A.G. Gancarski
On Wednesday evening, Gov. Rick Scott spoke to media from the Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center about the impending onslaught of Hurricane Matthew.
Using emphatic, strong language, Scott urged people who need to evacuate to do so and not take any chances, as the dread prospect of a Category 4 hurricane becomes a reality.
With the latest predictions for landfall in Central Florida south of Daytona, and expectations of hurricane-force winds buffering the coast and tropical storm-force winds swathing the entire peninsula, the urgency was palpable for Scott and Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.
Evacuations were ordered in Jacksonville’s beaches and low-lying areas, as well as zones in St. Johns County and points south, earlier Wednesday.
Scott noted that the storm is moving more westward, 400 miles southeast of Palm Beach County.
“Extremely close” to Florida, the storm is expected to strengthen, Scott said.
Noting hurricane warnings on the east side of the state, and tropical storm warnings on the west, Scott said “this is serious.”
Impacts will include torrential storms, storm surges of 5 to 8 feet in some places.
“When this water comes in, it comes in fast and goes out fast,” Scott said.
Among inadvisable activities is surfing during the storm.
“Everything can quickly change. These are projections … we are preparing for the worst, hoping for the best,” Scott said.
Scott has requested a declaration of emergency from President Obama for 26 counties, and is activating 1,000 more National Guard members, bringing the total to 1,500.
Scott confirmed a suspension of tolls throughout the state, and said he would have staff in every eastern county to help with recovery.
As well, Scott reiterated earlier assertions that state offices and state parks would be closed on the eastern seaboard.
He urged those who need to evacuate to “get out now.”
“It could be the difference between life and death,” Scott said, spotlighting evacuations in barrier islands throughout the eastern part of the state.
“This is getting closer and closer and closer to our coast,” the governor continued.
“Once these go mandatory, think of what the traffic is going to be like,” Scott said.
“Life safety is our No. 1 priority,” Scott added. “The storm has already killed multiple people and we can expect the same impact in Florida if we do not take this seriously.”
“You must leave before it is too late. Think about it: we can rebuild your house, we can rebuild your business, but we cannot rebuild your life,” Scott continued.
Prolonged power outages, Scott said, are a given. Florida Power and Light has 7,000 technicians ready to come into the state for recovery purposes.
In good news, Scott said, there are no fuel shortages.
“The current fuel supply in the state will last for eight days, even with all ports closed.”
“We all have to work together to make it through this potentially catastrophic storm,” Scott said, telling people to have three days of food and water on hand, as well as ensuring cellphones are charged.
Then Scott returned to the pitch to evacuate.
“Don’t wait,” Scott said.
It was the final briefing for Gov. Scott on Wednesday night.
“We have to assume we’re going to have a direct impact,” Scott said, before taking questions from the press.
