‘We have you covered, Duval’: Sheriff Waters assures JSO is ready to keep residents safe ahead of Milton

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters shared a message to ensure the community that the sheriff’s office is equipped and ready to keep residents safe ahead of Hurricane Milton.

The impact on Duval County is expected to bring a 2 to 4-foot storm surge along the St. Johns River, 1 to 4 inches of rain, and strong winds reaching 30 to 50 mph with occasional gusts of 50 to 60 mph.

As time ticks down until Milton makes landfall Wednesday night, Waters urged residents to “remain calm” and stay in a safe place and off roadways.

RELATED: ‘This is better news’: Jacksonville mayor says rainfall projections have dropped since Tuesday as Milton approaches | Will bridges close in Jacksonville due to Hurricane Milton? Here’s what you should know

“We will have dozens of extra officers on patrol throughout Hurricane Milton to keep you safe. Specialized teams are ready for any rescues and will work alongside crews to restore power and clear roads,” Waters said in a post on X. “We have you covered, Duval.”

JSO has an additional staff of 12 Emergency Road Access Teams officers, two officers at the Legends Center, 20 Strike Team officers to help with rescues and 60 extra officers on top of regular staff.

The sheriff said the department is prepared to address expected power outages and downed trees blocking roadways.

There was also an important message that the sheriff emphasized: He wanted the community to know that it is important that “you do your part,” so you don’t have to call 911.

To keep lines clear for emergencies, JSO gave examples of reasons to call and not to call 911.

You can call JSO’s non-emergency line at 904-630-0500 for non-critical issues.

For storm-related issues, call 904-630-2489.