As the region braces for a potential storm expected to arrive late Sunday evening, local officials are mobilizing resources and preparing for emergency response. The county's operations center will be activated at noon on Sunday, with representatives from various departments on standby to address any urgent needs.

Public Works will begin distributing sandbags at 7 AM on Sunday, ensuring residents have access to necessary supplies ahead of the storm. The fire chief and police department are prepared to implement emergency schedules if conditions warrant.

Officials are also coordinating with Florida Power & Light (FPL) and have reached out to resources from Texas to assist with staging efforts, as is customary during storm preparations. The mayor noted that the storm's track could change, potentially delaying the timeline for response efforts.

A state of emergency may be declared to facilitate access to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, which is crucial for effective disaster management. Concerns were raised during the meeting about the clarity of communication, particularly regarding the information shared with the public. Officials emphasized the importance of ensuring that constituents receive timely updates.

The police department will maintain a presence at the operations center throughout the activation period, with a sergeant assigned to oversee operations. This proactive approach aims to enhance communication and coordination among emergency services, ensuring the community is well-informed and prepared for the impending storm.