9/30/2022 1100 Post TS (Hurricane) Ian Update
Hurricane Ian was an incredible intense and strong storm that will likely reshape Southwest Florida for years to come. Please keep Floridians affected by the devastating impacts of Ian in your thoughts. Thankfully, Hurricane Ian exited the state South of us and continued to head East, the City faired pretty well. This morning, City Staff and First Responders are completing windshield assessments throughout the day to help prioritize recovery and debris cleanup efforts.
City Hall will continue to be closed through the weekend, but will reopen 8AM Monday morning, and we’re expecting to be fully-operational. Hurricane Ian presented a good exercise to make sure that we’re ready in case of direct impact to the City. Staff surgically executed a comprehensive emergency management plan, and we’re confident that should the City be majorly impacted directly by severe weather, we’re ready.
If you haven’t done so already, please check your zone by following this link Check Your Evacuation Zone Here.. Hurricane Ian also presented an opportunity to make sure that your Emergency plans (JAX Ready Preparedness and Response Guide) are ready and that your emergency supply kits should already be fully-stocked. Continue to monitor official forecast sources. For information on Hurricane Preparedness, and to get the City of Neptune Beach’s latest updates, please visit: www.jaxready.com, www.hurricanes.gov/prepare, and register for the City’s mass notification system: AlertNeptune by clicking here: https://www.ci.neptune-beach.fl.us/subscribe and filling out the form.
Public Works: Public Works First Responders are getting back into normal operations and are prioritizing areas for cleanup. If you have any questions for Public Works you may call: (904) 270-2423.
Crews are actively picking up debris and are staging it at the Public Works Yard. We ask that Residents do not go to the Public Works Yard without first calling as crews and heavy equipment will be coming and going through the gate at a more intense pace than normal throughout the day.
Beach and Oceanfront:. The dunes have seen 3-5’ of loss due to sheer winds, but gained 12-18” at their peak due to redeposited sand. The sea oats helped to save significant portions of the dunes. As a reminder, even though the ropes around the dunes may no longer be present, please stay off of the dunes.
We’re aware that some dune crossovers, like the Hopkins Dune Crossover, are partially buried. Public Works is working on prioritizing areas around the City for recovery, and have dune crossovers on their list. It is expected that crews will get to the dune crossovers beginning on Monday morning.
There are large surf conditions today with high offshore winds. Conditions in the Atlantic are still dangerous and exacerbated with the possibility of floating debris.
Please do not enter the water.
In case of an emergency call 911.
Details of the Storm: As of 10AM, Hurricane Ian will continue a northward track into the Carolinas through Saturday. Significant flooding in low lying and flood prone locations adjacent to the St. Johns River is expected again this afternoon between 2-5PM.
Avoid walking through deep or rushing water. If you need assistance crossing deep or moving water, please call the NBPD non-emergency number: (904) 270-2413, or 911 if an emergency.
Garbage Collection: County landfills are closed, and garbage collection has been suspended. Please secure all garbage cans and recycling bins inside or tie them down. Further information will be available about operations resuming later this week.
FROM WASTEPRO:
Due to Hurricane Ian, all waste services will be suspended until Monday, October 3. Service will resume next week on your regular schedule. For those who are not serviced this week, we will pick up extra bags next week.
The safety of our customers and our employees is our top priority. We appreciate your cooperation. Please continue to monitor your local municipal website as well as this page for any and all updates. Thank you and stay safe!
https://www.wasteprousa.com/office/jacksonville/
Declaration of Emergency: The City Council declared a state of emergency, September 27, 2022 at 3:30 PM.
As more information becomes available, the City will notify Residents through AlertNeptune and social media.
**Submitted by City Manager Stefen Wynn at 11AM, September 30, 2022