Today, Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. The application period is from today through Oct. 31, 2017.

Today, Governor Rick Scott activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Irma. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced physical or economic damage during the storm. The application period is from today through Oct. 31, 2017.

Hurricane Irma has impacted Jacksonville residents in a variety of different ways. While the Legends Center and Southside Baptist Church continue to offer shelter to those without access to their homes, Mayor Lenny Curry is seeking to support citizens affected by widespread power outages. Through Sunday, the Prime Osborn Convention Center (1000 Water St. – 32204) is opening its doors to help people seeking to “cool off” a bit with air-conditioning and access to electricity and Internet. Persons will need to bring their own equipment (electronics, and charging cords).

Once your county receives an Individual Assistance designation, these FEMA Programs are available to those who are eligible. You are eligible if you are a disaster-impacted individual with expenses not covered by insurance.

Get the latest updates from the Emergency Operations Center.

Duval County’s local emergency preparedness measures are always being improved and updated. This includes a significant change in the statewide approach to evacuation zones. In the past, evacuation zones have been primarily based on the category of the approaching storm. New scientific data that includes other factors, such as wave action, precipitation, and areas known to flood, has allowed us to better define evacuation zones for Duval County. Evacuation zones are based on a lettering system, with A,B,C,D,E, and F Zones.

September is the peak of hurricane season. The month is also annually recognized as National Preparedness Month, which serves as a reminder for everyone to prepare now for the types of emergencies that can happen locally.

In observance of Labor Day, the following city government offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 4.

This morning during a news conference at City Hall, Mayor Curry signed a bill -- introduced by Councilmember Doyle Carter -- transferring management of NAS Cecil Field's Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) monuments to POW/MIA Memorial, Inc.