St. Johns County officials held a press conference Tuesday morning, (Aug. 29) to address important issues related to the storm Idalia.
“This is the time to make your final preparations,” said Joe Giammanco, Emergency Management director. “This is the time to go outside, look around, see if there’s anything that you can bring inside or secure before the winds impact us later tonight or tomorrow.”
He said an evacuation order had been issued for anyone living in low-lying, flood-prone areas or on boats, in mobile homes, recreational vehicles, campers or similar conveyances.
He also announced that two shelters would open at 5 p.m.
One at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center will be for the general population and those with pets. It’s located at 1300 Duval St. in St. Augustine.
The other, for those with special needs, will open at the county’s Health and Human Services Building, 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine.
Giammanco added that county government offices, school district offices and schools would all be closed Wednesday, Aug. 30.
St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick urged residents to be prepared.
“Don’t wait until the last minute,” he said, adding, “We’re going to ask you to stay off the roads tomorrow. Please stay home.”
He said bridges will begin to close when sustained winds increase to 40 mph. The first bridge to close is typically the Bridge of Lions, though that is usually due to flooding.
St. Augustine Fire Department Chief Carlos Aviles said the city’s offices would close at 3 p.m. Tuesday and remain closed through Wednesday.
He added that the historic downtown parking facility would be open after 5 p.m. Tuesday for residents from low-lying areas to have a place where they can evacuate their automobiles. These vehicles would be allowed to park there free of charge. However, anyone taking advantage of this offer will be required to park only in clearly marked spaces. Aviles said owners should be able to retrieve their vehicles early on Thursday.
St. Augustine Beach Police Chief Daniel Carswell noted that all of that city’s offices would also be closed Wednesday and that beach driving was being suspended.
In fact, he had a request for potential beachgoers.
“With the tides and the winds, the beach is not safe,” he said, “so we’re urging everybody to stay off the beach and out of the water.”
Christian Whitehurst, chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, reported that he’d been told by St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Brandon Patty that the courthouse would be closed Wednesday (Aug. 30) and Thursday (Aug. 31).
Several of the county officials recommended that the public stay informed through these options:
