JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan stated during Tuesday’s afternoon briefing that orange-colored, tube-like devices known as “Tiger Dams” will be utilized for the first time in the city’s history to help mitigate the flooding impacts expected from Hurricane Milton.
U.S. Flood Control touts Tiger Dams as an affordable, feasible alternative to sandbags. First, they are filled with water and can be stacked up as high as 32 feet. Once filled, the Tiger Dams can be linked together for miles.
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Deegan confirmed during her announcement the dams will be placed on Ahern Street, Atlantic Boulevard, and Seagate Avenue.
A city of Jacksonville spokesperson said the dams are already in use at the Children’s Way and Landon Park lift stations.
Additionally, they have been used at fire stations, including one in Ortega during Hurricane Helene.
Jacksonville’s Director of Emergency Management, Andre Ayoub, shared more during the city’s briefing ahead of Hurricane Milton.
“This is something the Florida Department of Emergency Management gives us,” Ayoub said. “They set them up, so they’re very secure. They’re filled up with water and easy to break down.”
Ayoub said additional Tiger Dams could be added throughout the city as more assessments are completed.
“We’re working with the logistics teams, [and] with our beach partners to identify different locations, so we’ll deploy them,” Ayoub said.
Despite numerous storms and other events, Ayoub said the fact that this is the first time they’ll be in use speaks to Hurricane Milton’s intensity.
“That was the first discussion when we met, is to get those Tiger Dams,” Ayoub said. “Especially when we knew it was going to be a coastal event. To get those Tiger Dams out there to them.”
The city is advising people, including those at the beach, to have a plan and be prepared for the possibility of heavy rains and storm surge. Deegan said lifeguards will not be present and people should stay out of the water until the storm passes.
