Florence County council adopts emergency proclamation ahead of Tropical Storm Debbie

Florence County Council adopted a proclamation declaring a state of emergency for the entire county on Aug. 6, 2024, citing the “imminent threat of Tropical Storm Debbie.” The council voted by voice after the clerk read the proclamation in full; the chair announced the proclamation passed with no opposition.

The proclamation, read aloud by the clerk, says it is made “pursuant to section 8-11 of the Florence County Code of Ordinances” and authorizes county officials to take emergency measures. The resolution directs that the Director of Emergency Management, the Florence County Administrator and the Sheriff are empowered “to compel evacuation of all or part of the population,” to “control ingress and egress,” to suspend nonemergency activities and to engage in emergency procurements under county code. The clerk read that those authorized officials may also “impose a curfew from 7PM until sunrise for non emergency activities should they deem necessary until the proclamation is rescinded.”

Council members completed a roll call before voting; the clerk called the names of Councilmen Cottle, Springs, Moore, Yalboro, Doherty, Mumford, Poston and Schofield and recorded them present. After the reading, a motion to adopt the proclamation was made and approved by voice vote. The clerk closed by saying the proclamation will terminate “when the threat is abated and it is deemed appropriate by the Director of Emergency Management, the Florence County Administrator and Sheriff of Florence County.”

County officials said they would meet to determine whether a curfew or other restrictions are necessary and to provide clarification for council and the media on what will be permitted during any curfew, such as work travel.