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Clay County opens shelters and amplifies storm response as Hurricane Milton nears
Summary
With Hurricane Milton projected to bring multi‑day wind and rain, Clay County opened four shelters, staffed the EOC and staged debris sites; emergency management warned of potential river and creek flooding and urged voluntary evacuations for low‑lying areas.
Clay County emergency managers briefed commissioners Oct. 8 on preparations for Hurricane Milton, announcing shelter openings, evacuation guidance for flood‑prone areas and logistical steps to protect residents and critical infrastructure.
Emergency Management Director Timothy Devon said models showed the storm slowing and extending the impact window, with a most‑likely rainfall projection of 4–6 inches and a worse‑case 6–8 inches. He told commissioners the North Prong of Black Creek could crest near 20 feet in the scenario described, which would inundate some low‑lying homes. "We are still going to see the tropical hurricane force winds," Devon said, urging residents to prepare.
County staff set four shelters to open at 6 a.m. Wednesday—Orange Park High School, Keystone Heights Elementary, Lake Asbury Junior High (special‑needs shelter) and Wilkinson Elementary—with Orange Park and Keystone Heights designated pet‑friendly. The Emergency Operations Center was partially activated and will staff call centers that residents can reach at +1 (877) 252‑9362 or via the county alert site at thealert.claycountygov.com.
Devon described coordinated plans for animal‑shelter evacuation, debris collection, FEMA reimbursement eligibility for approved sites and partner organizations prepared to host displaced residents after the winds subside. He said the county has surge capacity to open additional shelters if needed and that many hospitals and long‑term care facilities in the region have already evacuated or are moving patients preemptively.
Commissioners asked about shelter operations and eligibility. Devon said the county will not turn people away and will accept evacuees regardless of home address in urgent circumstances. He described shelters as "shelters of last resort," explained that some sites lack generators or shower facilities, and said the schools hosting shelters will provide meals and assigned sleeping areas. Residents were advised to bring bedding, medications and any allergy‑sensitive food.
The board did not take a formal action beyond accepting the briefing; staff said they will continue to monitor storm models and adjust sheltering and messaging as conditions evolve.
What happens next: County officials will refine public messaging, maintain EOC staffing, and coordinate debris and utility partners as the storm approaches.
