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Frequently Asked Questions 

Updated September 30, 2022 at 12:00 PM     

Is the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated? 

The EOC will become activated starting Wednesday, September 28 at 12 PM to support damage assessments and the stand down of shelter operations.

Are we under a Tropical Storm Warning?

No. The Tropical Storm Warning has been lifted from all of Duval County.
 
Duval County remains under a Coastal Flood Warning.

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 or online at 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. 

Are the beaches closed?

All public beach accesses to Atlantic, Neptune, and Jacksonville Beaches are open today, Friday, September 30.  However, there is a high rip current risk and high surf advisory residents are asked to stay out of the water.
 
The Jacksonville Beach Pier will reopen to the public Saturday, October 1 at 7 AM.
 
If you find a washed-back, sick, or injured sea turtle do not personally handle it. Contact Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)

Will government offices close?

City of Jacksonville government offices and facilities will resume normal operations, Monday, October 3.
 
All Jacksonville Public Library branches will be closed Wednesday, September 28 through Saturday, October 1. Library patrons are asked to refrain from returning items to book drops for now. Overdue fines will be waived for items due when the library is closed. 
 
Starting Wednesday, September 28, the 630-CITY (2489) information line will be open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the duration of the storm.

Are Animal Shelters closed?

Animal Care and Protective Service (2020 Forest St) will be open Friday, September 30 from 12PM to 5PM as weather permits for individuals looking for lost pets and those interested in fostering.
 
Animal Code Enforcement Officers will be in the field responding to animal related emergencies while weather conditions allow. For animal emergencies, please call 630-CITY.

Will public transit be running?

Bus Routes, First Coast Flyer, ReadiRide and Express Select services will operate on regular schedules.
 
Customers are encouraged to visit https://www.jtafla.com/media-center/service-alerts/ or contact Customer Service to learn of any detours before heading out.

If conditions improve, the JTA may restart transportation service earlier in the day. Please follow JTA social media channels and www.jtafla.com for updates. 

Full schedules are available at schedules.jtafla.com, on board, and at the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center at LaVilla.
 
Service for the St. Johns River Ferry will return Saturday, Oct. 1 in the afternoon as weather permits. A specific time will be provided before then.
 
Connexion and Connexion Plus paratransit will resume life sustaining trips only starting at noon Friday, continuing through Sunday. JTA will resume service for all paratransit customers by Monday, Oct. 3.
 
The Skyway will return to regular service by Monday.
 
JTA Customer Service remains open normal business hours, 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday.
 
For questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service team at (904) 630-3100.

Is the airport open?

Jacksonville International Airport will be open for operations on Friday, September 30. Some airlines will operate on reduced schedules, so it’s important to check flight status with your airline before heading to the terminal.

Are schools closed?

All DCPS Schools, offices, and afterschool activities will resume Monday, October 3.
 
Jacksonville University, Edward Waters University, and Florida State College of Jacksonville (FSCJ) will be closed Wednesday, September 28 through Friday, September 30.
 
University of North Florida (UNF) will be closed Wednesday, September 28 through Saturday, October 1.

Will garbage and recycling collection remain on schedule? 

Normal Garbage, Recycling, Bulk and Yard Waste collections will resume Monday, October 3.
 
The City’s Trail Ridge Landfill will reopen Monday, October 3.

Is the Zoo open?

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will remain closed Friday, September 30. It will reopen Saturday, October 1 at 9 AM.

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 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.

Have evacuations been ordered? 

Currently there are no mandatory evacuations for Duval County.

Will emergency shelters be open?

All four shelters will be closing Friday, September 30.

  • The Legends Center - (5130 Soutel Dr.), open for general population and special needs.
  • Landmark Middle - (101 Kernan Blvd), open for general population and pet-friendly.
  • Atlantic Coast High - School (9735 R.G. Skinner Pkwy), special needs only, pet-friendly.
  • LaVilla School of the Arts - (501 N. Davis St.), open specifically homeless individuals.
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. 

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. 

What steps can citizens take to protect pets? 

  • Bring your pets inside. They may be outside dogs/cats, but the conditions they may see during a strong storm are beyond their normal experience. They will be frightened as exposed to extreme weather and possible flying debris. Bring them in. If they cannot be allowed loose, use a crate. Crates give them their own secure space and keep them safe. Additionally, if in some unforeseen emergency you and they need rescuing, Emergency Personnel can more easily help you with contained, safe animals. 
  • Do NOT set animals loose. They will not “be OK”.  
  • Gather information for evacuation, even if you don’t think you will have to evacuate. The easy way to do this is place copies of Vet records, shot records, ownership papers, any medication your pet needs, an extra collar and an extra leash in a gallon freezer bag. Use a permanent marker to place your name and the pet’s name on the bag. Then keep the bag near the pet so you can grab both and go if needed.  
  • Have three to four days of pet food on hand. We do not expect a major problem, but better you buy pet food now than have to wait in line later. 
  • Have a gallon of bottled water per day on hand for your pets, especially if evacuating. Sudden changes in water supply coupled with stress can upset their digestive systems. Enough said. 
  • Understand that at pet friendly shelters, you will be responsible for the care of your dog. Please be prepared to do so if you utilize a shelter for you and your pets. 

Impact Updates

UPDATE #8: Friday, Sept. 30, 11:45 AM

As Hurricane Ian leaves the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to collaborate with local and state agencies as they assess and respond to the effects.

  • Tropical Storm and Hurricane watches have been lifted in Duval County.
  • Duval County remains under a Coastal Flood Warning.
  • All Beaches are open. However, there is a high rip current risk and high surf advisory residents are asked to stay out of the water.
  • The Jacksonville Beach Pier will reopen to the public Saturday, October 1 at 7 AM. 
  • All four shelters will close today, September 30.
  • Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) will reopen all facilities and activities Monday, October 3.
  • All government offices and facilities will return to normal operations Monday, October 3.
  • Animal Care and Protective Service (2020 Forest St) will be open Friday, September 30 from 12PM to 5PM as weather permits for individuals looking for lost pets and those interested in fostering.
  • Animal Code Enforcement Officers will be in the field responding to animal related emergencies while weather conditions allow. For animal emergencies, please call 630-CITY.
  • The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will reopen Saturday, October 1 at 9 AM.
UPDATE #7: Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 PM

As Hurricane Ian approaches the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to collaborate with local and state agencies as they track and monitor for any potential impacts.

  • Hurricane Ian is expected to be about 80 miles east of Jacksonville’s coast today, September 29 around 10 PM.
  • Jacksonville International Airport will be open for operations on Friday, September 30. Some airlines will operate on reduced schedules, so it’s important to check flight status with your airline before heading to the terminal.
  • The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will gradually resume normal operations beginning at 12PM on Friday, September 30.
UPDATE #6: Thursday, Sept. 29, 3:30 PM
As Tropical Storm Ian approaches the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to collaborate with local and state agencies as they track and monitor for any potential impacts.
  • Ian is expected to be directly off the coast of Jacksonville around 10 PM, today, September 29.
  • Tidal and coastal flooding remain a high concern.
  • Individuals are encouraged to remain off the roads.
  • JFRD Flood Water Rescue Teams and Emergency Road Access Teams are deployed throughout the city in an effort to clear roads for first responders and respond in the event of flooding.
  • Garbage, Recycling, Bulk and Yard Waste will remain suspended Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30. These days will NOT be made up. Normal curbside services will resume Monday, October 3.
UPDATE #5: Thursday, Sept. 29, 12:00 PM

As Tropical Storm Ian approaches the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to collaborate with local and state agencies as they track and monitor for any potential impacts.

  • All of Duval County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, the Coast remains under a Hurricane Watch.
  • Individuals are encouraged to remain off the roads.
  • Tidal and coastal flooding remain a high concern.
  • Animal Care and Protective Service (2020 Forest St) will be open today, September 29 from 12PM to 5PM as weather permits for individuals looking for lost pets and those interested in fostering.
  • Animal Code Enforcement Officers will be in the field responding to animal related emergencies while weather conditions allow. For animal emergencies, please call 630-CITY.
  • The JFRD Task 5 USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team deployed to Tampa at 8 AM, Thursday September 29.
UPDATE #4: Thursday, Sept. 29, 9 AM

As Tropical Storm Ian approaches the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to collaborate with local and state agencies as they track and monitor for any potential impacts.

  • JTA Express Transit buses from Stop 3991 (Moncrief and Ken Knight Dr) to the Legends Center Shelter. Thursday, September 29, 6AM – 2 PM
  • Jacksonville International Airport’s terminal is closed starting Wednesday, September 28 at 11:50 PM. The airport will reopen once the airfield and terminal are deemed safe for flight operations. Passengers should contact their airline for rebooking options and the most up-to-date flight information.
  • All beach access to Atlantic, Neptune, and Jax Beaches are closed to the public until further notice.
UPDATE #3: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 5:30 PM
As Hurricane Ian approaches the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to collaborate with local and state agencies as they track and monitor for any potential impacts.
  • Duval County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning. The coast of Duval County is also under a Hurricane Watch.
  • It is recommended that those who live in Zones A or B and experienced flooding during previous storms consider evacuating.
  • The following Shelters opened today, Wednesday, September 28 at 5 PM:
    • Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.) – open for general population and special needs
    • Landmark Middle School (101 Kernan Blvd.) – open for general population, pet-friendly
    • Atlantic Coast High School (9735 R. G. Skinner Parkway) – open for special needs only, pet-friendly
    • LaVilla School of the Arts (501 N. Davis St.) – open specifically for homeless individuals
  • The 630-CITY (2489) information line will be open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the duration of the storm.
  • The St. Johns River Ferry will be suspended from Wednesday, September 28 through Friday, September 30.
  • All other Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) routes will close Wednesday, September 28 at 8 PM. All transportation services will be closed through Thursday, September 29.
UPDATE #2: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 11 AM
Important clarification about shelters open to the public. LaVilla Middle School will be available for homeless citizens. While all four shelters will open at 5 p.m., information about shelters for the general public, special needs individuals and pets is below.
Shelters:
  1. Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.) – open for general population and special needs
  2. Landmark Middle School (101 Kernan Blvd.) – open for general population and pet-friendly
  3. Atlantic Coast High School (9735 R. G. Skinner Parkway) – open for SPECIAL NEEDS ONLY, pet friendly
  4. LaVilla Middle School (501 N. Davis St.) – open specifically for homeless individuals
UPDATE #1: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 3 PM
As Hurricane Ian approaches the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to collaborate with local and state agencies as they track and monitor for any potential impacts.
  • Mayor Curry declared a State of Emergency for Duval County and activated the EOC effective tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28 at 12 p.m. City Council will convene tonight to discuss the emergency declaration.
  • All City offices (except Senior Centers) will close to the public and non-essential personnel at noon tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28. Senior Centers will remain open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
  • DCPS will follow a special early release schedule on Wednesday, September 28. All DCPS Schools and offices will be closed Thursday, September 29, and Friday, September 30. All after-school activities will be canceled through Monday, October 3.
  • The Legends Center will open on Wednesday, September 28 at 5 p.m. for anyone who needs shelter. This is the only confirmed shelter as of today, but this could change as the storm approaches.
  • Garbage, Recycling, Yard and Household Bulk Collection will operate on a normal schedule Wednesday, September 28. All collections will be suspended Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30. We will announce makeup days as the situation develops.
  • Jacksonville Beach declared a State of Emergency effective last night. Atlantic Beach declared a State of Emergency at noon. Neptune Beach will declare a State of Emergency at 3:30 p.m. today.
  • Hurricane Ian is anticipated to be a heavy flooding event. If your property flooded during Hurricane Irma, you have the potential to flood again. This applies to all of Duval County but specifically those in Downtown Jacksonville, the beaches, San Marco, Riverside, Southampton, Pirate’s Cove, Ortega Area, Venetia, and the area around the Stadium. Citizens should take the time today to get prepared.
  • Citizens should plan now by ensuring they have emergency supply kits, reviewing emergency plans, and removing loose items, litter or debris from around their homes. To prepare and plan, citizens should stay informed and updated on storm progress through radio, television, and the City’s website (www.coj.net).
  • There are currently no evacuation orders for Duval County. 

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 

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.


The City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division will continue to monitor this evolving situation and provide timely updates.