In a recent government meeting, officials outlined their preparedness efforts ahead of an impending storm expected to bring significant rainfall and potential hurricane-force winds. Key actions include the pre-storm ordering of essential supplies, with confirmation that food will arrive today, alongside an additional truckload of water and 2,000 tarps.

The state division of Forestry has been engaged to provide a salt team, and nursing staff will be deployed to staff a special needs shelter at Kelly Smith. The American Red Cross has also been contacted for shelter staffing, although confirmation of all orders is still pending.

Fire Rescue is actively developing a staffing plan and will mobilize high water vehicles to strategically monitor flood-prone areas throughout the county. Specific locations identified for vehicle deployment include the Barton area, Wylaca, Dunn's Creek, and Cedar Creek, particularly in response to past flooding incidents.

Officials emphasized the importance of preparing for a worst-case scenario, which could involve 10 to 15 inches of rain and severe winds affecting the St. John's River Basin. The community is urged to remain vigilant and prepared as the storm approaches.