Gateway COVID-19 vaccine site, satellite locations close due to weather

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dozens were turned away from getting their shot Thursday afternoon after severe weather threats prompted three federally-supported sites to close down for the day.

Gateway, Carver Recreation Center and Ocean Way Community Center were all closed Thursday and will reopen at 7 a.m. Friday.

Rhonda Lawrence lives off Edgewood and came to Gateway to get her vaccine after work.

She said, “oh it looks like it’s about to storm here, I don’t blame them.” But she told Action News Jax’s Robert Grant she’ll be back first thing in the morning.

Ronald Beesely, the site’s incident commander, said since the site is in a tent, they were worried about the wind and lightning.

Strong wind already pushed some support beams out of place.

“We’ve already had some structural members come loose from the wind and we haven’t hit the significant wind yet. We’re concerned with falling items.”

Staff stayed on site to turn people away.

>> More information on the COVID-19 vaccine

About 170 people had appointments set Thursday afternoon, and most couldn’t come.

Beesely said anyone is welcome to come as a walk-in Friday.

Cox Media Group