City of Jacksonville shares info on school closures, shelters, resources ahead of Hurricane Milton

The Duval County Emergency Operations Center is partially activated and will move to full activation at 8 a.m. on Oct. 8.

Mayor Donna Deegan will declare a local state of emergency effective at 8 a.m. Tuesday as well.

Have evacuations been ordered?

Currently there are no mandatory evacuations for Duval County.

Residents in manufactured homes, older homes, low-lying areas or areas with a heavy tree canopy 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 is now partially activated and will be fully activated at 8 a.m. on Oct. 8.

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?

• All Duval County Public Schools will be closed on Oct. 9, 10 and 11.
• FSCJ: all classes and activities at all FSCJ campuses and centers will be canceled from Wednesday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 11. This includes online classes and administrative offices. All College events and activities during this period have been canceled.
• UNF: All classes and events are canceled on October 9 and 10.
• EWU: All classes, including online sessions, will be canceled effective 5:00 pm Oct. 8, 2024, through Oct. 10, 2024.
• JU: All classes and events are canceled on Oct. 9 and 10. Classes will be virtual on Oct. 11.

Will government offices and facilities close?

City of Jacksonville government offices and facilities will be closed on Oct. 9, 10 and 11.

• Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Baldwin: These municipalities are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as warranted.
• 630-CITY:  On Oct. 8, hours will be from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. It will reopen on Oct. 9 at 7 a.m. and remain open until further notice.
• Community/Senior Centers: All senior centers and community centers will be closed starting Oct. 9, except for the Legends Center which is being used as a shelter.
• Parks: Huguenot Memorial Park and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park will be closed starting Oct. 9 with a planned reopening on Oct. 12.
• Beaches: Residents are urged to stay off the beaches and out of the water.
• Duval County Courthouse: The courthouse will be closed Oct. 9 through Oct. 11, except for First Appearance Courts.
• Duval County Clerk of Courts: all offices will be closed Oct. 9-11.
• State Attorney’s Office: The office will be closed Oct. 9 through Oct. 11, with the exception of First Appearance Courts.
• Public Defender’s Office: The office will be closed Oct. 9 through Oct. 11, with the exception of First Appearance Courts.
• Duval Tax Collector’s Office: All offices will be closed Oct. 9-11.
• Supervisor of Elections: All offices will be closed Oct. 9-11.
• Duval County Property Appraiser: All offices will be closed Oct. 9-11.

Will emergency shelters be open?

The following shelters will open at 8 a.m. on Oct. 9:

• Atlantic Coast High School - (9735 R. G. Skinner Parkway) open for special medical needs, pet-friendly.
• Chaffee Trail Elementary - (11400 Sam Caruso Way) open for general population.
• The Legends Center - (5130 Soutel Dr.), open for general population and special medical needs, and pet-friendly.
• Landmark Middle - (101 Kernan Blvd), open for general population, pet-friendly.
• LaVilla School of the Arts - (501 N. Davis St.), open for general population
• Arlington Middle School – (8141 Lone Star Rd.), 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.

Healthlink JAX

If you are uninsured, and need healthcare, please contact Healthlink JAX. This is a new, free service, available 24/7, that provides on-demand visits with board-certified doctors through a video call, and then connects patients with free local clinics and other existing community resources. Healthlink Jax is free and available to all Duval County residents who do not have health insurance by simply calling 904-925-CARE (2273).

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?

• The JTA will continue to run regular operations on JTA’s fixed-bus route, BRT First Coast Flyer routes, Connexion and ReadiRide service, as long as it is safe to do so on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday operations are to be determined based on the storm. The last trip for the St. Johns River Ferry will be at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday so that it can be taken to a safe location. It will reopen at some point on Friday as soon as it is safe to do so.
• The Skyway will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday and reopen on Friday.
• JTA will communicate any service disruptions through their website, social media channels, and MyJTA App, along with established City of Jacksonville and JaxReady communications.
• JTA will begin supporting sheltering operations starting at 8 am on Oct. 9, with free rides for residents being transported to the six shelters. It will also operate a shuttle from Ken Knight Drive to the Legends Center starting Oct. 9 (pickup every 15-30 minutes at the corner of Ken Knight Dr. and Moncrief, Bus Stop #3991).
• Greyhound has canceled all bus operations across Florida beginning at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8. It is undetermined when they will resume operations. Our downtown terminal will remain closed until that happens.

Parking

The following city-owned garages will be open downtown starting at 8 a.m. Oct. 9-11 at no charge:

• Water Street (541 Water Street)
• Ed Ball Building (238 W. Monroe St.)
• Yates Building (200 E. Adams St.)
• Duval Street (33 W. Duval St.)

JTA will also open its Kings Avenue Garage (1201 Kings Ave.) for free.

What do I do if I encounter standing water on the road?

• Please do not attempt to drive through it. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Will bridges close?

All bridges are currently 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 canceled?

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?

JAXPORT is open and operational as it continues to monitor the storm.

Cruise passengers: The return of the Carnival Elation voyage that departed JAXPORT on Oct. 5 may be delayed. Guests scheduled to depart JAXPORT on Oct. 10 can sign up for text alerts from Carnival by texting CCL1 to CRUISE (278473). Updates from Carnival are available here.

Will garbage and recycling collection remain on schedule?
Due to the volume of debris received from Storm Helene, some yard waste collection pickups are behind schedule. We have brought in extra crews, and we ask for your patience as they work around the clock to catch up with neighborhoods that will face the highest wind threat prioritized first. As Storm Milton approaches, we ask that you refrain from placing any new storm debris on the curb at this time. Monday and Tuesday waste collection remain on schedule.

• We will be keeping solid waste pickup on schedule on Tuesday, Oct. 8 and it will continue as long as it is safe to do so on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
• All Thursday Solid Waste Collections (Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste) will be suspended.  Trail Ridge Landfill will be closed on Thursday as well.
• Thursday collection for Garbage and Recycling will be rescheduled to Saturday.
• Friday collection for Garbage and Recycling is anticipated to occur as normally scheduled.

Yard Waste and Debris collections will resume in an ongoing manner on Friday until all debris is removed from Helene and Milton.

What types of debris will be picked up by Solid Waste?
After the storm passes, 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?

JEA customers should be prepared for possible power and water outages later this week. The utility is working diligently to bring in as many additional external resources as possible to support crews. However, thousands of utility restoration crews remain in areas of the Southeast still recovering from Hurricane Helene, and many will be deployed to assist other areas of Florida.

JEA asks for customers’ patience and understanding as longer-than-normal service restoration times may be possible

JEA will work to restore power and water 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.

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.

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 - 904-255-2665