The entire city of St. Augustine must be evacuated

St. Johns County has ordered the entire city of St. Augustine to be evacuated as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida.

The order also applies to the City of St. Augustine Beach and residents living on waterfront properties or in flood-prone areas. Residents of boats, RVs, RVs and low-lying flood-prone areas also must evacuate.

The order goes into effect on Wednesday at 8 a.m., the same time the emergency shelters open.

“There will be a time when we won’t be able to come in and save you,” St. Augustine spokeswoman Melissa Wissel said. “Go to a higher level.”

People who experienced flooding in previous storms should leave as quickly as possible, she said.

Separately, St. Johns County issued a mandatory evacuation order for all healthcare facilities in evacuation zones A, B and F (south of State Road 206), effective Tuesday at 2 p.m.

“The early issuance of this mandatory evacuation order for healthcare facilities is intended to facilitate the coordination of logistics and transportation and ensure that patients and residents of these healthcare facilities continue to receive care,” the announcement said.

For a complete map of evacuation zones, a list of emergency shelters and additional emergency planning information, visit www.SJCEmergencyManagement.com.

Three storm shelters will open on Wednesday to accommodate evacuees:

• Special medical needs: Freedom Crossing Academy, 1365 Shetland Drive, St. John's.
• Pet friendly: South Woods Elementary School, 4750 State Road 206 West, Elkton.
• General population: Pedro Menendez High School, 600 State Road 206 West, St. Augustine.

Residents needing transportation to a storm shelter should call the Emergency Management Citizen Information Line at 904-824-5550. Transportation is provided for those in need.