Cancellations and re-scheduled events

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – At press time, Hurricane Irma was still sitting at a category 5 hurricane with 185 mph winds. The core of Irma is expected to move between Hispanola/Cuba and the Bahamas Thursday-Saturday, approaching South Florida and the Florida Keys by Sunday.
Clay County Emergency Management is closely monitoring the ever-changing track of Hurricane Irma. Clay County residents can potentially begin to expect effects from this powerful hurricane as early as Saturday evening. Unlike Matthew, which was a Tropical Storm when it narrowly skirted Northeast Florida, Irma is a powerful hurricane and will remain so as it travels north.
It is strongly encouraged that the citizens take this storm seriously and take the steps now to prepare themselves and their families for the possibility of a near or direct strike from Irma. Take the time now to prepare your Family Disaster Kit by stocking up on essential supplies that your family would need including food, water, medications, medical devices and other essentials.
Also, ensure that your Disaster Plan is ready. Decide if you plan on staying home, going to a family or friend’s house or to a local shelter.
Remember that shelters are refuges of last resort and are not comfortable. Individuals and families who report to any shelter are responsible for bringing their own food, bedding, medication, multiple changes of clothing and other essentials. Be sure to communicate your Disaster Plan to family and friends.
Evacuations related to Irma are a distinct possibility. Clay County orders evacuations by letter –
A, B, C, and D. If you are unsure of what evacuation zone you live in or wish to register for emergency alerts on your phone or mobile device, visit: alert.claycountygov.com.
Remember that if you reside in a mobile home, you automatically live in an evacuation zone.
Sandbags will be made available to county residents Thursday, September the 7th at the following locations:
1. Middleburg Fire Station- 4003 Everett Ave.
2. Fleming Island Fire Station- 5995 Pine Ave.
3. Orange Park Fire Station- 2025 Smith St.
4. Green Cove Springs Public Works Yard- 900 Gum St.
5. Keystone Heights City Hall- 555 South Lawrence Blvd.
County shelter locations will also be announced on Sept. 7.

Clay County Schools
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County School Board has cancelled its Sept. 7 regular monthly meeting ahead of the threat of Hurricane Irma.
Two meetings will be held in September to make up for Thursday’s cancelled meeting.
The school board will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 18 at the Teacher Training Center at Fleming Island High. The only item on the agenda will be the final approval of the budget, which must be approved by Sept. 18 under state law.
The board’s regular meeting will be held Sept. 26 at 6 at the Fleming Island High Teacher Training Center. This meeting agenda will include each item originally scheduled for its Sept. 7 meeting.
In addition to rescheduling the school board meeting, the school district announced that all Open House Events originally scheduled for Sept. 7, Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 are cancelled and will be rescheduled.
In a prepared statement, district officials urged families to “use this time to prepare for and ensure the safety of your family and home.”
In the meantime, district staff are working to ensure that all district facilities are ready for the potential impact of Hurricane IRMA. More information will be forthcoming related to closure and cancellation of other events.

St. Johns River Water Management District
PALATKA – The St. Johns River Water Management District is closing all its public lands districtwide at 5 p.m. Sept. 7 in advance of Hurricane Irma. The closure includes the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
“The district is preparing now for the effects of Hurricane Irma, a powerful storm that has the potential to impact our 18-county region,” said Ann Shortelle, executive director. “District properties play an important role in water management and water storage. Securing and closing of our properties in advance of the storm protects this role along with public safety. We are committed to ensuring that our staff have ample time to secure district facilities and lands, protect their families and homes, and gear up to assist our local governments in their recovery after the storm passes.”
Properties will remain closed for the public’s safety until further notice to allow district staff the opportunity to assess and clean up damage on properties. Groups with camping reservations will be notified by email.
For updates on district operations, visit the www.sjrwmd.com website.

Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park
ORANGE PARK – Due to the track of Hurricane Irma, the board of directors for the Shepherd’s Center is canceling its “Adventures in Learning” classes originally scheduled for Sept. 11 at its Orange Park location at 2042 Reed St. This is the last day of classes for the summer session.
Fall classes begin Oct. 16.