By Robin Lentz
Mayor
City of Fernandina Beach
September 10, 2017 2:00 p.m.
Editor’s Note: Fernandina Beach Mayor Robin Lentz is one of the many representatives stationed in the Emergency Operations Center. The Fernandina Observer contacted Lentz and asked her to write a brief report of the activities taking place. We thank Mayor Lentz for honoring our request.
Nassau County Emergency Management operates our “Emergency Operations Center” at a building in the safety complex next to the courthouse in Yulee. The building was built for emergencies like Irma. There are representatives from all entities here: sheriffs office, city police, state law enforcement, school board, health department, fire and rescue from the city and county, maintenance, etc. There are volunteers from the city and county.
The team is lead by Emergency Management Director, Billy Estep. At 11 a.m., a policy stakeholders meeting is held with chiefs, managers, clerks and judges to hear the most up-to-date information from the National Weather Service. Those who aren’t in the room, join by phone and take part in the state conference call. This call is essential to evaluating the next steps and determine needs. Once the call is complete, Mr. Estep takes questions and makes recommendations. Those on the call vote. Just this morning, it was determined Nassau County will close school and court on Tuesday. A county-wide curfew will be in effect from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. until it is rescinded. There will be another meeting at 5 p.m. for the policy group.
The people here are working diligently to keep us safe and make sure all scenarios have been considered with resolutions. I continue to be impressed by the services of our city and county.