Dangerous Category 3 Hurricane Matthew Will Approach the First Coast this Afternoon & Evening

Conditions continue to intensify as Hurricane Matthew is expected to reach Jacksonville within 8-10 hours. Though expected winds speeds have been reduced, the storm remains a catastrophic and life-threatening event. Storm surge represents the greatest threat to public safety.
 

Hurricane Matthew updates as of Friday, Oct.7 at 1 a.m.

“Hurricane Matthew is the type of storm that hurricane and weather experts have been training for.” – NWS

“This is a once in a 100 year type of storm” – NWS

(Note updated Storm FAQs attached.)

City Continues Preparation for Possible Impacts of Storm

City Continues Preparation for Possible Impacts of Storm

In anticipation of Hurricane Matthew, evacuation orders have been issued for people living in the beaches communities and evacuation zones A and B. Evacuations zones can be viewed at http://maps.coj.net/DuvalProperty or by downloading the JaxReady mobile app. Four local shelter locations have been identified. One location, The Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.- 32208; pet friendly), opened at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Beaches and Low-Lying Areas Plan for Impact of Hurricane Matthew

The City of Jacksonville, in preparation for the potential impact of Hurricane Matthew, has declared a state of emergency for Duval County. Mayor Lenny Curry is advising citizens at the Beaches and low-lying areas to evacuate. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to bring awareness to the impact of domestic violence and strengthen efforts to offer assistance and support to victims. The month-long observance evolved from the Day of Unity held by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in October 1981, an effort to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end domestic violence. The Day of Unity eventually grew to a weeklong observance, and in October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed.

@LennyCurry City of Jacksonville Mayor’s Official Twitter Account
 
Please be advised that the official social media accounts for Mayor Lenny Curry and the City of Jacksonville are listed below.

The nation’s leading rating agencies continue to take notice of the City of Jacksonville’s improved finances. The most recent example is a credit upgrade to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-‘ by Fitch Ratings on a program that supports the City’s financing needs. Fitch is the latest ratings agency to acknowledge Mayor Lenny Curry’s strong fiscal management practices and his bold steps to solve Jacksonville’s pension crisis as major reasons for continued upgrades in the City’s credit ratings.

Each year, our nation observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The observation is a time dedicated to celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino American citizens to our country. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and was expanded to a monthlong celebration by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

The City of Jacksonville is set to begin a new fiscal year with a sound, balanced budget. Closely following voter approval of a pension reform plan, the Jacksonville City Council has approved the 2016-2017 annual budget of approximately $1 billion. The new budget contains increased funding in priority areas including public safety and neighborhood support without raising taxes. 

In accordance with a directive by City Council President Lori Boyer, the Jacksonville City Council has filed a list of proposed budget amendments for consideration at tomorrow night’s City Council meeting where members are expected to vote on the final 2016-2017 City Budget (Bill 2016-504).