BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Tropical Storm Helene is gathering strength as it makes its way toward the southeastern United States, with a broad swath of Florida in its path.
Forecasts suggest that the storm will intensify into a hurricane within the next 24 to 36 hours, bringing the potential for severe weather, high winds and flooding. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 41 counties, including Bradford, Union, and Clay, as residents brace for the storm’s arrival.
Residents should expect the usual school, government and business closings as they prepare for the storm. Bradford High School’s homecoming week has been disrupted, leading to scheduling changes. The football game against Keystone Heights will be played Wednesday evening at the BHS stadium at 5 p.m. The parade and Tornado Whirl have both been moved to Saturday, with the parade at 9 a.m. followed by Tornado Whirl at 2 p.m. The Homecoming Dance will follow at 8 p.m.
Schools will be closed in Bradford, Union and Clay counties on Thursday and Friday, with many government offices announcing the same. The Union County football game was postponed.
Bradford County Emergency Management began posing updates Tuesday afternoon, including the location of sites to fill sandbags for those in flood-prone areas. These are self-fill sites, so bring a shovel. Sandbags will be available, but quantities can be quickly depleted when there is a high demand. Emergency management will work to replenish them as necessary.
The locations are these four solid waste collection sites:
Starke – 2806 NE 173rd St.
Lawtey – 1130 NE 213th St.
C.R. 229 – 9753 NW C.R. 229.
Brooker – 15806 SW C.R. 18.
The sites are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
An additional self-serve site was opened in Starke across from the Edwards Road sports complex, 929 W. Edwards Road.
In Union County, there are self-service sandbag locations at the Union County Road Department (near the RMC West Unit and recreational complex) and at the city of Lake Butler’s old wastewater treatment plant at 410 SE 11th St.
In Clay County, go to the self-service sandbag site at the Clay County Fairgrounds, which will be open starting Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The sandbags are limited to 10 per person. Bags are first come, first served as supply is limited.
In addition, Clay County announced will be opening these shelters at 6 p.m. on Wednesday:
—Orange Park High School (pet friendly).
—Keystone Elementary School (pet friendly).
—Lake Asbury Junior High School (special needs shelter).
—Clay High School.
—Wilkinson Elementary School.
Shelter locations in Bradford and Union were on standby as of Tuesday evening.
According to Bradford County Emergency Management, the primary concern from this storm will be the wind, as tropical storm force winds could impact the county Thursday into Friday. Union County Emergency Management agreed, citing the possibility of tornadoes. Rainfall is anticipated to be less than experienced with Debby from this fast-moving storm unless Helene’s path shifts toward Union and Bradford counties.
Helene became the eighth storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season late Tuesday morning while it was centered less than 200 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, according to The Weather Channel. Helene was approaching Cancún, Cozumel and western Cuba, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge flooding. The storm was expected to intensify to a hurricane on Wednesday and grow larger entering the Gulf of Mexico.
By Thursday, Helene was expected to reach peak intensity and make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast, likely in the Big Bend area, as a large hurricane. Impacts like surge, winds and rain could affect areas far from the storm’s center. Hurricane, tropical storm and flood watches and warnings extended up state’s west coast and across north and central Florida.
Residents should expect to lose power and have enough supplies on hand to last several days.
Follow this advice to prepare.
1. Stock up on supplies: Ensure you have at least three days’ worth of nonperishable food, water and essential medications. Consider batteries, flashlights and a portable phone charger.
2. Review your evacuation plan: If you live in an evacuation zone, know your routes and have a plan for where to stay. Local authorities may issue evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal areas.
3. Secure your home: Bring outdoor furniture and loose items indoors to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in high winds. Shutters or plywood can be used to board up windows.
4. Stay informed: Keep up to date with local news, weather alerts and any directives from authorities. Make sure you have a battery-powered radio or other means to receive emergency information in case of power outages.
5. Check on neighbors and family: Elderly and vulnerable individuals may need additional help securing their homes or evacuating. Offer assistance where possible.
Livestock judging interest meeting
Youth between the ages of 11 and 18 who are interested in livestock judging are invited to 4-H meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bradford County Extension Office, 2266 N. Temple Ave. in Starke. Last year, members were state champs and competed in the national competition.
For more information, please contact Lizzie Whitehead at 904-966-6224.
