JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Mayor Alvin Brown says the city has canceled all outdoor Jazz Fest activities on Sunday.
Area beaches are now closed due to the high surf danger.
The tone from Mayor Alvin Brown changed at a Saturday evening news conference.
A few hours earlier, the mayor said with a smile, enjoy your Saturday and get ready for a visit from Beryl on Sunday.
The mayor held a news conference Saturday afternoon to talk about how the city is preparing for the incoming storm.
Jacksonville is under a tropical storm warning.
"Today is a great day, go out enjoy yourself," said Mayor Brown. "This storm is going to hit us basically tomorrow so we want to be ready."
The mayor says city leaders are keeping a close eye on the Jazz Festival, the beaches and other holiday activities.
The mayor says the biggest concern at this point is flooding.
JEA and public works crews are removing dangerous tree limbs and clearing storm drains to prepare for heavy downpours.
The mayor said he'll be at the soccer game between Team USA and Scotland tonight.
"Everything is really at normal but we want people to be ready," said Mayor Brown. "We want people to be safe."
The city is in contact with with other counties across the area.
St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center is at Level 3 monitoring. The director told Action News that strong rip currents are expected over the next few days.
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) increased port conditions throughout Northeast Florida to X-RAY due to the expectation of gale force winds from Storm Beryl. Vessels more than 500 gross tons are being advised to make preparations to leave the port or get permission from the COTP to remain in port.
