Evacuation & Re-Entry

Evacuation

In the event that an evacuation of the beaches area is called for by the Mayor of Jacksonville (usually a Category 1 hurricane or greater), there will be a general population evacuation.

• All citizens are to be instructed to seek shelter well inland. Sheltering with family and friends or in a hotel/motel will provide the most comfort.
• All vehicles will be able to leave the beach at the route of their choice however if the need arises, law enforcement may redirect traffic.
• The decision to close bridge traffic at the Intracoastal Waterway will be a coordinated effort between agencies. Bridge traffic will be stopped when winds reach a sustained 40 miles per hour for 1 minute (at the top of the bridge). We encourage early evacuation to ensure you are able to leave the island.
• Evacuation orders and instructions for Duval County will be issued by the Jacksonville Mayor's Office. All public instructions will be issued from the City of Jacksonville's Emergency Operations Center and broadcast by the radio and TV media.
• For expected landfall by a category 1 through 5 hurricanes, the entire civilian population of Jacksonville Beach will be evacuated.
• For hurricane projections of marginal landfall, the City of Jacksonville Beach will be evacuated based on predicted damage and life safety issues.
• Persons who wish to go to an ARC public shelter should listen to official announcements on radio and TV for shelter locations and instructions. There are some pet-friendly shelters however there are certain restrictions.
• There are no public hurricane shelters at the beaches. Persons who need transportation to an ARC public shelter should go to the evacuation centers at Fletcher Middle School and Jacksonville Beach Elementary School. Public transportation will be available at these sites to transport people to ARC shelters.

Evacuation Routes

• Between Atlantic and Beach Boulevards: Drive south and turn west on Beach Boulevard, proceed to Hart Bridge Expressway to Interstate 95 to Interstate 10 or points west.
• Between Beach Boulevard and the St. Johns County Line: Drive south and turn west onto Butler Boulevard, proceed to Interstate 95, and point west.
• Florida Department of Transportation: Traffic information can be found online.
• North of Atlantic Boulevard: Drive south and turn west on Wonderwood Drive or Atlantic Boulevard, proceed to Interstate 295 North across the Dames Point Bridge (Broward Bridge) to points west via Interstate 295 and north by Interstate 95.

Re-Entry

As soon as reasonable after the storm passes, an assessment of the beach cities will be made. Depending on the level of damage, hazards, and other factors, a decision will be made to allow re-entry to the beaches. Re-entry may occur in phases based on health and safety issues and damage assessment.

• Business owners who may not live in Jacksonville Beach can provide a utility bill or other similar documentation.
• Curfews may be enforced to limit the duration of the re-entry period.
• Re-entry passes are not required at this time. However, you will need a valid driver's license with your Jacksonville Beach address or some other proof of residency (for example, your vehicle registration or a utility bill).

Additional Safety Tips

Following are a few general guidelines to ensure safety and order when returning to your home or business after an evacuation.

• Do not cross flooded roadways and avoid standing water.
• If using a generator, ensure proper air circulation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If your power is out, turn off all appliances that are still on.
• Stay away from any downed power lines.
• Stay off the roads as much as possible.
• Take the necessary health and food safety precautions.
• Treat any intersection with a non-functioning traffic signal as a four-way stop.