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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Marion County commissioners declare local state of emergency

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has declared a state of local emergency in anticipation of the potential for severe weather resulting from Hurricane Ian.

This local state of emergency, which is issued under the provisions provided by Florida Statutes, follows the declaration of emergency from Governor Ron DeSantis for all 67 counties in Florida.

Hurricane Ian path National Hurricane Center updated September 26 at 5 pm 1
The projected path of Hurricane Ian as of 5 p.m. on September 26 (Image courtesy of the National Hurricane Center)

A declaration of a local state of emergency provides the framework for coordination between agencies, as outlined in the county’s comprehensive emergency management plan.

Marion County Emergency Management, a division of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, provides overall coordination of county response in emergency situations. Emergency Management has activated the citizens information line (352-369-7500) as a resource for the most up-to-date information.

Marion County residents are encouraged to prepare this week in anticipation of a major hurricane impact. Here are some things that residents are recommended to do:

  • Sign up for Alert Marion to receive emergency notifications via phone, email or text message.
  • Stay tuned for weather updates through weather alert radios, local media outlets, the Marion County website, and county social media accounts.
  • Review additional tips and planning tools on the Marion County Sheriff’s Office emergency management webpage.
  • Review disaster plans for your family, business, and property.
  • Know your flood risk and learn about flood insurance.
  • Get your survival kit and important papers ready, and purchase any items you will need to complete your survival kit now to avoid long lines and limited supplies. Visit the Marion County Sheriff’s Office website to view the agency’s hurricane preparedness checklist.

When planning to evacuate, residents are encouraged to consider evacuating a short distance (tens of miles, not hundreds of miles) to avoid the impacts of potential storm surge, significant rainfall flooding, and unsafe structures (mobile homes). Residents should also consider staying in safer structures that have window and door protection for hurricanes.

The state has suspended the “refill too soon” restriction for prescription medication. Residents should obtain a list of their medications from their pharmacists.

With the inclusion of Marion County in the declaration of a state of emergency, residents are protected by the state’s price gouging law. Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Attorney General’s hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners is advising all residents to be aware of the uncertainty of Hurricane Ian’s track since all of Florida is presently in the threat area. Those who are evacuating are encouraged to use real-time traffic apps on their smart phones, such as Florida 511, to find the best route if roads become congested.