St. Johns County is now under a hurricane warning, which means hurricane-force winds are expected within 36 hours. The lowest sustained hurricane winds would be 74 mph, though the actual winds and gusts could be much higher.
Some mandatory evacuations have been issued. See the section below on evacuations for more information, Please note that all information here is only up to date as of 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8. As conditions change the county will have updates. Make sure to go to www.sjcfl.us/hurricane for the latest information.
Monday morning, the county issued a local state of emergency in advance of anticipated storm conditions due to Hurricane Milton. This mirrors the declaration of a state of emergency issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
A declaration of a state of emergency aids in the response, recovery and operations necessary to cope with the emergency. The St. Johns County Emergency Management Citizen Information Hotline (904-824-5550) is now open.
As of 1 p.m. Oct. 8, Milton was located at 22.5 N 88.2 W and moving east-northeast at 8 mph. It was a Category 4 storm with a maximum sustained wind of 155 mph.
Officials from St. Johns County, the cities of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach held a press conference Oct. 8, at the Emergency Operations Center to provide the latest updates.
It was livestreamed on the St. Johns County Emergency Management Facebook page (facebook.com/StJohnsEOC) and St. Johns County Emergency Management X/Twitter page (x.com/StJohnsEOC).
County Administrator Joy Andrews reported that about 44,000 sand bags have been handed out and that they will continue to be distributed until 5 p.m. Oct. 8.
Sheriff Robert Hardwick asked residents to stay off the roads during the storm so that emergency crews can get where they need to go. He also said there was a chance that a curfew could be enacted; he said residents should monitor the county’s EOC site for updates.
According to Hardwick, bridges will only be closed when sustained winds hit 40 mph.
City of St. Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Aviles alerted city residents that, if they experienced flooding during Irma or Nicole, they would likely see flooding with this storm.
St. Johns County Emergency Management Director Joe Giammanco said that three shelters would open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. They are:
EVACUATIONS
St. Johns County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all health care facilities located in evacuation zones A, B and F (south of State Road 206), effective 2 p.m. Oct. 8.
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 health care facilities continue to receive care.
In addition, St. Johns County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents and visitors in evacuation zone A (along coastal and river areas), zone B and zone F (south of State Road 206) effective at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, due to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Milton.
This includes the entire City of St. Augustine, the City of St. Augustine Beach and residents living on waterfront properties or in flood-prone areas. Residents living in boats, RVs, mobile homes and low-lying flood-prone areas are also required to evacuate.
Residents in these evacuation zones who do not intend to utilize a St. Johns County storm shelter should leave as soon as possible to avoid unexpected traffic delays.
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.
Supplies needed if evacuating
While shelters provide safety throughout the storm, residents must bring supplies to maintain personal comfort. St. Johns County recommends that all evacuees bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags or air mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets. A five-day supply of water, nonperishable food, medication, diapers and other personal items are also suggested. Refer to the list below for additional supply suggestions.
For detailed evacuation information, route maps, and updates, go to www.sjcfl.us/hurricane or call the Citizen Information Hotline at 904-824-5550.
To find your zone, go to https://www.sjcfl.us/evacuation-information.
RESOURCES
Residents can find tips and resources such as supply kits, pets and other emergency response information at www.sjcfl.us/hurricane.
PREPARE NOW
In light of Milton's forecasted impacts, St. Johns County officials are urging residents to take immediate action to prepare.
Residents are encouraged to get storm-ready by knowing their evacuation zone, making a plan, and preparing a disaster kit using the St. Johns County Emergency Management Hurricane Preparedness Guide. The guide is available at SJCEmergencyManagement.com.
Residents should confirm their evacuation zones. Use the St. Johns County My Evacuation Zone tool by entering your address to determine your zone: www.sjcfl.us/evacuation-information.
Now is an excellent time to ensure your disaster supply kit is fully stocked. Key items to include are:
For a complete list of supplies needed for your disaster supply kit, go to SJCEmergencyManagement.com.
When preparing for storms, it’s essential to include pets in your plans. If ordered to evacuate, don’t leave your pets behind. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them. Ensure your pet’s kit includes:
For more information, go to SJCEmergencyManagement.com.
Additionally, every household should have a disaster plan that addresses the unique needs of all family members, including children, pets and seniors. Engage everyone in the planning process to ensure they know what to do in an emergency.
For additional guidance on creating your plan, go to FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare.
SANDBAGS AVAILABLE
St. Johns County will provide free sandbags until 5 p.m. Oct. 8, as long as weather permits and supplies last at the following six locations ahead of impacts from Milton:
In coordination, the City of St. Augustine will provide free sandbags until 5 p.m. Oct. 8, as long as weather permits and supplies last at the following location:
The sand and bags will be provided free of charge. The public must provide their own transportation and shovels and will be responsible for filling their own bags. There is a maximum allocation of 20 bags per person. A sandbag typically weighs about 30 to 40 pounds.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
In response to the impending weather conditions, resources typically dedicated to recycling will be redirected to enhance yard waste collection services during the storm. FCC Environmental will deploy additional personnel and equipment, including external contractors using grapple trucks to facilitate yard waste collection. County road and bridge crews will also assist in the collection efforts to improve efficiency. Household garbage collection will remain on its regular schedule.
To facilitate the resources dedicated to enhanced yard waste and household garbage collection, recycling collection will be suspended through Friday, Oct. 11. Recycling collection is expected to resume on Monday, Oct. 14, following the storm.
Residents are encouraged to drop off yard waste at the county’s Tillman Ridge or Stratton Road transfer stations at no charge. Both facilities will remain open during normal operating hours: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Transfer station locations are Tillman Ridge Transfer Station, 3005 Allen Nease Road, Elkton, and Stratton Road Transfer Station, 250 N. Stratton Road, St. Augustine.
SCHOOLS
All St. Johns County School District public schools will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9, Thursday, Oct. 10, and Friday, Oct. 11. All extracurricular activities, athletic events and extended day programs are also canceled or closed Wednesday-Friday. Extracurricular activities and athletic events taking place after school hours and into the weekend are canceled.
All Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Augustine will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9, Thursday, Oct. 10, and Friday, Oct. 11.
OTHER CLOSURES