Mandatory Evacuation Order Issued for St. Johns County Residents Due to Hurricane Milton
St. Johns County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents and visitors in Evacuation Zone A (ALL OF ZONE A, which includes coastal and river areas), Zone B (ALL OF ZONE B), and Zone F (only the part south of State Road 206) effective at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, due to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Milton. This includes the entire City of St. Augustine, the City of St. Augustine Beach, and residents living on waterfront properties or in flood-prone areas. Residents living in boats, RVs, mobile homes, and low-lying flood-prone areas are also required to evacuate.
Residents in these evacuation zones who do not intend to utilize a St. Johns County storm shelter should leave as soon as possible to avoid unexpected traffic delays.
Storm Shelters Opening
Three storm shelters will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, to accommodate evacuees:
- Special Medical Needs: Freedom Crossing Academy, 1365 Shetland Drive, St. Johns
- Pet Friendly: South Woods Elementary School, 4750 State Road 206 West, Elkton
- General Population: Pedro Menendez High School, 600 State Road 206 West, St. Augustine
Residents who require transportation to a storm shelter should call the Emergency Management Citizen Information Hotline at 904-824-5550. Transportation will be provided for those in need.
Supplies Needed
While shelters provide safety throughout the storm, residents must bring supplies to maintain personal comfort. St. Johns County recommends that all evacuees bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags or air mattresses, pillows, sheets, and blankets. A five-day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication, diapers, and other personal items are also suggested. Please refer to the list below for additional supply suggestions.
- At least a five-day supply of medications, insulin, and a cooler if you are diabetic
- Personal grooming and hygiene items, feminine supplies
- Extra clothing, eyeglasses
- Books, magazines, cards, games, etc.
- Pillows, blankets, sheets, lawn chair/chaise lounge
- Flashlight and extra batteries, manual can opener
- Personal identification/important papers
For More Information
For detailed evacuation information, route maps, and updates, visit www.sjcfl.us/hurricane or call the Citizen Information Hotline at 904-824-5550.
St. Johns County Emergency Management encourages the public to stay informed through these options:
- Follow St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook (facebook.com/StJohnsEOC) and X/Twitter (x.com/StJohnsEOC).
- Sign up for the Alert St. Johns emergency notification system at www.sjcemergencymanagement.com.
- Ensure the notification settings selected allow you to be alerted at all times for your safety.
- Register for Nixle Alerts by texting StJohnsEOC to 888777.
- Download the SJC Connect app at www.sjcfl.us/sjc-connect.
- Enable notifications within the app to receive real-time updates.