Baker County closes schools, opens shelters ahead of Hurricane Michael

With Hurricane Michael approaching the Florida Panhandle, Baker County Emergency Management is acting.

The Baker County Public School District will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. The School District says this is based on direction from the Governor’s Office, which included Baker County in the state of emergency declaration for Michael. Classes are expected to resume as normal on Friday.

Macclenny Elementary is opening as a general population emergency shelter at 6PM tonight. They will accept pets, but you’re encouraged to call ahead of time to ensure you have everything needed to help with that process. You can get those questions answered at 904-259-6111.

A special needs shelter is opening at 6PM as well at Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital. Emergency Manager Captain Chris Volz says, at this time, they don’t anticipate needing to open another shelter, but they will closely monitor conditions.

“The only thing we really can’t measure for is traffic that will be heading east on I-10, from our neighbors to the west, who are going to be in a significantly impacted area. So, if that happens, we’ll address that as it comes,” he says.

Volz says the main concern for Baker County continues to be the wind, and specifically the wind knocking down trees and limbs. That can both damage power lines and pose a risk to mobile homes.

“We have a large population in our county of folks who live in mobile homes and other structures, that maybe are not capable of withstanding a significant wind. So, we want everyone to be vigilant about this storm, to make sure that you’re in a safe place,” Volz says.

If you plan to go to a shelter, Volz recommends bringing food and water, pillows and blankets, and any other items  you may want to get you through the next couple of days. You must also bring identification with you.

Baker County and City of Macclenny offices will also be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. City garbage pickup for Wednesday will be pushed to Thursday, and Thursday collection will take place Friday.

If you want sandbags, you can get six per person at the City of Macclenny Yard on Hartline Drive, behind the Health Department. You must fill the bags yourself.