St. Johns County officials have ordered the mandatory evacuation of several areas ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
Those living in Evacuation Zone A (along coastal and river areas), Zone B, and Zone F (South of State Road 206) must vacate their homes beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday.
You can look up your evacuation zone at this link by entering your home address.
Those living in boats, RVs and mobile homes have also been ordered to leave their residences.
To accommodate the displaced, the county is opening three shelters beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday.
There will be a medical needs shelter at Freedom Crossing Academy at 1365 Shetland Drive in St. Johns, a pet-friendly shelter at Southwoods Elementary School at 4750 FL-206 in Elkton, and a general population shelter at Pedro Menendez High School at 580 FL-206 West, St. in St. Augustine.
Those with questions are encouraged to call the county at (904) 824-5550.
“Please adhere to our warnings,” St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick said at a noon press conference Tuesday announcing the measures.
Storm surges of up to 5 feet are possible in coastal areas and regions along the St. Johns River, he cautioned.
Hardwick stressed the potential danger of high winds throughout the entire county, telling residents to prepare accordingly.
“It’s going to wreak havoc on the entire state of Florida, including us, here in St. Johns County,” Hardwick said.
He urged residents to remain off the street so that emergency crews can move about the county as needed — and said curfews are possible depending on Milton’s impact.
St. Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Aviles said residents who’ve experienced flooding during prior hurricanes should expect another inundation.
He said residents of north and south Davis Shores, Lincolnville, the area adjacent to Lake Maria Sanchez, Oyster Creek, Polarwood, Nelmar Terrace and those near Florida Avenue are particularly vulnerable.
Fees have been waived at the downtown parking garage for those needing to relocate their vehicles to higher ground. Less than 200 spots remained as of noon Monday.
City and county offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.
