News

JACKSONVILLE, Florida, June 26, 2024 – Earlier this week, the City of Jacksonville unveiled its 2024 Cooling Center Contingency Plan, called “Stay Cool Jax”. It is a critical component of the City of Jacksonville’s proactive efforts to safeguard public health during periods of extreme heat.  

In an effort to encourage residents to prepare for natural disasters, Governor DeSantis has signed into law House Bill 7073 which includes the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. This initiative aims to provide financial relief on essential items needed for emergency situations.

On April 1, 2024, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Missing Persons Unit in partnership with the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and JaxReady recently started a new program, called First Responder Awareness Sticker Program.

The City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division is thrilled to announce the inaugural JaxReady Fest, an interactive preparedness experience aimed at empowering residents with the knowledge and resources to stay safe and resilient in the face of all hazards that threaten our community.

While Jacksonville may not find itself in the direct path of the total eclipse, residents still have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary celestial event on Monday, April 8th. According to US Naval Observatory information, 64.5% of the sun will be obscured by the moon as seen in Jacksonville. This will begin at 1:47 p.m. with the maximum coverage at 3:05 p.m. and will end at 4:19 p.m.

Current Status: This system is no longer active. The Emergency Preparedness Division is closely monitoring an area of low pressure that could potentially bring severe weather conditions to our area on Tuesday, January 9. As this dynamic system approaches, there is a possibility of significant weather conditions, which include damaging winds, hail, and tornado risks.

Current Status: This system is no longer active The Emergency Preparedness Division is monitoring an area of low pressure in the northwestern Caribbean Sea that has the potential to develop in the next several days.

Peak hurricane season is mid-August through mid-October. Now is the time to refresh and stock up on emergency supply kit items.

***UPDATE*** 8/24/2023 JEA lifted the precautionary Boil Water Advisory at 5:00 a.m. today for the South Philips Highway and Nocatee area, two days after a water main break.

The National Weather Service, Jacksonville, has forecast dangerous temperatures this week, with heat indices, or “feels like” temperatures, potentially climbing to 117°. This extreme heat can pose severe health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

The Excessive Heat Task Force, led by Mayor Deegan, Chief Health Officer Dr. Sunil Joshi, city agencies, and Community partners, has developed a plan to respond in the event of extreme heat in Jacksonville.

Florida Department of Health has issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed and recovered local cases of malaria in Sarasota County. All individuals have been treated and have recovered. Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. The Department urges residents throughout the state to take precautions by applying bug spray, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible - especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitos are most active.

Summer has arrived, and with it so have the summer temperatures. The National Weather Service, Jacksonville has forecast heat index values in the triple digits this week.

The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1, 2023 and now is the time to prepare.

May is National Water Safety Month, and as summer approaches, we want  to ensure that everyone is JaxReady before they go to the beach.  Always stay within your ability and check with the lifeguards if you are unsure about the safest areas for you and your family.