JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has declared a "State of Emergency" for the city starting at 5 p.m. Thursday as Tropical Storm Hermine approaches from the west.
The entire First Coast including the city of Jacksonville is under a Tropical Storm Watch and a Flood Watch ahead of Hermine.
"Your government is prepared and ready," Curry told members of the media at a Wednesday afternoon briefing.
Curry told residents to be prepared for heavy rain, potential flooding, and possible tornadoes.
Curry said residents in flood prone areas like San Marco and Riverside should pay particular attention and take precautions around their property, including sandbags. However, the city does not provide sandbags to residents, Curry said.
Duval County Public Schools will remain open for class on Thursday, but all after-school activities and sports have been canceled. Curry says a decision about whether to hold school on Friday will be made Thursday afternoon.
Curry said the emergency declaration allows the city to access resources and money without going through normal processes, allowing the city to remain "nimble" to react to whatever Hermine brings.
Curry's announcement follows Governor Rick Scott announcing a "State of Emergency" for 42 counties, including all of Northeast Florida.
