Published on October 8, 2024 at 1:04 pm
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St. Johns County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents and visitors in Evacuation Zones A and B, as well as Zone F (only south of State Road 206), effective at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, due to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Milton.
The areas under evacuation include the entire cities of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach.
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Residents in any area of the county living on waterfront properties or in flood-prone areas, or living in boats, RVs or mobile homes are also required to evacuate.
The order took effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday, the same time that emergency shelters will open.
“There’s going to be a time when we will not be able to get in and rescue you,” St. Augustine spokesperson Melissa Wissel said. “Get to higher ground.”
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People who have experienced flooding in previous storms should leave as soon as possible, she said.
Separately, St. Johns County issued a mandatory evacuation order for all health care facilities, including assisted-living facilities, in the same evacuation areas, effective at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
The evacuations included the Allegro facility in St. Augustine. Residents were being moved to Allegro’s facility in Fleming Island.
“The early issuance of this mandatory evacuation order for health care facilities is to facilitate the coordination of logistics and transportation, ensuring patients and residents in these healthcare facilities continue to receive care,” the announcement said.
A complete map of evacuation zones, a list of shelters and additional emergency planning information can be found at visit www.sjcfl.us/hurricane or call the Citizen Information Hotline at 904-824-5550.
Three storm shelters are open Wednesday to accommodate evacuees:
- Special Medical Needs: Freedom Crossing Academy, 1365 Shetland Drive, St. Johns. (Eligibility: Not all individuals are eligible to utilize the Special Medical Needs Storm Shelter. Space is reserved for those who rely on electricity for medical equipment or require oxygen therapy. The Special Medical Needs Storm Shelter is not a substitute for regular health care. Basic medical assistance and monitoring will be available, but individuals must come with a caregiver to ensure they maintain their accustomed level of care. Shelter staff will not be able to provide one-on-one care.)
- Pet Friendly: South Woods Elementary School, 4750 State Road 206 W., Elkton.
- General Population: Pedro Menendez High School, 600 State Road 206 W., St. Augustine.
Residents who require transportation to a storm shelter should call the Emergency Management Citizen Information Hotline at 904-824-5550. Transportation will be provided for those in need.
Randy comes to Jacksonville from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, where as metro editor, he led investigative coverage of the Parkland school shooting that won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for public service. He has spent more than 40 years in reporting and editing positions in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio and Florida.
