JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- With a cone of concern encompassing almost all of Florida, storm preparations are in the works and Jacksonville is taking center stage.
"We don't want to move resources into the path of the storm. We want to make sure we're moving that into a safe area," said Florida Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon.
FEMA has decided that "safe area" is here in Jacksonville. They will be setting up a federal staging area at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
It's a decision the president of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, Randy Wyse, couldn't agree with more. Wyse is a former urban search and rescue leader.
"With the interstates coming in, they could get to both Miami and the panhandle quickly. With the naval station here, they could fly if they have to. It's a great opportunity to get stuff set up and ready to move into action when they need it," Wyse said.
At a news briefing Thursday afternoon, Koon said FEMA is bringing in ready-to-eat meals and around 54 generators. A representative with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) said the supplies could arrive in Jacksonville as early as Friday.
