Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal, Jeff Atwater, announced to Historic City News that over the next few days the Florida Department of Financial Services will begin sharing information of importance to the public as we brace for and recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.

Jeb Smith, Chairman of the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners, has informed local Historic City News reporters that the county is preparing for Hurricane Matthew and the major impacts it will have on our community. Smith reports that a local “State of Emergency” has been declared.

In response to the projected track of Hurricane Matthew, St. Johns County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 6 for residents living in Evacuation Zone A and portions of Evacuation Zone B.

Today’s situation report at noon for Historic City News readers from Kelly Wilson in the office of St. Johns County Emergency Management. The next Situation Report will be issued tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. unless conditions dictate an earlier report.

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, St Johns County will provide sandbags and sand to Historic City News readers and other local residents in preparation for Hurricane Matthew.

The City of St. Augustine crews began standard storm preparations today. Each department within the city has a preparedness plan designed to meet that department’s needs. While General Services focuses on the city’s properties and facilities, Public Works turns its attention to heavy equipment that may be needed immediately after a storm, and the Police department prepares to move to 12-hour shifts.