JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Mayor Alvin Brown issued a declaration of emergency in Jacksonville Sunday morning at the Duval County Emergency Operations Center.
The declaration will activate federal funding for our area in order to help respond to local flooding, downed trees and power lines, and other emergency situations while Beryl hits Jacksonville.
The mayor also says due to concerns over public safety Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial Wall has been canceled and will be rescheduled.
As part of preparations for the storm Hanna and Huguenot Parks were closed at 12 p.m. Sunday and visitors were cleared from the parks.
The mayor says there are no mandatory evacuations in effect at this time, and bridges in the Jacksonville area will remain open.
When the storm hits the mayor is urging people to stay indoors, and the City is encouraging businesses to close early in order for employees to get home safe.
All beaches throughout Duval County are closed and Mayor Brown encouraged people at the beaches to stay out of the water.
The City opened a special needs shelter at 12 p.m. Sunday at the Legends Center at 5130 Soutel Drive. Oxygen and electricity-dependent people are being urged to seek shelter there during the storm.
For more help call 630-CITY.
