At the forefront of the meeting were discussions on the county’s readiness to face Tropical Storm Helen, which was expected to develop into a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of up to 115 mph. The Emergency Operations Center was activated, and a local state of emergency was declared to facilitate resource coordination and federal and state aid requests. The storm, projected to hit North Florida by Thursday afternoon, posed significant risks, including widespread structural damage, prolonged power outages, and extensive infrastructure damage.

Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters provided a detailed update on the storm’s trajectory, emphasizing the potential for it to be the most impactful storm in recent history, surpassing even Hurricane Kate from 1985. The storm was also anticipated to bring 6 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated areas expecting even higher amounts, and flood watches were already in effect.

The County Administrator outlined several preparedness measures, including the opening of risk shelters at 6 PM in coordination with local schools, the establishment of a special needs shelter for individuals relying on medical devices, and the distribution of over 11,000 sandbags across five locations. The county also arranged for the staging of generators to address emergency needs in hospitals and coordinated road clearing and mutual aid if necessary.

A council member expressed concern about the potential for storm surge impacts, particularly in areas like Woodville, and the challenges faced by residents living in mobile homes during mandatory evacuations. The Administrator confirmed that 211 Big Bend would be the contact point for transportation assistance, coordinating with local providers to ensure residents could evacuate safely.

The discussion also covered the importance of personal safety decisions, particularly regarding the ability to survive without power for an extended period. Residents were urged to evaluate their circumstances and consider evacuating if they relied on well water or faced other hardships. Evacuations were recommended to be completed by Wednesday to avoid dangerous road conditions during the storm.

Council members emphasized the need for effective communication strategies in the event of a mandatory evacuation, highlighting FEMA’s advice against staying in mobile homes during hurricanes. They discussed how to disseminate information to the public through various communication channels and the legal framework for emergency declarations that would allow rapid responses to changing circumstances.

In addition to storm preparedness, the meeting addressed fiscal matters, including the proposed aggregate millage rate of 9.0644 Mills, a 3% increase over the previous rate. The budget discussions incorporated guidance from previous workshops, and the council voted unanimously to approve the new millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. Commissioner Proctor highlighted the significance of maintaining a consistent millage rate over the last thirteen years despite economic changes, commending the County Administrator and staff for achieving a balanced budget under these constraints.

The council also discussed funding for the Big Bend Homeless Coalition and Family Promise, with unanimous support for the motion. The proposed millage bump of 0.75 Mills for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was maintained from the previous year. Commissioner Proctor provided historical context on the county’s takeover of EMS services, praising its efficiency and recognition as a leader in the industry.