close?
City of Jacksonville government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, August 5, 2024. 
  • City of Jacksonville: City Hall and city offices reopened on Tuesday, August 6. All non-essential employees have returned.
  • Early Voting: Early voting will begin on Wednesday, August 7.
  • Jacksonville City Council: Committee meetings on Monday, August 5 have been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 7.
  • Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach: Budget and council meetings are cancelled for August 5.
  • Jacksonville Public Library: All Jacksonville Public Library branches will be closed on Monday, August 5, 2024. Library patrons are asked to refrain from returning items to book drops for now. 
  • 630-CITY: The 630-CITY (2489) information line will be open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the duration of the storm.
  • Community/Senior Centers: All senior centers and community centers will be closed except for the Legends Center which is being used as a shelter.
  • Parks: Huguenot Memorial Park and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park will be closed Monday, August 5, 2024.
  • Pools: All city pools will be closed on Monday, August 5, 2024.
  • Beaches: Lifeguards will not be manning their stations on Monday, August 5. Residents are urged NOT to go into the water.
Will emergency shelters be open?
The three city shelters are in the process of closing as of 8AM and will be fully closed by 12PM on August 6.
  • The Legends Center - (5130 Soutel Dr.)
    • Open for general population, special medical needs, and pet-friendly.
  • Landmark Middle - (101 Kernan Blvd)
    • Open for general population, special medical needs, and pet-friendly.
  • LaVilla School of the Arts - (501 N. Davis St.)
    • Open for general population
This information will also be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.jacksonville.gov) and the JaxReady mobile app. For more information, call 630-CITY (2489).  
 
People with special medical needs should contact 630-CITY for more information. Please note, a caregiver should accompany citizens with special medical needs. 
 
What should I bring to an emergency shelter? 
The needs of individuals and families seeking shelter support will vary.  BRING YOUR OWN snacks, water and bedding. 
 
Additional suggested items include the following:
  • Photo Identification and important papers 
  • Prescription medication 
  • Special dietary and baby food 
  • Flashlight and batteries 
  • Folding chair 
  • Personal care items such as toothpaste/toothbrush 
  • Change of clothing 
  • Quiet games or reading material 
 Prohibited Items 
  • Weapons 
  • Alcoholic beverages 
  • Illegal drugs 
  • Reptiles and exotic animals
Citizens with Special Medical Needs 
These citizens are encouraged to bring the following items: 
  • A caregiver should accompany citizens with special medical needs 
  • Photo identification with current address 
  • Important papers 
  • All medications in original bottles 
  • Any required medical support equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, dressing, feeding equipment  
  • Name and phone number of the physician, home health agency or hospital where you receive care 
  • Special dietary needs 
  • Water AND Snacks 
  • Blanket(s) and pillow(s) 
  • Personal care items such as toothpaste/toothbrush 
  • Change of clothing 
Permitted Pets 
Below is the list of animals permitted at designated pet-friendly shelters. Each family is authorized to bring up to three pets which include: 
  • Dogs 
  • Cats 
  • Ferrets 
  • Pocket pets (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs) 
  • Rabbits 
  • Birds 
NO REPTILES OR OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED IN SHELTERS. 
 
All pets must have proof of vaccination and registration, be properly crated or caged and maintained by the owner.  NO PETS MAY BE DROPPED OFF. 
 
Although animals are kept separate from people, families must provide for their pets while at the shelter.  The following supplies should be brought for each animal: 
 
Pet Needs 
  • Medications 
  • Food and water 
  • Food and water dishes 
  • Plastic bags to dispose of waste 
  • Kitty Litter and pan for cats 
  • Current photo and id tags 
  • Vaccination records 
  • Pet beds, toys and grooming supplies 
  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses, muzzle(s) and pet carrier(s)
  • Name and number of the animals’ veterinarian 
Will JTA continue offering services?
  • Normal transportation operations and hours are in place on Monday, August 5 as long as it is safe to do so. JTA will make decisions regarding any service disruptions based on real-time storm conditions.
    • The Skyway is reopening on Tuesday, August 6 at 12PM
    • Normal operations and service have returned for every other transportation mode on Tuesday, August 6. However, some bus routes may be experiencing delays due to flooding.
  • Connexion & Connexion Plus & Clay paratransit services are only providing life sustaining trips on Monday, August 5.
  • Those with special medical needs must register with the City of Jacksonville if evacuations are ordered, or you are in need of transportation to a shelter. Please call (904) 255-3172 for more info. Registration does NOT carry over year-to-year.
  • JTA will communicate any service disruptions through their website and social media channels, along with established City of Jacksonville and JaxReady communications.
  • JTA will continue supporting sheltering operations today (Monday, August 5, 2024) with free rides to residents being transported to the three shelters. The below routes service the open shelters
    • Legends Center – Route 3
    • Landmark Middle School – Route 10
    • LaVilla Middle School – Routes 13, 16, 53
What do I do if I encounter standing water on the road?
  • Some roads still have standing water as of August 6. Please do not attempt to drive through it. Turn Around, Don't Drown.
Will bridges close? 
All bridges are open. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) works closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol to monitor wind conditions at area bridges. If sustained winds exceed specified levels, FDOT will work with law enforcement to close affected bridges. Any bridge closures will be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.jacksonville.gov) and the JaxReady mobile app.
 
Will ticketed events be cancelled?
Individuals are encouraged to check with the event producers to check the status of their events.
 
Is the Airport closed?
The airport is open, but passengers are strongly encouraged to check with their respective airlines to verify schedules before coming to the airport.
 
Is JAXPORT closed?
​The port is open with no restrictions.
 
Will garbage and recycling collection remain on schedule? 
Normal waste collection operations are proceeding on Tuesday, August 6 and throughout the remainder of the week.
 
What types of debris will be picked up by Solid Waste? 
All standard solid waste collection rules apply with a 5 cubic yard waste limit. Any changes or exceptions to these rules as result of the storm will be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.jacksonville.gov) and the JaxReady mobile app. 
 
Citizen participation and support are needed for maximum efficiency of post-storm pick-up and recovery efforts. Please follow the Three Cs for Storm Debris:
  • COLLECT: Gather storm debris such as tree limbs, trunks, palm fronds, and bulky branches from yard. Private contractors hired by property owners for tree trimming/removal services must haul debris away, as required by City ordinance. Smaller debris, such as leaves, twigs, and pine needles, should be bagged or containerized and meet the five cubic yard limit.
  • COMPILE: Separate containerized yard waste, loose storm debris, and any construction/demolition debris (plywood, roof shingles, sheetrock, etc.). Bulk waste should follow existing size requirements and is picked up according to existing household bulky waste schedules.
  • CURB: Bagged/containerized yard waste that meets the five cubic yard limit requirement is picked up weekly as usual. Debris should be separated by type and placed at least three feet away from obstructions such as vehicles, mailboxes, fire hydrants and utilities.
Who do I call if my lights are out? 
Crews have restored power for 110,000 customers during Tropical Storm Debby. Crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible in remaining homes.
 
Power outages are likely with this storm. JEA will work to restore power when it is safe to do so. Electrical outages and service issues can be reported to JEA at (904) 665-6000 or online at JEA.com. JEA works as quickly and safely as possible to restore electricity, water, and wastewater services.
 
What do I do if I come across downed power lines or downed trees?
Report to 630-CITY and avoid all contact with power lines. If you suspect a safety issue or live wire i.e. a downed power line that is on fire or sparking, please call 9-1-1 instead.
 
What should citizens do if they approach a malfunctioning or out-of-service traffic light? 
Drivers should treat malfunctioning or out-of-service traffic lights as 4-way stops and report them to 630-CITY.
 
Who do I call with non-emergency concerns?
Citizens are encouraged to call 630-CITY (2489) with any non-emergency concerns, excluding power outages (which should be reported to JEA), including broken traffic lights, downed trees, questions about garbage collection, etc.
 
What should citizens do to prepare for the storm? 
Stay informed and updated on storm progress via JaxReady.com, the JaxReady mobile app and local media channels. Take steps to prepare yourself and your property.  
  • Find your evacuation zone and your flood zone (which are NOT the same) online at maps.coj.net 
  • Secure anything outside that could blow into a building, window or storm system, including signs, garbage cans/lids, toys, etc. 
  • Pick up any litter or loose yard debris around your home and secure it in a garbage bag or container. 
  • Low-lying and tidally-influenced areas should expect and prepare for flood conditions. 
  • Gas and service your vehicles. 
  • Charge your cell phones and mobile devices. 
  • Fill jugs and lidded containers with clean Jacksonville tap water. 
  • Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs. 
  • Listen frequently to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for status and forecasts of the storm’s progress. 
  • Double check your emergency supply kit. 
  • Review your emergency plan. 
Does the City provide sandbags to prevent flooding?
Sandbags are not provided by the City. Jacksonville is a geographically diverse city, covering 840 square miles. The City’s stormwater needs and population size are different from neighboring counties, and sandbags can be an environmental hazard if not disposed of properly. Residents who believe sandbags are a necessity should consult with their local hardware store. In addition to sandbags, the City does not provide batteries, flashlights, radios, ice, first aid kits or canned goods. These are personal preparedness items that citizens are encouraged to acquire based on their anticipated needs. 
 
What steps can citizens take to protect pets? 
  • Bring your pets inside. They may be outside dogs/cats, but the conditions they may see during a strong storm are beyond their normal experience. They will be frightened as exposed to extreme weather and possible flying debris. Bring them in. If they cannot be allowed loose, use a crate. Crates give them their own secure space and keep them safe. Additionally, if in some unforeseen emergency you and they need rescuing, Emergency Personnel can more easily help you with contained, safe animals. 
  • Do NOT set animals loose. They will not “be OK”.  
  • Gather information for evacuation, even if you don’t think you will have to evacuate. The easy way to do this is to place copies of Vet records, shot records, ownership papers, any medication your pet needs, an extra collar and an extra leash in a gallon freezer bag. Use a permanent marker to place your name and the pet’s name on the bag. Then keep the bag near the pet so you can grab both and go if needed.  
  • Have three to four days of pet food on hand. We do not expect a major problem, but better you buy pet food now than have to wait in line later. 
  • Have a gallon of bottled water per day on hand for your pets, especially if evacuating. Sudden changes in water supply coupled with stress can upset their digestive systems. Enough said. 
  • Understand that at pet friendly shelters, you will be responsible for the care of your dog. Please be prepared to do so if you utilize a shelter for you and your pets. 
Emergency Declarations
August 1, 2024
The State of Florida has issued an Executive Order delaring a State of Emergency for counties that may be impacted by the storm. August 4, 2024
Press Conferences


Important Phone Numbers
  • City of Jacksonville - 904-630-CITY (2489) 
  • Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office - 904-630-0500 
  • Florida Department of Transportation - 904-360-5457 
  • JEA - 904-665-6000 
  • Northeast Florida Red Cross - 904-358-8091 
  • Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) - 904-630-3100 
  • Traffic Information - 511 
  • United Way of Northeast Florida - 211 
  • Florida Emergency Information Hotline - 1-800-342-3557 
  • Salvation Army - 904-356-8641 
  • National Weather Service Jacksonville - 904-741-4311 
  • Duval County Public Schools - 904-390-2000 
  • Jacksonville Public Library - 904- 630-1994 
Official Social Media Accounts
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Youtube - City of Jacksonville - https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofjacksonville  
 
LinkedIn - City of Jacksonville - https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-jacksonville  
 
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