Idalia: Essential information for Jacksonville, Duval County

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Idalia approaches the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville has provided residents with the following information as the city works with the Emergency Operations Center to get prepared for the storm:

UPDATES:

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – Updated Tuesday August 29, 2023 at 11 AM

Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency for Duval and Surrounding Counties.

Mayor Donna Deegan has declared a Local State of Emergency effective Monday, August 28 at 8AM.

Idalia is anticipated to make landfall around the Big Bend area as a Major Hurricane Wednesday Morning, August 30.

There is an anticipated risk for high rip currents, tropical storm force winds, isolate tornadoes, and the potential for flooding in low-lying neighborhoods along the St. Johns River and Atlantic Coast. Citizens are encouraged to remain out of the water. The strongest winds and risk of flooding will be between 11 AM – 3 PM Wednesday, August 30.

A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for Northeast Florida.

Have evacuations been ordered?

Currently, no evacuations have been ordered. Individuals who live in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding are encouraged to consider seeking shelter prior to the onset of the storm.

Evacuation zones can be viewed at http://www.coj.net/departments/fire-and-rescue/emergency-preparedness/get-prepared/evacuation-zones.aspx or on the JaxReady mobile app.

Is the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated?

The EOC was activated Monday August 28, 2023 at 8 AM. It will remain active 24 hours a day through the duration of the storm.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Are schools closed?

All Duval County Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (August 29 – 31).

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), Edward Waters University (EWU), and University of North Florida (UNF) will be closed Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30.

Jacksonville University will be closed Wednesday, August 30.

Will government offices close?

All nonessential government offices will be closed Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30.

The Jacksonville Public Library will be closed Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30.

City of Jacksonville Community Centers and Senior Centers (outside of those being used for emergency shelters) will be closed Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30.

The Duval County Courthouse and offices will be closed from Tuesday, August 29 through Thursday, August 31.

Will parks close?

Hanna Park, Huguenot Park, and the campgrounds will be closed Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30. Assessments will be conducted Thursday, August 31 regarding reopening.

All lifeguards will be pulled from Duval County beaches Tuesday, August 29 at 5 PM.

Will bridges close?

All bridges are 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 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.COJ.net) and the JaxReady mobile app.

Will garbage and recycling collection remain on schedule? Curbside garbage, recycling, bulk and yard waste collections and household hazardous waste will be suspended Wednesday, August 30.

Schedules will return to normal Thursday, August 31.

For those whose scheduled collection day is Wednesday, August 30, a make-up collection will take place Saturday, September 2.

What types of debris will be picked up by Solid Waste? 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.COJ.net) and the JaxReady mobile app.

Will emergency shelters be open?

Starting Tuesday, August 29, at 12 PM the following shelters will be open for anyone who needs shelter:

This information will also be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.COJ.net) and the JaxReady mobile app. For more information, call 630-CITY (2489).

Persons with special needs should contact 630-City for more information. Please note, a caregiver should accompany special needs citizens.

How can I get to the emergency shelter?

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will be providing service to those wishing to evacuate to public shelters. Services will begin Tuesday, August 29 at 12 PM, in conjunction with the opening of the shelters.

There are two ways to use the JTA service: 1. Take any JTA bus marked “Evacuation Shuttle” on a regular JTA bus route before the announced cut-off time.

2. Go to any one of the specially-designated public pick-up locations:

Starting at 12 PM, Shuttles will run every 30 minutes to the Legends Center, until conditions deteriorate, providing transportation back to the bus stop when the shelter closes.

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:

Prohibited Items

Special Needs Citizens

These citizens are encouraged to bring the following items:

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:

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

What steps can citizens take to protect pets?

Who do I call if my lights are out? Power outages are likely with this storm. JEA will work to restore power when it is safe to do so. Electrical outages and service issues can be reported to JEA at (904) 665-6000, online at JEA.com, or by texting “OUT” to MyJEA (69532).

JEA is suspending disconnection due to nonpayment starting Monday, August 28 at 9 AM until further notice.

JEA Downtown Jacksonville Customer Solutions Center will be closed Wednesday, August 30, 2023. JEA will provide updates by email and through their website, www.JEA.com.

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.

What should citizens do if they encounter price gouging?

Citizens should call Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226. You may also report violations via the No Scam app or online at: http://myfloridalegal.com.

Will JTA continue offering services?

The St. Johns River Ferry has suspended service beginning Tuesday, August 29.

The JTA plans for normal service operations for all other services on Tuesday, August 29.

Fixed Route Buses, First Coast Flyer, ReadiRide, Express Select, and Skyway service will be suspended beginning Wednesday, August 30. Service is expected to resume on Thursday, August 31.

Will the airport close?

Scheduled flights are still operating as normal. Passengers are encouraged to check flight status with their airlines for the most up to date information about their travel itineraries.

Will JAXPORT Close?

JAXPORT’s cargo gates will close to inbound trucks at 3 PM on Tuesday, August 29. All outbound trucks must depart JAXPORT by 5 PM on Tuesday, August 29.

Will ticketed events be cancelled?

Individuals are encouraged to check with the event producers to check the status of their events.

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- 630-1994

OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Twitter

Mayor Donna Deegan (@MayorDeegan) - https://twitter.com/MayorDeegan

City of Jacksonville (@CityOfJax) - https://twitter.com/cityofjax

JaxReady (@JaxReady) - https://twitter.com/jaxready

Facebook - City of Jacksonville - https://www.facebook.com/CityofJax

Youtube - City of Jacksonville - https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofjacksonville

LinkedIn - City of Jacksonville - https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-jacksonville

Instagram - City of Jacksonville (@CityOfJax) - https://www.instagram.com/cityofjax/

For more information visit http://www.coj.net/departments/public-affairs/social-media.aspx.

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