Wakulla County emergency management director warns of above-average hurricane season

Wakulla County is gearing up for an active hurricane season, as emergency management officials project an above-average number of storms this year. During the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on June 2, 2025, Jennifer Nagy, the county's emergency management director, emphasized the importance of community preparedness as the season officially began on June 1 and will run through November 30.

Nagy reported a 60% chance of experiencing an above-normal hurricane season, with estimates of 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. She urged residents to remain vigilant and not to become complacent, highlighting that even in years with fewer storms, communities can still face significant impacts. "It takes one storm to change lives," she warned, stressing the need for everyone to have emergency plans in place.

In addition to storm preparedness, the meeting addressed post-storm recovery strategies. Mike King, a representative from the county's recovery team, outlined the importance of community cooperation during storm recovery efforts. He urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel immediately after a storm to allow first responders to assess and clear roads safely. King also provided guidance on debris management, encouraging residents to separate different types of waste for more efficient cleanup.

The meeting also included a presentation on the county's annual financial audit by Ben Clark from James Moore CPA firm. The audit revealed a clean report with no significant findings, indicating sound financial management within the county. Clark noted that the county had to audit five different grant programs, reflecting increased activity and funding.

As Wakulla County prepares for the challenges of hurricane season, officials are committed to ensuring community safety and resilience. The county will host an educational event on July 12 at Hudson Park, where residents can learn more about disaster preparedness and engage with local emergency management teams. The message is clear: preparedness is a community effort, and every resident plays a crucial role in ensuring safety during the storm season.