CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – As Hurricane Milton makes its way toward the Gulf Coast, Northeast Florida is preparing for the storm.
All 11 Northeast Florida counties are now under a state of emergency after Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded his order this weekend.
There are concerns about serious flooding in Caly, Baker, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Nassau and St. Johns counties.
In Clay County, the National Weather Service relayed that the most likely time of arrival for tropical storm-force winds is mid-day to late evening on Wednesday.
On its current track, Clay County officials expect to see the main effects of Hurricane Milton early Wednesday morning. Like Helene, this will be an overnight storm. This will continue throughout Wednesday.
The county could see tropical storm force winds around 39-57 mph and heavy rainfall.
Flooding along Black Creek is a concern. The county could see possible flooding Wednesday into Thursday. Orange Park, Fleming Island and Green Cove Springs residents could see the potential for one to three feet of floodwaters from the St. Johns River.
Clay County officials urge residents to prepare as soon as possible.
Sandbags
The county will have several sandbag locations open on Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:
- Eagle Harbor Sports Complex at 4387 Lakeshore Dr. in Fleming Island
- Green Cove Springs at 25 Roderigo Avenue Green Cove Springs
- Orange Park Sports and Recreational Park at 1086 Fromhart Street in Orange Park
- Middleburg-Clay Hill Omega Park at 4317 Co Rd 218 in Middleburg
- Across from Keystone Heights City Hall at 555 S. Lawrence Blvd in Keystone Heights
Sandbags are limited to 10 per person. Bags are first come, first serve and have a limited supply. The county will refill the sites as needed. People have to fill their own sandbags.
Debris pickup
County officials said their disaster debris vendors will start collecting vegetative storm debris piles on Monday, Oct. 7. FCC Environmental Services will pick up bagged and containerized yard waste.
“We know there is a concern about debris piles in this storm,” the county wrote. “Crews will pick up storm debris for as long as conditions remain safe and will resume when it is safe to do so.”
Garbage collection
The county continues to work closely with FCC Environmental Services to handle the trash pickups. They will do pick-ups Monday and Tuesday. The county will keep the community updated as the storm gets closer regarding any delayed collections. Crews will pick up trash and yard waste for as long as conditions remain safe and will resume when it is safe to do so.
Closures
All Florida Department of Health in Clay County (DOH-Clay) offices will close Wednesday, October 9, 2024, and Thursday, October 10, 2024, in response to severe weather impacts. Reopening on Friday, October 11, 2024, will be weather dependent.
Call center
Clay County’s call center will be open starting Monday. People can call at 877-252-9362 or 877-CLAYEOC.