Baker County declares local state of emergency as tropical cyclone nears

Baker County commissioners unanimously declared a local state of emergency Sept. 24 as a tropical cyclone approached the area, citing likely dangerous impacts to mobile homes and other vulnerable housing. The declaration, adopted as Resolution 2024‑33, adopts the governor's executive order and directs county staff to prepare response measures, including opening special‑needs and general population shelters.

At the meeting, a county emergency official identified as Badger warned that the system (referred to as Tropical Cyclone No. 9, expected to turn into Helen) could produce debris and damage similar to recent storms and urged residents to take preparations seriously, especially those in mobile homes, travel trailers and portable buildings. Badger said shelters would open Thursday at 9 a.m. "until the weather doesn't allow people to travel anymore." The board moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote.

The declaration gives the county authority to coordinate response actions, access certain state and federal resources and extend emergency measures on a seven‑day rolling basis tied to the chair and staff recommendations. Commissioners discussed logistics for shelters and urged public preparedness; the county manager confirmed FEMA presence in the community and noted individual assistance operations at the fairgrounds for residents with property damage.

The resolution took effect immediately upon adoption. Staff said they will continue to provide updates on shelter locations and resource coordination as the storm approaches.